When a Life Is Lost Because of Someone Else's Negligence, Your Family Deserves Answers
We know you're not looking for a sales pitch right now. You're grieving, you're exhausted, and the last thing you want is to feel rushed into decisions you're not ready to make. If someone you love died because of another person's carelessness, Wisconsin law gives your family real options — and a conversation with our team costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
What Makes a Death "Wrongful" Under Wisconsin Law
A wrongful death claim doesn't require proof that someone intended to cause harm. Under Wisconsin law, a death caused by another party's negligence — even an unintentional mistake — can form the legal basis for a claim. If a driver ran a red light, a property owner ignored a known hazard, or a trucking company pushed a driver past safe limits, the families left behind may have the right to seek accountability.
Common circumstances that lead to wrongful death claims in Wisconsin include:
- Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers
- Workplace accidents and construction site fatalities
- Premises liability incidents, including falls on unsafe property
- Dog attacks resulting in death
- Medical negligence
One conversation with our team tells you whether your family has a claim. There's no obligation to proceed, and no cost to find out.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law defines who has legal standing to bring a wrongful death claim. The following individuals may have the right to seek compensation:
- Surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased (in certain circumstances)
- Other dependent family members who relied on the deceased
If you're unsure whether you qualify, that's exactly the kind of question we answer in a free case review. You don't need to know the law before you call us — that's our job.
Why Wisconsin Families Trust Janssen Law
Janssen Law was built on the belief that families in northeast Wisconsin deserve the same quality of legal representation as anyone else — regardless of what they can afford upfront. Bob Janssen brings more than 35 years of personal injury experience to every case, and multiple attorneys at our firm have been named Wisconsin Super Lawyers, a distinction awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in the state.
We've recovered meaningful compensation for Wisconsin families across a wide range of serious injury and fatal accident cases. Our case results reflect that track record, and we're proud to share them — but we never lead with numbers when a family is still finding their footing.
What we will tell you is this: when you contact us, you'll meet face to face with an attorney within 24 hours. Not a paralegal, not an intake coordinator. An attorney who can actually evaluate your case and answer your questions.
Understanding the Deadline to File in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law sets a time limit on wrongful death claims. In most cases, families have three years from the date of death to file — though some circumstances reduce that window to two years. We're not raising this to pressure you. We're raising it because waiting too long can eliminate your family's legal options entirely, and that's something we want to help you avoid.
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more time there is to gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and build the strongest possible case. A free consultation doesn't start a clock — it just gives your family the information to make an informed decision.
Questions Families Ask About Wrongful Death Claims in Wisconsin
How do I file a wrongful death claim in Wisconsin?
A wrongful death claim is filed in civil court by an eligible surviving family member or the personal representative of the deceased's estate. The process involves gathering evidence of negligence, documenting damages, and meeting procedural requirements under Wisconsin law. Working with an experienced wrongful death attorney ensures the claim is filed correctly and on time.What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Wisconsin?
In most cases, Wisconsin law gives surviving family members three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. In some situations, such as claims against government entities, the deadline may be shorter. If you're uncertain about your timeline, contact our office as soon as possible so we can review your specific situation.Does a wrongful death claim require proof that someone meant to cause harm?
No. Wrongful death claims are based on negligence, not intent. If another party's careless or reckless conduct caused your loved one's death — even if they didn't mean for it to happen — your family may have a valid claim under Wisconsin law.How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?
At Janssen Law, wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost and no fee of any kind unless we recover compensation for your family. Your first consultation is also completely free.Can I still pursue a claim if a criminal case is already underway?
Yes. A wrongful death civil claim is separate from any criminal proceedings. A criminal case is brought by the state and focuses on punishment. A civil wrongful death claim is brought by your family and focuses on financial accountability and compensation. Both can proceed at the same time, and the outcome of one does not determine the outcome of the other.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
Losing someone because of another person's negligence is one of the most painful things a family can go through. You shouldn't have to navigate the legal system on top of that grief without someone in your corner. Our team serves families across Green Bay, Appleton, Marinette, Manitowoc, De Pere, Hayward, and throughout northeast Wisconsin. We'll meet with you within 24 hours, we'll answer your questions honestly, and we'll never pressure you to make a decision before you're ready.
Reach out when you're ready. We'll be here.