
Know
Your Rights
Insurance companies are
not your friendseven your own insurance company. If you have been seriously
injuried, you need someone to represent your rights. In order to receive a fair
and reasonable compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering,
and other problems injuries have brought on, you will end up dealing with an insurance
company and their trained staff of experienced insurance company adjusters. The
goal of the adjuster is to save the insurance company moneynot give it to
you. Adjusters often receive bonuses when they "get rid" of cases early.
Adjusters do not have your interests at hearteven when you are dealing with
your own insurance company. The
decision whether to obtain an attorney is solely your decision. However, it is
always best to first learn your options:
- An experienced personal
injury lawyer will perform an accurate analysis of
the value of your case.
- Insurance companies
almost always offer much less in settlement to someone without an attorney.
- Selection
of the correct attorney is the key--not all lawyers are created
equal in
this field. - There
are many rules, requirements, and time deadlines that have to be met, and if not
met can prejudice if not eliminate your claim.
- You
will receive more money having an attorney represent you, even after the attorney
fee is taken out, than you would ever receive by negotiating by
yourself.
Injuries can
occur to anyone at any time, and often, along with the pain and
suffering that may accompany those injuries comes high medical
bills, lengthy rehabilitation, lost wages, and more. Jerome A.
Maeder and his associates have been representing injured people
and their families throughout Wisconsin for over 40 years.
Our Commitment to Our Clients There
are three basic commitments to how we serve our clients:
- It is our mission
to protect your and your loved one's legal rights.
- We
are committed to keeping you informed about the progress and status of your case.
- We work solely
on a contingent fee basis, and we only get paid when we
recover money on
your behalf. If we do not recover a settlement or successful verdict for you,
you owe us nothing. Factors
to Consider Important factors that must be considered in determining
the scope and cost of your injury need to include the following:
- Pain and Suffering
Compensation
- The law considers compensation for your pain, suffering,
and detriment to your well being. "Pain and suffering" can also include
compensation for emotional distress and mental anguish as a result of your injury.
How does the pain effect your ability to do the activities of your life that
give you a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction? Perhaps you enjoy hunting or
fishing, and can't now. You may want to take trips or read a book, and now find
it difficult. Our experienced personal injury trial lawyers will help you assess
and present these conditions so that you can receive a fair and reasonable compensation.
-
Medical Bills and Expenses
- The law allows for
compensation of past and future medical expenses for injuries caused by the negligence
of another party.
- Future
Care Considerations
-
The law allows for the consideration of future expenses that you will incur and
which are medically justified due to your injury. In serious injury cases, this
can include the expenses in making a house, vehicle, and workplace fully accessible
to you. It can also include nursing care necessary to help you live with dignity
and independently of others. Future care compensation may also include the cost
of medications, surgery, counseling, home and workplace modifications, retraining,
and other expenses that will help you resume living your life.
- Future Loss of Income
and Earning Ability
- The law considers compensation for wages or self-employment
income which you have lost. This usually extends from the date your injury occurred
until you were able to return to work. Any permanent injuries you may have suffered
as the result of your injury may interfere with your ability to work and earn
income--possibly for the rest of your working life. The law allows you to be compensated
for your lost earning capacity. In addition, your earning ability may be hindered
because opportunities which you would have been able to pursue (such as certain
career choices or promotions) are delayed or compromised by the disability caused
by your injury. The law allows for compensation in this as well.
- Punitive Damages
- Punitive damages, although not very common, can
be awarded in cases where the conduct of the defendant(s) are viewed as extreme
and offensive. Punitive damages are not directed at compensating you, but rather
punishing the defendant for particularly blameworthy conduct. It is meant to deter
the defendant, and possibly others, from indulging in similar acts again.
To find out more about
what compensation issues need to be considered in your specific injury case, contact
us for a FREE CONSULTATION. Call 1-715-842-2281 or 1-800-452-8580. |