Frequently Asked Questions

No. Personal-injury cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis, which means there are no upfront or hourly fees — the attorney fee comes out of any recovery. Clients may be responsible for litigation costs and expenses regardless of the outcome, and Paul explains exactly how that works, in writing, before you sign.

In most Wisconsin personal-injury cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Some situations — such as claims involving a government entity or vehicle — carry much shorter deadlines. Because deadlines vary and evidence fades, it is best to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later.

You are generally not required to give the other party's insurer a recorded statement, and doing so before you have advice can hurt your claim. It is reasonable to get a legal opinion before you give a statement or accept any offer. The initial consultation is free.

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative-negligence rule. You can still recover as long as you were not more at fault than the other party, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurers often try to assign you more fault than the facts support, which is one reason to have an attorney involved early.

In Wisconsin, usually yes — and that sets this state apart. Under the direct action statute, Wis. Stat. § 632.24, a liability policy makes the insurer liable to the people entitled to recover against its insured, so the insurance company can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit itself rather than kept at arm's length until after judgment. Most states do not permit this.

There is no formula. The value of a claim depends on the injuries, the treatment and recovery, lost income, how the injury affects your life, the available insurance, and the facts of fault. Anyone who quotes you a number before reviewing your case is guessing. Paul will give you an honest, grounded assessment.

Most personal-injury cases settle without a trial. But cases are prepared as if they will be tried, because that preparation is often what produces a fair settlement. If a fair resolution isn't offered, Paul is prepared to take the case to court.

You work directly with Paul. This is a solo practice by design — the attorney you meet at the consultation is the attorney who handles your case from start to finish.