Soon after an accident, the at-fault party or their insurer may contact you for a recorded statement or ask leading questions. Consult an attorney as early as possible. An attorney can evaluate your claim, handle insurer communications, and begin gathering records and evidence to help prove your claim so you can focus on recovery.
Not Your Typical Injury Lawyers
Turke & Steil LLP’s injury lawyers bring something different to our clients’ personal injury cases. When your life has been turned upside down by an injury, you need lawyers who not only fight for your recovery, but also treat you with compassion and respect.
You are not just another injured plaintiff to us. Your injury is personal to you … and to us!
We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach to handling cases.
We know that pursuing an injury claim is new to you and can be daunting. That’s why there are no dumb questions and walking you through the process step-by-step is part of our job!
We take the time to listen to your story and tailor our strategy to your case – what’s important to you is important to us. We are organized and efficient. We answer your questions. We keep you updated. We explain our recommendations.
In the courtroom, we litigate every case like it’s personal to us. We put our best into every case and fight like hell to get YOU the best possible result. Our team has decades of combined litigation and personal injury experience. As your lawyers, our organization, knowledge, and experience provide a crucial base to support your case at trial.
I’ve exclusively represented injured parties for my entire career. Historically, my clients have said I’m easy to talk to and they appreciate that they can feel comfortable asking me questions. It’s so important to me that my clients understand what’s happening in their case, what the plan is, and why.
One of the most rewarding things about helping people with their injury case, for me, comes during our first meeting. After the client tells me their story, I get to see the relief on their face when I tell them I can help, and we make a plan.
During my career, I’ve fought for hundreds of injured clients and their families. Through both trials and settlements, my clients have won 7 figure compensation for their injuries.
If you are injured in an accident, you need to be able to focus on your recovery. You need an experienced and dedicated team of attorneys to handle your legal claim. My clients know they can trust me from our very first meeting. Throughout the case, I work hard to keep that trust.
As the managing partner at Turke & Steil LLP, I have assembled a superstar team of lawyers to provide excellent legal service to our clients. I also bring my own extensive litigation experience to our personal injury team, having litigated hundreds of cases in Wisconsin state courts, as well as federal district courts in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Whether telling a jury why my client should prevail or negotiating a pre-trial settlement with opposing counsel, I bring more than 30 years’ experience inside the courtroom and out, to help you achieve outstanding results.
During litigation, my job is to give a clear, intelligent and well-reasoned analysis of the legal issues and potential outcomes. I am down-to-earth and approachable. I ask a lot of question because I know it’s important to know the ins and outs of my clients’ cases. I am responsive and available to my clients. Litigation is stressful and your choice of attorney can make the experience better or worse. My goal is to lead my client through this experience with humility, empathy and straightforward communication so you understand the process and feel confident in your legal team.
As an attorney, I have gained vital litigation experience, including researching complex legal issues and drafting various legal pleadings. I have learned how to passionately advocate for my clients. Most importantly, I have learned the importance of earning the trust of my clients every step of the way.
Developing a personalized approach for my clients in legal matters has been one of my top priorities since the beginning of my career. Prior to joining Turke & Steil, LLP, I dedicated my time to legal clinics and pro bono work for members of my community. I understand how important it is to spend time with my clients, listening to their stories. I walk my clients through their legal options and the ways I can help them.
The legal process can be very overwhelming and confusing – which is why I am happy to answer questions from my clients at any time. I know how important it is to keep my clients informed and updated on the status of their case.
Personal Injury Claims – FAQs
I was recently injured in an accident. What should I do next?
How much time do I have to bring a personal injury claim?
The applicable statute of limitations varies based on location, governing law, claim type (negligence vs. intentional), whether a motor vehicle is involved, whether the injured person is a minor, and other factors. Claims against governmental bodies or personnel often require a prompt written notice of claim well before the statute of limitations. Consult an attorney to identify notice requirements and deadlines for your situation.
The person who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance or money. Can I still pursue a claim?
Possibly. Even if the at-fault party is “judgment proof,” you may have other avenues of recovery. Many auto policies include uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) coverages that can compensate you. An attorney can help identify additional liable parties or insurance sources that may cover your damages.
How do I bring a personal injury claim?
Typically, the at-fault party’s insurer investigates by requesting information and signed releases for medical and employment records. Settlement discussions may follow and can take weeks or months. If the parties settle, you will sign a release waiving future claims from the incident.
If no settlement is reached, you may file a lawsuit. Both sides then conduct discovery (depositions, document subpoenas, medical records, and witness testimony). Settlement talks can continue during litigation. If the case does not settle or get dismissed on legal grounds, it goes to trial, where a judge or jury decides fault and damages.
I wasn’t injured, but my spouse was. Can I pursue a claim?
Under Wisconsin law, a spouse may bring a separate claim for loss of consortium (loss of love, companionship, society, services, and related marital interests). This claim is typically negotiated or tried alongside the injured spouse’s claim.
My child was injured. Can my child pursue a claim?
Yes. A minor’s claim must be pursued by a guardian (often a parent). The guardian makes decisions on the child’s behalf, including hiring counsel, negotiating settlements, and signing releases.
What kinds of damages can I recover?
Damages vary by case and may include pain and suffering, medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, property damage, and in some cases punitive damages (where the at-fault party acted with intentional disregard of your rights).
How much is my claim worth?
Valuation depends on many variables: liability evidence, comparative fault, injury type and severity, medical treatment and prognosis, wage loss, and typical award ranges. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide a reasoned estimate after reviewing the facts and records.
What fee arrangements are available?
Personal injury matters are commonly handled on a contingency fee basis (the firm receives a portion of any settlement or verdict). Clients usually prefer this because there are no upfront attorney’s fees and no fee owed if there is no recovery. Agreements are put in writing and fully explained before signing.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Often, yes. Wisconsin uses comparative negligence. If your fault is less than another party’s, you can still recover, but your award may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
Can I recover damages if I had prior accidents or preexisting conditions?
Yes. You must show the accident caused your damages, but prior accidents or preexisting conditions do not automatically bar recovery. Under Wisconsin law, you may recover for the aggravation of a preexisting condition. Insurers may blame preexisting issues; an attorney can help establish that your condition is new or was aggravated by the accident.
Besides the at-fault party’s insurer, will other parties be involved?
Often. If your medical bills were paid by health insurance, the insurer usually has subrogation rights to reimbursement from the at-fault party or from your settlement. Government programs (Medicare/Medicaid) also have recovery rights but under different rules. Because reimbursement can be complex and negotiable, consult an attorney before finalizing any settlement.
Will I owe income tax on my damages?
It depends on the type of damages. In general, compensatory damages for personal physical injuries are not taxable income, but certain components (e.g., lost wages) may be taxable. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding the tax treatment of any settlement or award.