Wrongful Death Attorney
Compassionate guidance for Milwaukee families after a tragic loss
Erdmann Law Offices, S.C. helps families pursue accountability and financial stability when negligence results in the death of a loved one.
Accountability, answers, and support
Justice for Families After a Tragic Loss
No legal action can replace a life, but a wrongful death claim can hold negligent parties responsible and provide essential financial support. We represent families after fatal car crashes, nursing home neglect, construction incidents, and other preventable events across West Allis and the Milwaukee area. As a wrongful death attorney in Milwaukee, Robert Erdmann leads a careful investigation, keeps families informed, and respects the sensitivity of each decision. Erdmann Law Offices is focused on answers, accountability, and a path forward.
Understanding who can file and why it matters
What a Wrongful Death Claim Covers
These are common contexts where families ask about their rights under Wisconsin law.
Fatal Motor Vehicle Collisions:
Claims may involve multiple insurers and defendants. We coordinate evidence from police, reconstruction experts, and witnesses.
Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse:
Falls, infections, or untreated wounds can lead to preventable death. We examine care plans, staffing levels, and inspection histories.
Worksite Incidents and Third-Party Negligence:
Multi-employer sites and product failures often create layered liability. We identify every responsible party.
Dangerous Property Conditions:
Defective stairs, poor lighting, or lack of maintenance can cause deadly falls. We apply premises liability standards to prove fault.
Damages and distribution
What Families Can Recover in Wisconsin
Recoverable damages can include funeral and burial costs, medical expenses related to the final injury, lost financial support, and loss of society and companionship. Wisconsin limits certain non-economic damages in medical malpractice wrongful death but not in most other negligence cases. Where appropriate, we also pursue survival claims for the loved one’s pain and suffering before death. If there are multiple beneficiaries, we help families navigate distribution or present a fair proposal to the court. Throughout the process, we prioritize clear communication and respectful advocacy.
What families want to know early on
Questions About Wrongful Death Cases
Is a wrongful death case criminal or civil?
It is a civil case that seeks monetary compensation for the family and the estate. Criminal charges, such as DUI homicide, are separate and use different standards of proof. A civil claim can proceed regardless of whether there is a criminal case or conviction. We coordinate timelines so the civil case moves forward appropriately.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Wisconsin?
Typically, the spouse, children, or parents may file, or the personal representative may bring the claim for the estate. When several relatives have rights, we work through the proper legal pathway to file in a unified manner. If minors are involved, a guardian may be appointed to protect their interests. We make sure every required party is included to avoid disputes later.
How long do we have to file in Wisconsin?
Most negligence cases have a three-year deadline from the date of death, while medical malpractice wrongful deaths may have shorter limits. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and witness accounts. Early investigation also prevents records from being lost to routine retention policies. We begin preservation requests as soon as we are retained.
How are settlements divided among family members?
Wisconsin law and the court guide distribution when multiple beneficiaries are involved. Families can agree on a fair allocation, or the court can decide after reviewing circumstances. We help present documentation of financial dependency, caregiving roles, and relationships. Our aim is to reach a resolution that honors the family and avoids unnecessary conflict.
How is the value of a case determined?
Every case is unique, and value depends on liability facts, the decedent’s age and earnings, and the impact on the family. Economists project lost income and services while non-economic damages address the human loss. We present a full picture of damages with expert support. Our firm pursues the highest recovery available under Wisconsin law.