Omaha Personal Injury Attorneys Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

Whether it’s a crippling fall on a poorly maintained property or a devastating car crash, you need a strong advocate, especially when your injury was the result of another party’s negligence. At Walz Law Offices, our approach is simple: aggressive advocacy paired with compassionate service.

For years, our personal injury lawyers have served as a voice for injured workers and families across Nebraska, especially those in Hispanic, Somali, Ethiopian and other African immigrant communities. We understand the real-life impact of your injury, from medical bills to lost wages. We will gather evidence and prepare your case with great care, fighting to get the compensation you need.

Understanding Personal Injury Claims In Nebraska

A personal injury claim is a legal action you can take when you suffer harm because another person or company acted carelessly or negligently. It’s a way to seek financial recovery for injuries that impact your life. However, it requires showing that the at-fault party had a duty to be careful, breached that duty and directly caused your injury.

Our personal injury lawyers help clients pursue claims in a wide range of situations, including:

• Car accidents: From a simple fender bender to a catastrophic semi-truck collision on I-80, our car accident lawyers have experience with the complex issues that can come up in these cases. We work to prove driver negligence, which may involve distracted driving, speeding or driving under the influence.
• Medical malpractice: We trust health care professionals to provide a reasonable standard of care. However, when they fall short, the results can be devastating. Our attorneys work to hold doctors, nurses or hospitals accountable for errors in diagnosis, surgical mistakes or incorrect treatment that cause a patient’s injury or worsening condition.
• Slip-and-fall accidents: Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for guests and visitors. If they fail to do so, our premises liability accident attorneys can help you seek damages for your injuries. This includes accidents caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting or other hazards.
• Product liability: Manufacturers have a responsibility to design, produce and sell safe products. When a defective product – from a faulty piece of equipment to a dangerous car part – causes you harm, you can file a product liability claim.

No matter the cause of your injury, our personal injury lawyers are ready to assess your case. We provide the support you deserve while building the strong, fact-based claim you need.

Types Of Personal Injuries And Their Impact

A personal injury can range from minor to life-altering, leaving lasting effects on victims and their families. Some of the most devastating injuries we commonly see include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These injuries usually occur in car accidents or falls. They can lead to long-term cognitive issues such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality changes and physical limitations.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord often results in partial or complete paralysis below the injury site. Victims often face ongoing medical care and physical therapy, as well as the need for adaptive equipment. All of these can result in financial and emotional strain on families.
• Amputations: Particularly serious accidents, especially in industrial settings or with certain machinery, can lead to the loss of a limb. This often requires multiple surgeries, prosthetic fittings and intensive rehabilitation. Beyond the physical pain, victims often experience psychological trauma, as well as limitations in their professional and personal lives.

When severe injuries happen, you need compensation that covers more than just immediate medical bills. You need financial resources for long-term care, the income you will lose, and your pain and suffering. Our personal injury lawyers will work relentlessly to build a case that reflects your injury’s full impact and what you need to recover.

Filing A Personal Injury Claim And A Workers’ Compensation Claim

When an accident on the job leaves you injured, you might think your only choice is to file a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on the details of your case, however, you might be able to file both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury claim at the same time. This is often an option when someone other than your employer or a coworker is responsible for your injury. Examples include:

• Car accidents: If you’re a delivery driver or commercial trucker and another driver hits you while you’re on the clock, you could file two separate claims: one with your employer and one against the at-fault driver.
• Incidents involving defective equipment: Many jobs involve the use of heavy machinery. If a machine’s design or a manufacturing defect causes an accident, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
• Construction sites: If you are injured due to the negligence of a subcontractor, you could have a third-party claim against that company.

Unfortunately, pursuing both claims can be challenging. Workers’ compensation insurance companies often have a right to be reimbursed for the benefits they pay if you receive a settlement from a third-party claim. This is known as subrogation. Our personal injury attorneys have experience with this process, and we will study your case meticulously to seek full and fair compensation from all available sources.

Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

If you have questions about your personal injury claim, our lawyers have answers. Here are answers to common questions we receive from our clients:

How do personal injury cases differ from workers’ compensation claims if you were injured at work by a third party?

Workers’ compensation in Nebraska is a “no-fault” system. This means you can receive benefits for medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, in return for these guaranteed benefits, you generally cannot sue your employer.

A personal injury case, on the other hand, is based on negligence. Your lawyer must prove that a third party was at fault. This type of claim can help you recover a much wider range of damages, such as pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not cover.

What makes an injury “catastrophic,” and why does this classification matter for your case value?

While there is no single legal definition for a catastrophic injury, it generally refers to a severe injury that results in:

• Long-term or permanent disability
• Disfigurement
• Loss of bodily function

In short, a catastrophic injury is usually one that drastically and permanently changes your life and ability to work. This can directly affect the value of your personal injury claim. Our personal injury lawyers work to calculate all long-term damages, including ongoing medical treatments, future lost income and the impact on your quality of life. We will pursue a compensation amount that reflects the true cost of your injuries.

Work With An Attorney Who Understands: Call Us Today

If a serious injury has left you unable to work or dealing with overwhelming medical bills, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Contact our office in Omaha today at 402-998-5044 to schedule an appointment. The first consultation is always free. You can also send us your questions or concerns through our online form.