November 16, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Driver in Fatal Milwaukee DUI Crash Sentenced

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Wrongful Death on Friday, November 16, 2012.

One of the burdens that many survivors of fatal car accident victims must carry is the constant question of whether the crash could have been prevented. In the case of accidents caused by drunk driving, the answer is almost always yes. And knowing that a loved one died only due to the negligence of another person can make it difficult for family members to reach closure and move on with their own lives.

One milestone that can help, however, is the successful prosecution of the driver who caused the fatal accident. Recently a Milwaukee man who hit and killed a woman and her son was sentenced for his role in last year’s crash, which could help the victims’ family and friends cope with their unimaginable loss. The 41-year-old driver will spend 17 years in prison, followed by another 10 years of supervised release. Whereas many drunk drivers who kill someone only spend a few years in prison, the loved ones of the victims in this case can rest assured that the driver won’t be putting others at risk anytime soon.

The accident happened as the man was being chased by Milwaukee police. As he fled officers in his pickup truck, he crashed into a 49-year-old woman and her son, who was just 20. The driver then left his truck and tried to escape by jumping into the frigid waters of the Milwaukee River. With a blood alcohol level of .206, it’s not surprising that he didn’t remember the accident by the time he was arrested and questioned by police. Nevertheless, he pleaded guilty this summer to operating while intoxicated homicide charges.

Another step that could bring some closure to the victims’ family is the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit. A successful civil suit could not only compensate the family for the financial losses associated with the deaths, but award damages for pain and suffering. No one expects to have their loved ones taken in a senseless car accident, but effective legal action can help make the loss easier to handle in the long run. If you were hit by a drunk driver, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Source: WTAQ, “Drunk driver sentenced to 17 years in prison for fatal Milwaukee crash,” Nov. 2, 2012

September 28, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Motorcyclist Killed Near Richfield

Family mourns the death of 21-year-old Milwaukee motorcyclist

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Friday, September 28, 2012.

While many drivers cite not seeing a motorcyclist as the cause of a crash, it is often more accurate to say that the driver didn’t see the motorcyclist before they engaged in a hasty or illegal maneuver. One driver from the Town of Addison was exiting the Richfield truck Stop on Highway 167 when he failed to yield right. In doing so, he crossed paths with a westbound motorcyclist.

The Milwaukee motorcyclist was killed in the collision. He was only 21 years old. Motor vehicle accidents are so common that we become desensitized to hearing of victims’ deaths in the news. Rarely do fatal crashes even make newspaper headlines. This victim was only 21 years old. He had his entire life ahead of him. He likely leaves a slew of heart-broken friends and family in his absence.

While a family greatly mourns the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one, the media so often callously brushes off a motor vehicle death as another statistic. This can leave a family feeling raw and a sense of injustice.

According to a local report on this accident, initial investigation suggests that failure to yield right is a contributing factor in this accident. That means that this driver could be cited, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will have to answer for the death of this 21-year-old.

Some families in similar situations find that pursuing a wrongful death claim can bring about a sense of justice by holding liable parties accountable. While any resulting monetary compensation will not bring the victim back, it can serve as acknowledgement of the family’s loss.

Source: Fox 6 Now, “One dead in collision between motorcycle, car in Richfield,” Cary Docter, Sept. 26, 2012

Our firm handles similar cases of motorcyclists killed in fatal crashes. To learn more, please visit our Milwaukee wrongful death page. If you need legal representation following the death of a loved one, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

September 13, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

South Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Kills One

This past Sunday, South Milwaukee motorcycle accident resulted in the death of the rider. According to one report, the motorcyclist was at the intersection of Parkway and 15th Ave. when a car collided with him. Sadly, the rider was pronounced dead at the scene of the motorcycle accident.

While there are few details provided surrounding this motorcycle accident, in a staggering number of cases of similar circumstances, the death of the motorcyclist comes down to negligence on behalf of the driver of the passenger vehicle.

Frequently, passenger vehicle operators fail to see motorcyclists so they don’t yield the right of way, causing a collision. Obviously, because motorcyclist aren’t protected by a metal frame like a passenger vehicle driver, motorcyclists are so much more susceptible to catastrophic injury.

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and even death are all very real possibilities when another driver is negligent and fails to see a motorcyclist. If a family loses a loved one in a motorcycle accident, this is not only a devastating emotional blow, but a crushing financial hit as well.

Often times, a motorcyclist is an income earner and their death due to another’s negligence can leave surviving family struggling to cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as try to make up for the lost income. It for this reason that many family members of an individual wrongfully killed in Milwaukee choose to file a wrongful death claim as a way of seeking not only compensation for bills and emotional suffering, but finding justice and holding negligent parties accountable. If you need legal representation for an accident lawsuit, contact a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

Source: Milwaukee-Wisconsin Sentinel, “Motorcyclist killed in South Milwaukee crash identified,” Mike Johnson, Sept. 12, 2012

September 11, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Driver Charged in Fatal Milwaukee Hit-and-Run with Motorcyclist

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Wrongful Death on Tuesday, September 11, 2012.

On the first of the month, a motorcyclist was riding in the south side of Milwaukee when a passenger car crossed his path. The two parties collided and the passenger car quickly fled the scene of the accident. The driver is reported to have been operating the vehicle without a license, which may have contributed to prompting him to flee the scene — he sped off not knowing if the motorcyclist was injured or even alive.

He returned the car to his girlfriend. She saw the damage to the rear of the car and the pair decided to hide the car at the home of a friend. The motorcyclist could not overcome his injuries sustained for this hit-and-run accident and passed away. When the offending driver and his girlfriend heard about the death of the motorcyclist, the pair alleges to have decided to go to police, but never did.

Unfortunately for the driver and his girlfriend, the sister of the girlfriend knew that the boyfriend was involved in the accident and reported the information to Milwaukee police. Consequently, the boyfriend was charged yesterday with hit-and-run causing death. Additionally, the girlfriend is facing charges of aiding or abetting a felon.

However, the boyfriend could be facing a civil suit in addition to the criminal charges. In instances where a driver’s negligence causes the death of another party, the family of the decedent can choose to file a wrongful death claim as a means of seeking justice. If successful, such a claim could mean that the family is compensated not only for the financial hit surrounding the death of a loved one, but also the emotional pain endured as a result.

Source: Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, “Car driver charged in death of Milwaukee motorcyclist,” Bruce Vielmetti, Sept. 10, 2012

Our firm handles similar case to that detailed above. For more information, please visit our Milwaukee fatal car accident page or contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. to schedule a consultation.

July 10, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Family Files Milwaukee Wrongful Death Suit for Son’s Killing

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Wrongful Death on Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

A tragic incident in Milwaukee at the end of May made national headlines and now it’s back in the news. A 13-year-old boy was apparently shot by an elderly man who accused him of stealing. The boy’s mother witnessed the shooting. Now she and the boy’s family have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the suspect.

The 75-year-old man accused of killing the boy has pleaded not guilty to first-degree intentional homicide. Prosecutors believe he shot the boy in the chest outside the family’s home after the boy denied stealing the man’s guns.

Part of the lawsuit, which was filed in Milwaukee County and also lists the man’s home insurer as a defendant, centers around the man’s assets. The boy’s family is afraid he or his family is trying to get rid of assets that could be collected as damages for the lawsuit. The boy’s family has requested an order that would prevent the man from disposing of his assets.

His house is the main concern. His house was listed for sale recently at $23,000, cash only, and his family had apparently been seen removing personal property from the home.

The boy’s mother’s attorney had sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the disposal of assets, but a judge recently ordered that the man’s house could be sold as long as money was used only for attorney fees. He and his attorneys had argued that he was entitled pay for counsel of his choice.

Source: Fox News, “Wrongful death suit filed in Wis. boy’s shooting,” July 5, 2012

If you need legal representation, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

October 21, 2011 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Man Suffers Serious Injuries in Milwaukee Hit-and-Run Accident

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Friday, October 21, 2011.

A very serious hit-and-run accident occurred last week in Wisconsin. A single father was riding his motorcycle in Milwaukee at 51st Street and Capitol Drive. He was just heading out to visit his brother when a blue van struck him down. The driver of the van sped away and left the victim for dead.

The father is now struggling for his life at Froedtert Hospital. He remains in intensive care after suffering severe injuries to his legs, ribs, lungs and chest. After two major surgeries, it does appear that he has a good chance of surviving this tragic hit-and-run accident. However, he has a long road ahead of him and it is possible that he will suffer from the effects from the crash for a long time to come, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially.

Unfortunately, the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle, and the vehicle itself, has yet to be located. Family members are hoping that their plea for any information will procure some clues as to what happened and who was responsible for this terrible accident. Hopefully, nearby video surveillance will shed some light on the hit-and-run vehicle and driver.

This story is just another reminder of how serious motorcycle accidents can be. When other motorists on the road are negligent and crash into a motorcycle, the injuries can be very severe and many times result in a wrongful death.

Thankfully, it looks like this father will survive the crash. However, it will be very important to locate the responsible driver to hold him or her accountable for this man’s serious injuries. In the meantime, this single father of two will need the help of an experienced attorney who can gather all of the facts that are available and make sure that this accident in thoroughly and carefully investigated.

Source: Fox6now.com, “Single father in intensive care after almost-deadly hit and run,” Henry Rosoff, Oct. 18, 2011

If you need legal representation following an accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

August 9, 2011 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Police Search for Suspects

Few leads in death of pregnant woman

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Wrongful Death on Tuesday, August 9, 2011.

A pregnant woman and her son were outside early Sunday morning in Milwaukee, looking for her car. She was confronted by two men who pulled up in a van and demanded her purse. She refused, and one man shot her. They apparently drove around the block, came back and took the purse. Now, police are searching for the suspects in connection with the woman’s wrongful death.

Police say the woman was not involved in anything illegal and was merely an innocent victim at the wrong place and wrong time. After she was shot, her 13-year-old son ran for help. She and her four-month-old twin fetuses died on Sunday.

The boy apparently didn’t realize right away the woman had been shot in the midst of the chaos, although he did see the gun. A relative told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he was having a difficult time with his mother’s death.

He’s not the only one – the woman had seven children between the ages of 4 and 13. Her 83-year-old father might be left to care for them all.

Police are following leads, according to reports. They recovered the 1997 teal van that was used in the robbery, but it was stolen, so the suspects are not easy to locate. Police believe they were involved in other robberies that morning as well.

Under Wisconsin law, the person who shot her would likely face a single charge of homicide. The woman’s father, meanwhile, says he hopes to be able to keep the family together.

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Pregnant woman killed; police seek help in finding suspects,” Gitte Laasby, Aug. 8, 2011

If you have suffered an injury through no fault of your own, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

March 23, 2011 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Local News Story from Milwaukee Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Milwaukee dementia home cited for nursing home abuse in death case

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Nursing Home Abuse on Wednesday, March 23, 2011.

This local news story from Milwaukee Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Ric Domnitz chronicles how last March, an 85-year-old resident at Michele Home, a nursing home in Milwaukee that specializes in the treatment of people with dementia, was strangled to death by another resident. Now, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has cited the nursing home for numerous safety violations, including failure to protect residents from physical abuse in connection with the man’s wrongful death.

Michele Home, which is a community-based residential facility operated by Frontida Inc. and licensed by the state, was also cited for failing to notify the state when incidents occurred that involved injuries to residents which resulted in hospitalization, as well as failing to implement temporary service plans for residents, failure to appropriately supervise the residents, and failure to manage the behavior of residents known to be dangerous. The citations appear to indicate a pattern of incidents amounting either to negligent care our outright nursing home abuse and neglect.

The 85-year-old victim, a man with advanced dementia, was apparently attacked on March 7, 2010, by a then-58-year-old fellow resident when the older man bumped into a table where the younger man was seated and knocked over a glass of juice. The older man died two weeks later

The younger resident was not arrested or removed from the home after the March 7 strangling incident. On March 27, police were called to Michele Home after he allegedly attacked another patient. He was moved to another facility after the second attack. Michele Home was also cited for failing to report that police were called to the facility on that occasion. The nursing home has been fined $6,200 and ordered not to house dangerous residents without proper resources.

Alzheimer’s advocates say Wisconsin lacks legal standards to protect dementia patients from nursing home abuse or neglect

According to Tom Hlavacek, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter, Wisconsin has no legal standards for care facilities that house such patients, no clear definition of what constitutes a dementia treatment facility, and no requirement for nursing home workers to be certified in dementia care.

Hlavacek says there have been attempts to pass legislation that would establish standards for the care and safety of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, but those attempts have been unsuccessful.

He also points out that housing patients of very disparate ages (the victim of the strangulation was 27 years older than the alleged perpetrator) and diverse needs can create a dangerous mix.

The alleged attacker had criminal convictions for disorderly conduct and felony theft. Frontida’s website does not mention that it houses correctional clients or emotionally disturbed individuals, which is outlined on the DHS website.

A spokesperson for Frontida did not respond to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s requests for comment.

Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, “State cited group home for numerous violations,” Jesse Garza, March 20, 2011

Do you need legal help from a Milwaukee personal injury attorney for a nursing home abuse case? Contact Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. today.

February 15, 2011 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Wisconsin Bus Accident Attorneys Blog Update

Two injured in car accident involving school bus in Milwaukee

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Tuesday, February 15, 2011.

According to local Milwaukee news reports, two individuals were injured late Tuesday afternoon after a car and school bus collided on Milwaukee’s north side. Reports detail that the car accident occurred when a car ran a red light at Sherman Boulevard and Hope Avenue. As a result of the car accident, two individuals were injured when the car struck a power light, causing the electric wiring to fall. Many neighbors in the area reported that they rushed outside their homes after hearing a loud noise caused by the car accident.

One witness expressed, “It sounded like lightning…there were some skidding sounds and the next thing I heard was a pole or something getting hit.” Reports detailed that the bus involved in the car accident did in fact contain some students but none were injured in the collision. Following the car accident, another bus came to the scene to transport the student to their final destination.

Officials from the Milwaukee Fire Department told the media that the two individuals injured in the car accident were rescued from their vehicle and will recover from their injuries. No charges have been filed in this car accident case to date.

Source: WISN “Two Hurt In School Bus, Car Collision” 2/9/2011

If you have been involved in a bus accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

December 20, 2010 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Local News from Milwaukee Snowmobile Injury Lawyers

Car Accident with Snowmobile Injuries 2 Outside Milwaukee

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Monday, December 20, 2010.

Milwaukee news sources detail that two men were injured last Friday night in a car accident involving a snowmobile. The car accident occurred when a snowmobile, operated by a 21-year-old man of Hartford, was crossing STH 60 just east of Goodland Road in the town of Rubicon around 8:00 p.m. Friday night.

According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, the snowmobile was struck by the car traveling eastbound on STH 60. The vehicle was being driven by a 24-year-old motorist of Watertown. The driver of the vehicle was taken by ambulance to Hartford Hospital with injuries following the car accident. Authorities detailed that they did not know the extent of the man’s injuries following the crash with the snowmobile. The driver of the snowmobile was flown by Flight For Life to Froedert Hospital for treatment of serious injuries after the car struck his snowmobile.

This car accident remains under investigation by Dodge County authorities. Police are still unclear what caused the car to hit the snowmobile. Police did not mention the involvement of alcohol or drugs in this car accident case. More information on this Milwaukee car accident case will be available once police wrap up their investigation.

Source: WISN “Car Hits Snowmobile, Injuries 2” 12/18/2010

Need a legal consultation from a Milwaukee personal injury attorney? Contact Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. today.