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2019-personalinjury

5 Reasons You Should Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer in Milwaukee

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Every year in the United States, there are about 1.1 million burn injuries that require attention.

After a burn injury, most people are focused on recovering both physically and emotionally, as well as getting back to their old lives. What many people don’t realize, unfortunately, is that they should also be looking into hiring a burn injury lawyer.

Oftentimes, people are under the false assumption that a lawyer will only complicate things, but the opposite is true. In fact, many people get hassled by insurance companies who are trying to force them to settle quickly.

gavel and book on a table

Let’s look at the top five reasons why you should hire a lawyer in Milwaukee.

1. Experience

There’s no doubt about it, burn injury lawsuits are extremely complex.

If you were injured on the job, your company is going to want to handle the case in a way that protects them. Insurance companies are also going to be hassling you to settle for a small amount.

Burn injury lawyers have the education, knowledge, and experience to navigate these treacherous waters. They know the rules and statutes of the legal system, and they know how to work them in your favor. They also can help you navigate the paperwork, such as filing your claim and filing the compensation.

2. Ensure You Sue the Right Party

It may seem obvious whom you need to sue for your burn injury, but this isn’t always the case. For instance, if you receive the injury at work, you sue your employer, right? This could be true. Or, it could be that you need to sue a manufacturer for a product you were handling that caused the burn.

Your lawyer can help you figure out just whom it is you need to sue so you can get on with your case.

3. Courtroom Experience

When people picture a lawsuit, they often only think about the endless amounts of paperwork that it entails. However, many people don’t realize that lawsuits can often lead to courtroom trials. And being in a courtroom for the first time can be very nerve-wracking and confusing.

Luckily, personal injury lawyers are courtroom regulars who will feel completely comfortable telling your story before a judge. They know how to turn the facts of your case into a compelling story that will persuade jury members to empathize with you.

4. Best Interest in Mind

Like we stated earlier: Your employer will only have their best interest at heart and the same goes for your insurance company. Your lawyer, on the other hand, will always be looking out for you. They will work hard to ensure that you get the appropriate compensation that you deserve for your injury. Your win is their win, and your loss is their loss.

5. Save Time

You probably already have enough on your plate with trying to recover from the emotional trauma and physical restraints of your injury. Do you really have the time or the energy to battle a legal fight all on your own?

If you hire a lawyer, you’ll save a tremendous amount of time. They will be able to help you every step of the way, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they have your best interests at heart.

Contact Domnitz & Domnitz Today

As you can tell, there are many benefits to hiring a burn injury lawyer in Milwaukee. First and foremost, they will be your best advocate throughout the entire process. Now, the next step is making sure you select the right attorney, as some have much more experience with burn injuries than others.

To schedule a free initial consultation, with contact our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys online or call 414-289-0909 today.

5 Traits Good Product Liability Attorneys Share

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You’re taking a joy ride to town, allowing the wind to massage your scalp and to rip away all of your stresses and fears. For a moment, there is no work cubicle and no bills—life is good. The last thing on your mind is having to consult product liability attorneys for an injury.

But then life takes a turn for the worse as you take a turn onto the highway. Another motorist suddenly strikes you, but your airbag never deployed. And just like that, you are suffering a major injury. So much for a joy ride.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average jury award in product liability claims was $4,868,468 in 2015. But it takes the right type of attorney for you to claim the compensation to which you are entitled after being injured by a defective product, including an airbag.

Here are five traits that good product liability attorneys share so that you can effectively seek justice.

1. Product Liability Attorneys Should Have an Understanding of Strict Liability

If an attorney does not understand strict liability or doesn’t know how to use this doctrine in your favor, you need to strictly cross him or her off the list. The doctrine of strict liability essentially allows you to receive compensation from a manufacturer or business that rented or sold an item to you directly if you can prove that the item was defective.

Three conditions have to exist before you can use this doctrine:

  • The product that hurt you featured a defect that was unreasonably dangerous.
  • You were using the product as intended when it injured you.
  • You did not alter the product in such a way as to impact how it performs.

2. An Understanding of “Res Ispa Loquitur”

This doctrine means that the parties responsible for your defect-related injury bear the burden of proving that they are not. If your attorney successfully cites this doctrine, these parties have to demonstrate that they did not behave in a negligent manner.

3. A Thorough Understanding of the Three Types of Product Liability Claims

You have the option of filing three types of product liability claims if a defective product has injured you:

  • The product that led to your injury was manufactured in a defective way.
  • The design of the product is inherently defective or dangerous.
  • The product maker did not offer sufficient instructions or warnings about how to use the product properly.

By going the extra mile in his or her investigation, your attorney should be able to determine which type of claim is most appropriate depending on the circumstances of your case.

4. Experience with Claims Involving Your Type of Product

Years of experience is critical. But it alone isn’t enough.

Sure, it helps to find an attorney with 55 years of combined experience versus maybe only five, but you also need one who has experience with claims involving your particular type of defective product. Our advice to you: If you have suffered an airbag-related injury, don’t pick a lawyer who specializes in heart valves.

5. A Commitment to Being on Your Side

Not all product liability attorneys are on your side. Some work almost exclusively with the manufacturers of products, not those injured by them.

So, be careful: Make sure that the attorney you choose has extensive experience working with plaintiffs, not just defendants. Otherwise, you’re selling yourself short when potentially thousands or even millions of dollars are on the line.

Contact Domnitz & Domnitz Today

We offer extensive experience with battling the makers of defective products and have recovered many multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements for clients. You can be in that number, too.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you to get full and fair compensation in northern Illinois and Wisconsin.

5 Signs of a Good Lawyer

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There are countless Milwaukee personal injury attorneys, but few can provide the same level of experience, expertise, and service as Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. You may see other personal injury lawyers on TV claiming that they are the best, but quality legal representation is not determined by who can talk the loudest or spend the most on advertising. There are a few things you can look for in a lawyer that are an indication that you’re dealing with one of the best. At Domnitz & Domnitz, you’ll find a team of expert attorneys with all of these qualities and more.

1. An Analytical Mind

The best lawyers are adept at rapidly taking in information, and then understanding it and how it relates to the case at hand. Unique empathy skills, developed with years of experience, help a great attorney understand a situation from the perspective of all parties and determine each party’s unique wants and needs. These advanced negotiation skills allow a lawyer to build a strategy and the tactics needed to execute it.

2. Responsiveness

Great lawyers know that their client’s needs are paramount. The client shouldn’t have to wait days for an answer, and the lawyer should always be available to the client. This level of service builds a rapport that is critical to success in the courtroom and beyond.

3. Research skills

To build a case properly, a good lawyer must be a talented researcher. Finding precedent can be a tipping point in the case at hand, and knowing where and how to look for similar judgments is key. The best lawyers use their well-developed research skills and build a team of expert researchers ready to tackle any case.

4. Presentation Skills

Being a great speaker isn’t just about eye contact and a smooth speech pattern, it’s about eliciting emotion and convincing your audience of your point of view. The best attorneys are concise speakers, delivering their ideas and explaining their point clearly and without wasting time.

5. Listening Skills

The attorney’s relationship with his or her client is of utmost importance. Clients who don’t feel they are being heard will not feel comfortable or that they are being completely taken care of. They may withhold information or not be completely engaged in the process. To build the strongest case possible, the best lawyers have an uncanny ability to hear not only what their client is literally saying, but to hear what the client is really thinking as well.

You’ll find all these great qualities and more in the legal team of Domnitz & Domnitz. Our firm has earned a reputation for excellence in client advocacy, litigation, and professionalism. We fight hard for our clients while treating all parties with respect.

While we have the ability to handle very complex cases, we treat smaller, less complex cases with the same meticulous preparation and attention to detail that is a hallmark of the firm. We believe that all people deserve justice, regardless of case size or damages.

Contact Domnitz & Domnitz today

At Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C., we have the resources to provide top-notch representation in a wide variety of legal issues. Contact our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys online or call 414-289-0909 today for a free consultation and review of your legal rights from respected Milwaukee attorneys.

Study Finds 1% of Physicians Account for 32% of Paid Medical Malpractice Claims

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Study Finds 1% of Physicians Account for 32% of Paid Medical Malpractice Claims

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a small number of doctors account for a disproportionately large number of the medical malpractice claims that result in payout for victims.

The study, using data from the National Practitioner Data Bank, analyzed claims paid against roughly 54,000 physicians from 2005 through 2014, and found that the risk of recurrence increased with the number of previous paid claims and that it varied according to specialty. This would seem to imply that a small population of physicians in specific specialties account for either the largest number of potential claims and/or the most egregious cases of medical malpractice, since they so often result in payment for victims of malpractice.

It should be noted that although the study was restricted to data gathered from 2005 through 2014, there is little reason to believe that these numbers do not reflect similar trends on an annual basis. In fact, there are approximately 15,000 to 19,000 medical malpractice lawsuits filed every year in the United States, presumably with a third of those that are paid tied to this same pool of doctors.

Significantly related, a  fascinating medical malpractice watchdog report published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2014 found that although the number of malpractice claims in Wisconsin has dropped over a similar timeframe (2003 to 2013), the number of issues (including reports of medical errors) reported as adverse action reports to the federal database has actually increased substantially, from 38 in 2003 to 105 in 2013. And, due to state laws and court verdicts that tilt the law in the favor of physicians over victims, it can be hard for those affected by professional negligence of this sort to find reputable medical malpractice lawyers, even as the number of adverse issues rise.

Has Your Doctor Been Involved in a Malpractice Lawsuit?

Although it may be small comfort for those already affected by medical negligence, one way that patients can help protect themselves from becoming victims of medical malpractice is to adequately screen physicians before seeking medical care. Few people know that the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services maintains a disciplinary actions database that allows the public to search for doctors by name and profession.

If you believe you may be the victim of malpractice, contact Milwaukee personal injury lawyers Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. We have a proven track record of successfully litigating malpractice lawsuits with substantial judgements. Click here to see some of our most successful malpractice cases.

Attorney Anthony J. Skemp Achieves Board Certification in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy

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Milwaukee, WI – The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) is pleased to announce that Anthony J. Skemp of the law firm Domnitz & Skemp has successfully achieved Board Certification as a civil trial advocate. The NBTA was formed out of a strong conviction that both the law profession and its clients would benefit from an organization designed specifically to create an objective set of standards illustrating an attorney’s experience and expertise in the practice of trial law.

Anthony J. Skemp joins a prestigious group of trial attorneys that have illustrated their commitment to bettering the legal profession by successfully completing a rigorous application process and providing the consumer of legal services with an objective measure by which to choose qualified and experienced legal counsel.

The elaborate screening of credentials that all NBTA board certified attorneys must successfully complete includes: demonstration of substantial trial experience, submission of judicial and peer references to attest to their competency, attendance of continuing legal education courses, submission of legal writing documents, proof of good standing and passing of an examination.

Board Certification is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can achieve. Board certifications are the only distinctions awarded by non-profit organizations. The NBTA as well as all board certifying organizations are committed to safeguarding the public’s ability to choose a good attorney.

Anthony J. Skemp earned his undergraduate degree from University of St. Thomas. He is a graduate of Marquette University. Mr. Skemp is licensed to practice in Wisconsin. For his full background and list of accolades, see his profile on the Domnitz & Skemp website.

Approximately three percent of American lawyers are board certified, and Mr. Skemp is a member of a very select group who has taken the time to prove competence in their specialty area and earn board certification. Skemp joins his mentor, law partner and friend, Ric Domnitz, who has been a member of the organization for years.

For more information on Attorney Anthony J. Skemp please visit: domnitzlaw.com and www.nbtalawyers.org.

Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. Named One of the U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” for 2016

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Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. is proud to be one of the U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” for 2016! The competition is fierce and the field is vetted. Firms included on the list are recognized for their excellence with impressive ratings from both clients and peers. All personal injury firms in Wisconsin are looked at and ranked in a tier system that allows U.S. News to rank law firms sequentially. The first tier includes the firms that scored the highest and only 17 firms in Wisconsin fell into this tier. One of those 17: Domnitz & Skemp. And we couldn’t be happier! Our clients have found a Milwaukee car accident lawyer they like to work with, and we love to work for them! We thank you for choosing to partner with us!

To view this list in its entirety visit U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.”

Noah Domnitz – Partners at Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

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Meet Noah Domnitz, one of the partners at Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

I went to school at…

University of Wisconsin-Madison where I majored in Political Science then I attended the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Florida.

I began practicing in…

2007.

I began practicing because…

From a young age I was interested in the law and government. My practice allows me to continue to learn and practice the law while at the same time helping people in my community.

My favorite thing about being in law…

Is the impact that I have on my client’s lives and the lives of their families. People come to see me when they have suffered an injury or lost a loved one. To provide help at a time of need for a family in our community is very rewarding. Fighting insurance companies on behalf of Wisconsin families never gets old.

I chose Milwaukee and Wisconsin because…

This is my home. My family has lived in Wisconsin for 4 generations and I feel a deep connection to the city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin. My wife and I could not be happier to raise our family here. On Wisconsin!

See Noah’s profile on Super Lawyers for a full list of his accolades and accomplishments.

Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. are experienced Milwaukee personal injury lawyers eager to help those injured in accidents recover the damages to which they’re entitled. If you are going to hire a lawyer, why not hire someone you like?

Badger Guns Ruling Leaves Both Sides Feeling Vindicated

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A recent verdict against Badger Guns made national headlines when the jury awarded two injured Milwaukee police officers nearly $6 million for lost wages, health care costs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Strangely enough, gun control advocates aren’t the only people cheering the ruling: Some gun supporters say this is a hidden victory for them too.

gun salesAlthough gun dealers are often not held liable when the guns they sell are used in crimes, the circumstances of this case were so egregious that they made it possible. In this particular instance, the plaintiffs were able to show that Badger Guns broke several federal laws, and in doing so, negligently sold a straw buyer a gun that was used to shoot the officers.

Unlike many other suits brought against gun sellers for straw buyer purchases (which are purchases involving a person who can legally buy a firearm purchasing one for someone who cannot), there were several factors that made this case unique. The most important factor was the obviousness of the straw purchase. Store surveillance video from Badger Guns showed the straw buyer, Jacob Collins, and the shooter, Julius Burton, enter the store together and collude to make the purchase. In fact, Collins even incorrectly filled out the purchase paperwork, initially revealing that he was not the purchaser of the weapon. These red flags should have stopped Badger Guns from completing the purchase, but they did not.

Without this flagrant proof of a straw buyer scenario, it is unlikely that the jury would have awarded the damages that they did. The award may, however, encourage other plaintiffs to come forward, which is one of several reasons gun control advocates see this verdict as a victory.

Those eager to stop gun violence aren’t the only ones watching the case with interest, however. Some advocates for the right to bear arms say that this negligent gun sale case proves that there are already enough laws to hold negligent gun sellers accountable, and further legislation is not needed. For them, the Badger Guns case shows that the system works, as is.

Litigation for the case is likely far from over, as Badger Guns is expected to file an appeal. In the meantime, Julius Burton is serving an 80-year sentence for the shooting.

Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. are experienced Milwaukee personal injury lawyers eager to represent those who have suffered substantial harm due to the negligence of another. If you believe that you have suffered harm or illness through no fault of your own, we may be able to help. Call us today for a free consultation.

Ric Domnitz – Partner at Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

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Meet Ric Domnitz, one of the partners of Domnitz and Domnitz, S.C.

I went to school at…

Hamline University of Law and Marshall-Wythe School of Law (Exeter, England Program)

I began practicing in…

1977

I began practicing because..

I was looking for a career that would allow me to support my family, serve others, and contain an element of excitement. Trial law provided all three.

My favorite thing about being in law…

The opportunity to master a broad spectrum of topics; I’ve handled trials involving complex machinery as well as car, truck, or motorcycle crashes requiring learning the basics of accident reconstruction; I’ve tried numerous complex medical malpractice cases and a wide variety of general liability injury cases; I’ve had to learn accounting principles to handle accounting malpractice cases as well as the ins and outs of real estate development for a fraud case stemming from the development of an elderly housing project. The point is, after 39 years of practice I have been exposed to in depth learning in a very broad scope of subjects, which is what has made this career so fascinating. 

I choose Milwaukee and Wisconsin because…

Having been raised in Wisconsin, and graduating from UW Madison before entering law school, Milwaukee would have been a logical place for me. But the truth is the real draw was the opportunity to practice law with my brother, Avin. As fate would have it, we were only in practice for a couple years before he was drawn to a new career as an independent bookseller. But I am grateful for even those two years together. As far as Wisconsin, I have always loved the state of Wisconsin. I love the contrast between the rural and urban areas of the state, but most of all I love the people of Wisconsin. Down to earth, honest and hard-working, with a great emphasis on family life, Wisconsinites possess the core values that are near and dear to my heart. As they always say, a great place to raise a family, and that has always been my number one objective.

See Ric’s profile on Super Lawyers for a list of his accolades and accomplishments.

Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. are experienced Milwaukee personal injury lawyers eager to help those injured in accidents recover the damages to which they’re entitled. If you are going to hire a lawyer, why not hire someone you like?

 

Due Diligence When Choosing a Milwaukee Lawyer

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Ten Tips for Choosing a Lawyer

  1. Tap Your Social Networks
    If you’re like most people, you’re connected to friends and family through social networks like Facebook. Besides keeping in touch with friends and sharing family photos, social networks are a great way to get referrals from people you actually know and trust. One quick question on Facebook could get you dozens of referrals for lawyers in your area.

  2. Look Online
    The vast majority of established lawyers now have websites and enough online presence to show their backgrounds. Before you choose a law firm, find them online and see what they have to say about themselves, their case history, and their credentials. The more you can find out before you choose a lawyer, the better.

  3. Choose Experience
    Everyone loves an underdog, but do you really want one fighting your case? No, of course not. The hard truth is that the more experienced and knowledgeable your lawyer, the more likely you are to reach a fair and reasonable settlement. In fact, if you have nothing else to go on, the number one factor to consider when selecting a lawyer is how experienced he or she is.

  4. Look for a Good Reputation
    A good reputation is hard to earn but easy to lose. When looking for a lawyer, be sure to look for one who is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and has positive reviews online. The more good reviews, the better.

  5. Do a Background Check
    It’s now easier than ever to conduct informal background checks online using social media, business associations and other online resources. In just a few minutes, you can typically find out where a lawyer went to school, how long they have been practicing, what cases they’ve won, and more.

  6. Consult a Bar Association
    Another excellent way to research a Milwaukee lawyer or law firm online is to visit the American Bar Association or the Wisconsin Bar Association. Reputable local lawyers often have full profiles on one of the two websites, as well as published articles.

  7. Ask Questions
    A good lawyer will want you to fully understand your options and rights, as well as his or her ability to successfully litigate your case. Important questions that you may want to consider asking include:

    • What are the pros and cons of your case?
    • How long is your case likely to take to settle?
    • What is the likelihood that it will go to trial?
    • Who will be working your case?
    • Is he or she board certified in personal injury litigation?
    • Do you ever represent insurance companies in other injury related matters?
    • Is my attorney accessible?
    • Will I initially meet with an investigator or staff person or will I be able to meet the attorney who will handle my case?

  8. Trust Your Instincts
    If your first impressions of a lawyer or firm aren’t good, they’re likely not the best legal representation for you. Experienced lawyers are typically confident enough in their skills and knowledge to present themselves well. If they cannot, how can you trust them to present your case well in court?

  9. Consider Caseload
    Although you want an experienced lawyer, you still need to make sure that your new attorney will have time to actually handle your case. Consider asking how many cases he or she is currently handling. Or, consider working with a firm that has multiple attorneys.

  10. Choose a Skilled and Respected Professional
    Depending on your need, working with a generalist can be great. But when it comes to something as important as choosing a lawyer, it’s in your best interests to choose someone who has legal expertise specifically related to your case. For instance, a good personal injury attorney probably wouldn’t do a good job of litigating your divorce, but that same attorney might do an excellent job litigating a car accident lawsuit on your behalf. Whenever possible, pick a skilled and respected attorney who handles only personal injury matters.

Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. are experienced Milwaukee personal injury lawyers eager to help those injured in accidents recover the damages to which they’re entitled. Why not do business with someone you like?

 

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