Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Wisconsin and Minnesota
The unexpected death of a loved one can leave a family facing grief, unanswered questions, and financial uncertainty. When a death may have been caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, families deserve clear information about their legal options.
Bosshard Parke represents families in wrongful death claims throughout western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. Attorney Howard J. Eglash investigates what happened, identifies the parties and insurance coverage that may be responsible, documents the family’s losses, and pursues a fair resolution under the law that applies to the claim.
You do not have to sort through the legal and insurance process alone. Fill out the form to request a free consultation about a potential wrongful death claim.
Schedule a Free Wrongful Death Consultation
What Families Can Do After a Fatal Accident
No family should be expected to manage every detail immediately after a loss. When circumstances allow, the following steps may help preserve important information and reduce avoidable complications.
- Obtain official reports and records. Request the police report, incident report, death certificate, and other available records related to the death.
- Preserve available evidence. Keep photographs, video, correspondence, damaged property, vehicle information, and any other materials that may help explain what happened.
- Keep financial documentation. Save funeral and burial invoices, medical bills, income records, benefit information, and documents showing financial support or household services provided by your loved one.
- Avoid detailed insurance statements before getting advice. Insurers may request recorded statements, authorizations, or releases before the family understands the full legal effect of signing them.
- Identify estate or court responsibilities. Wrongful death claims may involve a personal representative, an eligible family member, or a court-appointed trustee, depending on the state and circumstances.
- Contact personal injury attorney Howard J. Eglash promptly. He can help preserve evidence, evaluate applicable deadlines, and explain the next steps for a Wisconsin or Minnesota claim.
Wrongful Death Claims in Wisconsin and Minnesota
Wrongful death laws differ between Wisconsin and Minnesota, including who may bring the action, how a claim is administered, which losses may be recovered, and how long the family has to act. Bosshard Parke represents families in both states and can evaluate the state-specific issues that may affect a claim.
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A wrongful death claim may arise when a person or organization fails to use reasonable care and that conduct causes another person’s death. Potential situations include:
- Fatal car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck or commercial vehicle crashes
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Dangerous property conditions
- Other fatal incidents involving negligence or wrongful conduct
The person directly involved may not be the only responsible party. Depending on the facts, an employer, commercial vehicle company, property owner, contractor, or other person or organization may also need to be investigated.
How Bosshard Parke Builds a Wrongful Death Case
A wrongful death case requires both a careful investigation of the fatal incident and a respectful, complete understanding of the person and family affected. Bosshard Parke works to identify the evidence, responsible parties, insurance coverage, legal requirements, and full effect of the loss.
Wrongful Death Claims We Handle
- Fatal car and motorcycle accidents
- Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
- Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities
- Dangerous property or roadway conditions
- Other fatal incidents caused by negligence or wrongful conduct
Our Wrongful Death Case Process
Meet Our Personal Injury Attorney
Attorney Howard J. Eglash brings more than 35 years of trial and litigation experience to Bosshard Parke’s personal injury practice. He has represented individuals and families in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, and other serious injuries.
Howard is admitted to practice in Wisconsin and Minnesota and previously served as President of the La Crosse County Bar Association. Regardless of the size of the case, he believes every client deserves personal attention, clear guidance, and compassionate representation.
Why Choose Bosshard Parke for a Wrongful Death Claim?
- Decades of Injury and Trial Experience. Bosshard Parke brings extensive experience in investigation, negotiation, mediation, and litigation to serious injury and wrongful death matters.
- Personal Attention From an Experienced Attorney. Families receive direct guidance, practical answers, and representation tailored to their circumstances.
- Wisconsin and Minnesota Representation. Bosshard Parke represents families throughout western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota, including the La Crosse, Sparta, La Crescent, and Winona areas.
- Detailed Case Preparation. We investigate the death, identify responsible parties and insurance, document the family’s losses, and address state-specific procedural requirements.
- Prepared to Negotiate or Litigate. We pursue a fair resolution through careful case-building and negotiation while remaining prepared to take the case to court when necessary.
- Free Wrongful Death Case Evaluation. Initial case evaluations are free. Wrongful death matters are handled on a contingency basis, and the written fee agreement explains attorney fees and responsibility for case expenses.
Howard Eglash was my attorney at the firm and he has gone to great lengths in my situation. The firms attorneys are without a doubt the best in the La Crosse area as Mr. Eglash is the most professional I have seen.
Bosshard Parke Client
Wrongful Death Representation Across the Region
With offices in La Crosse and Sparta, Bosshard Parke represents families in wrongful death matters throughout western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota.
Office Locations
- La Crosse, WI
- Sparta, WI
Additional Areas We Serve
- Onalaska, WI
- West Salem, WI
- Black River Falls, WI
- Holmen, WI
- Tomah, WI
- Vernon County, WI
- La Crescent, MN
- Winona, MN
Don’t see your area listed above? Give us a call at 608-782-1469.
Wrongful Death Claims FAQs
What is considered a wrongful death?
A wrongful death may occur when a person dies because of another person or organization’s negligent, reckless, or otherwise wrongful conduct. Whether a claim exists depends on the cause of death, available evidence, applicable law, and the relationship between the conduct and the death.
What compensation may be available in a wrongful death claim?
Depending on the state and circumstances, a claim may address funeral expenses, medical expenses related to the final injury, lost financial support, loss of services, and certain losses involving companionship, care, guidance, or society. Other damages may be available in particular cases. State-specific rules and limitations apply.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival claim?
A wrongful death claim generally addresses losses resulting from the death, including losses suffered by eligible surviving family members. A survival claim generally preserves certain claims the deceased person could have pursued if they had lived. The claims may overlap or proceed together, depending on the state and facts.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
In general, a Wisconsin wrongful death claim arising from a motor vehicle accident must be filed within two years. In Minnesota, a wrongful death action generally must be filed within three years of the date of death and no later than six years after the act or omission. Different deadlines may apply to medical negligence, intentional acts, government entities, and other circumstances. Speak with an attorney promptly rather than relying on a general deadline.
What if my loved one may have been partly at fault?
Possible fault by the person who died does not necessarily end the inquiry. Wisconsin and Minnesota use comparative-fault rules, but the standards differ. Any recovery may be reduced or barred depending on how fault is allocated. The evidence should be investigated before an insurer’s conclusion is accepted.
How much does it cost to hire Bosshard Parke?
Bosshard Parke offers a free wrongful death case evaluation. These matters are handled on a contingency basis, meaning attorney fees are not owed unless compensation is recovered. The written fee agreement will explain the terms and responsibility for case expenses.
Talk With a Wrongful Death Attorney Serving Wisconsin and Minnesota
If your family has lost a loved one in circumstances involving possible negligence or wrongful conduct, you may have questions about responsibility, insurance, court requirements, financial losses, and filing deadlines. Bosshard Parke can review what happened, explain which state laws may apply, and help you decide what to do next.
To schedule a free wrongful death case evaluation, call 608-782-1469, or request a consultation below.