Quick Answer
If you lost a family member in a Appleton accident, Wisconsin gives you three years to file a wrongful death claim. The claim is brought by the personal representative or close family, depending on the state, and can recover medical and funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of the person’s care and companionship. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
If you have lost a family member or loved one due to the wrongful act of another, then you need an experienced Appleton wrongful death lawyer. Since 1994, we have been focused on providing the best legal representation to those affected by wrongful death.
Our local wrongful death attorneys have the knowledge, resources, and dedication necessary to represent your family's loss. We are committed to providing personalized attention and compassionate care throughout your case.
Our Appleton office is conveniently located next to downtown Appleton, right off Highway 41. We are open now to help you pursue justice and get the compensation you deserve.
There are no upfront costs; you pay nothing unless we win. Give us a call at (920) 221-7110 today for a free consultation
Types of Wrongful Death Claims Filed in Appleton
Wisconsin Statutes section §895.03 defines wrongful death as a fatality resulting from negligence or misconduct, where “if death had not occurred,” the deceased would have been entitled to seek damages for personal injury. A wrongful death action is synonymous with a wrongful death claim.
This may include:
- Bicycle accidents - When a vehicle accident includes a bicyclist, it is often deadly due to the vulnerability of the rider.
- Car accidents - Car accidents occur when a driver's negligence or recklessness causes an accident.
- Dog Bite Injuries -If you have lost a loved one due to another persons dog or animal, you may have a write to bring a wronful death lawsuit.
- Pedestrian accidents - Pedestrian accidents often result in fatalities as a person on foot has no protection from a moving vehicle.
- Defective products - When a manufacturer creates and sells a defective product, such as a defective airbag, it can result in death.
- Slip and Fall Accidents - In rare incidents, people have passed away from negligence caused by a slip, trip, or fall case.
- Medical malpractice - The failure to diagnose in a timely manner can delay life saving treatments.
- Motorcycle accidents - Motorcycle riders also have little protection when it comes to collisions with other vehicles.
- Truck accident - As trucks are large and very heavy, an accident with them is more likely to result in a fatality.
- Defective Products - Every year, there are nearly 700 related deaths due to defective products in the United States.
Proving an Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim requires these four elements:
Duty of Care: The responsible party had a duty to keep the deceased person safe.
Breach of Duty: They did not keep them safe.
Causation: The death was caused as a result of the liable party breaching their duty of care.
Damages: The loss of life resulted in financial and emotional damage to the loved ones filing the wrongful death claim.
Who Can Make a Wisconsin Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Wisconsin Statute §895.04, a wrongful death claim may be initiated by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate or by surviving family members, including the spouse, domestic partner, children, or parents. Additionally, under certain circumstances, siblings or other relatives may also qualify to file a claim.
When multiple eligible parties are present, the priority order is as follows:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children or grandchildren of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- Grandparents of the deceased
- Siblings of the deceased
What Types of Damages Can Be Won in an Appleton Wrongful Death Claim?
The surviving family may be able to bring a lawsuit against the responsible party for damages.
These damages can cover:
- funeral and burial expenses
- loss of companionship or support
- lost wages and earning potential
- pain and suffering
How Long Do I Have to Make a Wrongful Death Claim in Wisconsin?
Under Wisconsin Statute §893.54, individuals have three years to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit in Wisconsin. Provided you submit your claim within three years of the incident, your case will be considered valid.
If the cause of death was a motor vehicle accident, the filing period is reduced to just two years.
Do I Need an Attorney For an Appleton Wrongful Death Claim?
Yes, if you have lost a loved one or family member due to someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional act, you must seek legal representation.
Wrongful death claims are complicated. Insurance companies and other entities may attempt to minimize or deny your claim.
Our Appleton wrongful death attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, ensure that your rights are protected, and fight for the compensation that you deserve for your losses. We are available for both in-person and online appointments for your convenience.
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Contact Our Appleton Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
At Goldberg & Loren, we understand how difficult this situation is for you and your family. We are here to provide the support and guidance you need.
Our attorneys at Goldberg & Loren have recovered over 500 million in damages for clients.
Our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge, resources, and dedication necessary to fight for your rights.
Call us at (920) 221-7110 for a free consultation. We are here to help you pursue justice and get the compensation you deserve.
Appleton Resources for Wrongful Death Victims
Losing someone close to you is a life-changing experience, whether it's a family member or not. There are a number of grief-related resources throughout the Fox Valley metro area.
Grief Counseling & Therapy
Fox Valley Grief Network
Address: 537 N Superior St, Appleton, WI, 54911
Phone: (920) 831-9905
For a full list of grief counseling resources, visit Wichmann Funeral Services.
Funeral Homes & Cremation Services
Wichmann Funeral Home
Address: 537 N Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: (920) 739-1231
We Represent Families Who Have Suffered a Wrongful Death in the Following Cities and Communities Near Appleton, Wisconsin.
- Ashwaubenon, WI
- Black Creek, WI
- Brillion, WI
- Chilton, WI
- Combined Locks, WI
- De Pere, WI
- Grand Chute, WI
- Hilbert, WI
- Hortonville, WI
- Kaukauna, WI
- Kimberly, WI
- Little Chute, WI
- Menasha, WI
- Neenah, WI
- New London, WI
- Omro, WI
- Oneida, WI
- Oshkosh, WI
- Seymour, WI
- Sherwood, WI
- Winneconne, WI
- Wrightstown, WI
- Brown County
- Calumet County
- Outagamie County
- Winnbego County
