Filing a Claim Against the City of Milwaukee

Summertime in Wisconsin is perfect for enjoying time on the water. Whether you are setting sail on a family-friendly pontoon, fishing boat, or old canoe, a day on the lake just can’t be beaten.

However, there are safety risks involved with boating. Speeding, negligence, drinking, and inexperience are all common causes of boating accidents in Wisconsin. In this post, we want to share a few tips to help you stay safe on the water this summer.

How to Stay Safe While Boating in Wisconsin

Wearing a life jacket - According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 80% of boating accident deaths could be avoided by wearing life jackets. When a boating accident occurs, you have limited time to stretch and get your stowed life jackets. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that you and everyone on board has a life jacket while boating.
Avoid drinking alcohol - Alcohol consumption while boating is illegal and endangers the lives of everyone on board. Remember that intoxicated swimmers and passengers are also more likely to drown.
Be weather-wise - Whether you are operating a boat during the summer, spring or fall season, always consider carrying a radio and watching out for the weather. Sometimes, wind shifts and choppy water can be telltale signs of a brewing storm. Get to shore as soon as you realize the weather is about to change.
Don’t overload the boat - It’s essential to follow your boat’s load limit restrictions. Overloading your boat can make it unstable and surge the risk of swamping or capsizing.
Ensure all operators are trained - Human error is a leading cause of boating accidents. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all operators can effectively navigate and operate the boat. You can do this by ensuring boating operators take a boating safety course that includes reading the weather, boat handling, and navigation.
Maintain a safe speed - Like on the road, you can face penalties or fines for overspeeding on the water. Since there are no lanes on water and different water vessels zig-zag everywhere, it can be challenging for speeding boats to avoid collisions. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you excess caution and obey the speed limits.

What Should You Do After a Boating Accident?

After a boating accident, you should ensure that everyone on board is safe. If there are injuries, loss of life, property damage in excess of $2,000 or the total loss of a boat, you are required to report the incident to law enforcement without delay.

As with other accidents, it is essential to gather evidence immediately. You need to collect police reports, witness testimonies, videos, and photos of the scene. A Milwaukee boating accident attorney will help you gather the evidence you need to establish a strong case against the party at fault.

Contact a Milwaukee Boating Accident Attorney

At Natasha Misra Law, we are ready to help you get the compensation you need to move forward after a boat accident. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist in strengthening your case.

Unlike other personal injury cases, filing a lawsuit against a municipality carries a unique set of rules, standards, and limitations. In order to file a claim against the City of Milwaukee, you must comply with the Wisconsin Statutes, Section 893.80, which sets out the process and procedure for bringing a claim.

If you are looking to file a claim against the City, here is what you should know.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Against the City of Milwaukee?

Claims against governmental bodies such as the City of Milwaukee require specific procedures to be followed. Unlike claims against private entities, a notice of claim is to be served upon the City of Milwaukee within 120 days of the incident giving rise to the claim. For such reason, it is crucial to consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Can I Sue the City of Milwaukee for My Injuries?

Before you sue the City for damages, you should speak with a personal injury attorney. Cases involving a municipality’s alleged liability are very difficult to prove and carry rigid procedural standards.

There are special procedures that must be followed relating to the claims process before your can even file a lawsuit in Court against the City.

How Do I File A Claim against the City of Milwaukee for Accident Injuries?

The Wisconsin Statutes require you to submit several types of materials to the City Clerk’s Office:

A document stating the circumstances that led to the claim, signed by you (the claimant) or your attorney. This must be served within 120 days of the event causing your injury.
A document stating your address and the monetary relief you are seeking (in a specific sum).
Proof substantiating your claim by way of either itemized receipts or two itemized estimates.
A phone number where you can be reached during business hours.
Your email address, if any.
A detailed description of the incident, including the date, time, and place.

What Happens If a City of Milwaukee Employee Causes an Accident?

If a City of Milwaukee employee causes an accident while in the course of employment, then the City of Milwaukee can be held liable for the negligent actions of its employee. In this circumstance, you will need to file a claim against the City and follow the required procedures relating to City claims.

Should I Hire A Milwaukee Personal Injury Attorney to Help with My Claim against the City?

Claims against governmental bodies require compliance with special procedures in order to preserve your claim. For such reason, you should reach out to an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney for assistance. A lawyer can help you evaluate your claim, identify your sources of recovery, and prepare for any relevant defenses. While you may think you can go it alone, it is vital to engage the help of a professional who will work to ensure you are positioned to recover as much compensation as possible, so you can move forward with your life.

Contact Natasha Misra Law today to schedule a free consultation by calling our office at (414) 210-3834.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.