Personal injury claims represent a significant portion of civil litigation in Green Bay and throughout Wisconsin, with thousands of cases filed annually across the state. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims, accounting for 52% of all personal injury cases, making them the most prevalent type of personal injury litigation in the region. Slip and fall accidents make up approximately 22% of personal injury claims, representing the second most common category of personal injury cases in Wisconsin.

Beyond these primary categories, other significant types of personal injury claims include medical malpractice cases, workplace injuries, dog bite incidents, and wrongful death claims resulting from various types of accidents. In Green Bay specifically, Wisconsin has one of the highest death rates—twice the national average— from unintentional falls in the country, highlighting the particular prevalence of slip and fall cases in the state. Understanding these statistics is crucial for accident victims, as each type of claim involves different legal considerations, evidence requirements, and potential compensation amounts. The success rates and settlement values vary significantly depending on the type of personal injury claim, with 70% of people who filed a personal injury claim received a payout, which could be an out-of-court settlement or an award after a trial. These statistics underscore the importance of understanding your legal rights and the specific requirements for pursuing compensation in Wisconsin's personal injury legal system.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin personal injury law operates under several key statutes and regulations that directly impact claim outcomes and compensation amounts. Wisconsin's basic personal injury statute of limitations is found at Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1m) (2024). Unless a more specific statute of limitations applies, you have three years, usually from the date you're injured, to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. However, specific deadlines vary by case type, with car accidents causing death having a two year deadline to file suit.

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means an injured party's compensation may be reduced if they are found to bear some degree of responsibility for the accident or their injuries. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. The state imposes certain damage caps, particularly non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases are capped at $750,000 for claims against healthcare providers.

Wisconsin's minimum liability insurance coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, which can limit available compensation when at-fault parties carry only minimum coverage. For claims against government entities, special notice requirements apply: within 120 days from the date you were injured, you must send written notice of your claim to the Wisconsin Attorney General, and damages against state entities are capped at $250,000. Legal representation significantly impacts outcomes, as people with a personal injury lawyer end up with payouts nearly three times higher than those with representation. An experienced Green Bay injury law firm will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Here are key terms related to handling a personal injury claim after a serious injury in Wisconsin:

• Statute of Limitations - The three-year deadline (in most cases) to file a personal injury lawsuit in Wisconsin, starting from the date of injury or discovery of the injury.
• Comparative Negligence - Wisconsin's modified comparative fault rule where your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover if you're 51% or more at fault.
• Economic Damages - Quantifiable financial losses including medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and future earning capacity that can be calculated with documentation.
• Non-Economic Damages - Subjective losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium that don't have a specific monetary value.
• Settlement Negotiation - The process of discussing compensation with insurance companies or opposing parties before trial, where most personal injury cases are resolved.
• Medical Records Authorization - Legal documents allowing your attorney to obtain complete medical records from healthcare providers to document the extent of your injuries and treatment.
• Liability Insurance Coverage - The at-fault party's insurance policy limits that determine the maximum available compensation, with Wisconsin's minimum being $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident.
• Contingency Fee Agreement - A legal arrangement where your attorney only gets paid if you win your case, typically taking a percentage (usually around 33%) of the settlement or award.

When someone is seriously injured or killed in an accident, it is important to get help from an experienced personal injury attorney. A good accident lawyer works with injured folks to get financial compensation for all kinds of accidents and injuries including:

• Green Bay car accidents;
• Green Bay pedestrian accidents;
• Green Bay motorcycle accidents;
• Green Bay commercial truck accidents;
• Green Bay bicycle accidents;
• Green Bay bus accidents;
• Green Bay boating accidents;

Related Resources

Relevant Local Courts

• Brown County Circuit Court: 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54305 | Phone: (920) 448-4155
• Green Bay Municipal Court: 330 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301 | Phone: (920) 448-3131
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin (Green Bay): Jefferson Court Building, 125 S. Jefferson St., Rm. 102, Green Bay, WI 54301 | Phone: (920) 884-3720
• Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court: P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600 | Phone: (920) 448-4155

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Victim/Witness Assistance Program: (920) 448-4371 - Provides support services for crime and accident victims
• Sexual Assault Center/Family Services: (920) 846-2111 - 24-hour confidential services for victims of assault and abuse
• Golden House: (920) 432-4244 - Domestic violence services and shelter
• Catholic Charities of Green Bay: (920) 272-8234 - Legal services and immigrant assistance
• State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 362-9082 - Attorney referrals throughout Wisconsin
• Free Legal Answers Wisconsin: Online platform for free legal advice from volunteer attorneys

State Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation: WisconsinDMV.gov - Traffic laws, licensing, and driving records
• Wisconsin State Legislature: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov - Complete Wisconsin statutes including personal injury laws
• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP): wcca.wicourts.gov - Online court records and case information
• Wisconsin State Law Library: wilawlibrary.gov - Legal research resources and self-help materials

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