La Crosse Wrongful Death Lawyer

Trusted Wrongful Death Attorney in La Crosse, WI

Losing a loved one is always a difficult experience. When this loss comes because of someone else’s negligence, it can be even harder to move forward. In addition to overwhelming grief, surviving family members are also left with unexpected financial burdens, such as medical bills, burial costs, or lost income. If someone close to you wrongfully passed away, a La Crosse wrongful death lawyer can help you file a claim to pursue financial compensation for your loss. 

Craig Steger: An Experienced La Crosse Wrongful Death Attorney

With over 20 years of experience representing injured individuals and their families in Wisconsin, Craig Steger is a smart choice for legal representation in a wrongful death case. He provides compassionate guidance, giving his personal attention to each aspect of your case. When working with us, you can expect an aggressive advocate who is there by your side throughout your case. 

An Overview of Wrongful Death in Wisconsin 

Wisconsin wrongful death laws describe wrongful death as a fatality caused by another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. For example, when a reckless driver causes a deadly crash or if a property owner ignores a hazard that results in a visitor’s death. A La Crosse wrongful death attorney can evaluate your case and determine who can be held liable for your damages. 

Surviving loved ones are able to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. While no amount of compensation can make up for this loss, many people are able to receive compensation to cover the burden of losses, such as:

• Medical bills and end-of-life care
• Loss of financial support
• Lost wages
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship

Types of Wrongful Death Accidents in La Crosse

A variety of accidents can result in wrongful death. A lawyer can work with you to determine the specific cause of a death, which is an important step in determining who may be liable. Some of the most common reasons for a wrongful death claim in La Crosse include:

• Truck accidents. In 2025, there were 58 fatalities as a result of large truck accidents in Wisconsin. Truck accidents are often fatal due to the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles. In these cases, it is important to hire a wrongful death lawyer, as they often involve large trucking companies’ liability, rather than simply the driver of the truck. 
• Car accidents. In 2024, 509 of Wisconsin’s traffic accidents were fatal. In La Crosse, car accidents are particularly common on large routes such as La Crosse Street and West Avenue. Fatal car accidents may result from a number of driver errors, such as distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, or failing to obey traffic laws. 
• Farm accidents. While farming is an important element of the La Crosse community and economy, it can be dangerous. Often, deadly accidents involve the use of ATVs, UTVs, heavy machinery, chemical exposure, and other dangerous equipment. An accident can happen when an individual misuses these tools or if an employer fails to maintain their equipment. 
• Workplace accidents. Unfortunately, many Wisconsin workers are injured or killed while at work. This is especially true for those working in construction or farming fields. These claims can be complex, as, depending on the case, they may be filed as a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party or as a workers’ compensation claim. 

Why You Should Hire a Knowledgeable Wrongful Death Lawyer

A La Crosse wrongful death lawyer can help you build a claim that thoroughly establishes the facts of the case while also pursuing a fair recovery. To do this, they can investigate the accident scene, preserve key evidence, identify all responsible parties, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Having a skilled lawyer on your side not only improves the chances of succeeding in your claim but also helps you feel less stressed during this process, allowing you to focus on what matters most during this challenging time. 

FAQs

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the personal representative of the estate or by an individual who has suffered damages. A personal representative is either the executor named in the deceased’s will or an administrator appointed by the court. The personal representative can recover several costs on behalf of the estate. If these costs, such as medical bills or funeral costs, were paid by a relative or other individual, they may file a claim. 

What Is the Cap on Wrongful Death Damages in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin caps on wrongful death damages depend on the types of damages you are trying to recover and the age of the victim. For financial losses, such as medical bills, burial costs, funeral costs, or lost income, there is no cap on the amount you can recover. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of companionship, are capped at $350,000 if the victim was an adult and $500,000 if the victim was a child. 

Can You File a Claim for Emotional Distress in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can file a claim for emotional distress after a wrongful death in Wisconsin. Emotional distress is one example of non-economic damage, and is often included in a wrongful death settlement or verdict. Under Wisconsin’s wrongful death laws, the amount you can recover for emotional distress is capped, but it can still provide significant compensation that may provide stability after experiencing a loss. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Wisconsin?

How long you have to file a wrongful death claim in Wisconsin depends on what accident resulted in the wrongful death. Most wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the accident. However, wrongful death cases involving a motor vehicle accident must be filed within two years of the accident.

Speak With an Experienced La Crosse Wrongful Death Attorney

Wrongful death cases are emotionally difficult and legally complex. Fortunately, you do not need to go through this process alone. Contact Craig Steger to learn more about your legal options and how to recover after losing a loved one.