Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorneys who understand the state’s 51% comparative fault bar, the strict 120-day government claim notice rule, and the unique procedural realities of Wisconsin Circuit Court. Whether your injury happened in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, on I-94 or I-43, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Three years from the date of injury under Wis. Stat. § 893.54. Wrongful death is three years from the date of death under § 893.54(2). Wisconsin tort claim notice under § 893.80 must be filed within 120 days for state and local government claims.

Under Wis. Stat. § 895.045, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but if your fault is greater than the combined fault of all defendants you recover nothing. Modified joint-and-several at the 51% threshold.

Auto, truck, and motorcycle crashes; slip-and-falls (often winter ice); dog bites (strict liability with double damages under Wis. Stat. § 174.02); defective products; medical malpractice; nursing home neglect; premises liability; negligent security; workplace third-party claims; recreational injuries; and wrongful death.

You look at your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (mandatory in WI), homeowner’s or commercial policies, and any vicarious-liability defendants. Wisconsin requires UM/UIM offerings under Wis. Stat. § 632.32.

Most settle, but Milwaukee, Dane, and Brown county juries return real verdicts when liability is clear. Defense insurers know which firms try cases.

Wisconsin tort claim notice under § 893.80 must be filed within 120 days. Damages are capped against state and political subdivisions, with most general claims capped at $50,000. Procedures are technical and unforgiving.

Wisconsin personal injury attorneys typically take cases on a contingency basis — no upfront cost, and they’re paid a percentage of the recovery only if they win. Typical fees range from 33% to 40% depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Case expenses are normally advanced by the firm.

Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar under Wis. Stat. § 895.045 — recovery is barred if your fault is greater than the combined fault of all defendants. The standard PI SOL is three years under Wis. Stat. § 893.54. The Wisconsin tort claim notice rule under Wis. Stat. § 893.80 requires written notice within 120 days for state and local government claims — one of the strictest deadlines in the country — with damage caps ($50,000 against state employees and political subdivisions, $250,000 in many wrongful death cases). Medical malpractice claims have separate caps under Wis. Stat. § 893.55 and § 655.017. Local counsel familiar with Milwaukee, Dane, and Brown county practice is essential.

When Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Wisconsin?

Our network includes Wisconsin personal injury attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Personal Injury Cases in Wisconsin

From the moment you connect with a Wisconsin personal injury attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Missing the 120-day government tort notice under Wis. Stat. § 893.80

Treating the 51% bar as if apportionment doesn’t matter

Misclassifying medical claims — separate SOL, Patient’s Compensation Fund, and cap

Failing to invoke double damages in dog bite cases when applicable

Giving a recorded statement to the defendant’s insurer without counsel

Settling before reaching maximum medical improvement and pricing future care

Missing the 120-day government tort notice under Wis. Stat. § 893.80

Treating the 51% bar as if apportionment doesn’t matter

Misclassifying medical claims — separate SOL, Patient’s Compensation Fund, and cap

Failing to invoke double damages in dog bite cases when applicable

Giving a recorded statement to the defendant’s insurer without counsel

Settling before reaching maximum medical improvement and pricing future care

Common Wisconsin Personal Injury Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorneys Cost?

33%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Personal injury attorneys in Wisconsin work on a contingency fee basis — typically 33% to 40% of the total recovery. Wisconsin’s 120-day government notice and unique double-damages dog bite statute shape strategy. Case expenses are typically advanced by the firm and deducted from the final recovery.

What Can Your Wisconsin Personal Injury Compensation Include?

Economic Damages (No Cap in standard PI)

Past and future medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs — uncapped in standard PI cases. Government tort caps and MPLA caps apply in those contexts.

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap in standard PI)

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment — no statutory cap in standard PI cases. Medical malpractice non-economic capped at $750,000 under § 893.55(4)(d).

Punitive Damages (Capped)

Available under Wis. Stat. § 895.043 for malicious or intentional conduct on a clear-and-convincing showing. Capped at the greater of 2x compensatory damages or $200,000.

Loss of Consortium / Society

Recoverable by the uninjured spouse, and by parents of a minor and adult children in certain wrongful death contexts.

Wrongful Death (Capped)

Recoverable under Wis. Stat. § 895.04. Damages include pecuniary loss and society and companionship — society and companionship capped at $500,000 (adult) / $350,000 (minor).

Dog Bite Double Damages

Wisconsin-specific: Wis. Stat. § 174.02 allows double damages once the owner has been notified of the dog’s vicious propensities — a powerful enhancement.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Wisconsin?

When Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Wisconsin?

Types of Personal Injury Cases in Wisconsin

Common Wisconsin Personal Injury Mistakes

How Much Do Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Wisconsin Personal Injury Compensation Include?

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