Did You Lose a Loved One?
Protecting the Injured in Wisconsin & Minnesota

Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Eau Claire, River Falls & La Crosse, Wisconsin
The pain of losing a loved one never passes. An untimely death only compounds that pain. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or malpractice, the Wisconsin wrongful death lawyers of Bye, Goff & Rohde want you to get the justice you deserve.
Based in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse, our wrongful death lawyers have served the people of Wisconsin and Minnesota since 1974. We care about our neighbors and want to be there for you at this crucial point in your life. We understand the pain of losing someone close to you. That’s why we take the time to listen to you, and we will be there for you when you need us for support, advice, and legal services.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law defines wrongful death as a claim that arises when a person dies as the result of another’s wrongful act, negligence, or fault, and the deceased would have had a personal injury claim had they survived. Families who face this tragedy are left with profound grief and major financial and emotional burdens that make an already painful situation even more overwhelming.
For families in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse, pursuing a wrongful death claim with Bye, Goff & Rohde is not about assigning blame—it is about seeking accountability, securing justice, and ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable. Wrongful death actions also provide essential financial stability during a difficult time.
A Focus on Justice
At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we will strive to get you the compensation to help pay for predictable bills like the mortgage, daily living expenses, the loss of your loved one’s income, the loss of inheritance for your children, and the cost of funeral expenses.
No one can ever replace the companionship, love, and care of your lost family member, but you should not suffer financially for someone else’s carelessness. We can help you secure a stable financial future.
A Focus on Your Family
In the aftermath of your loved one’s death, you may not want to plunge into a potentially complex legal battle. Let us take up your interests to lighten your load. There are strict time limits for filing that we can manage once you let us get to work for you. This is about achieving closure while protecting your family.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Wisconsin?
According to Wisconsin Statute §893.54, you typically have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. However, if your loved one’s death occurred in a motor vehicle accident, you only have two years from the date of the fatal crash to file a lawsuit.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the following parties have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- A personal representative of the deceased’s estate
- A spouse
- A domestic partner
- The children of the deceased
- The parents of the deceased
- Siblings of the deceased (in some cases)
Because multiple parties may be affected by the loss, wrongful death claims can sometimes involve disputes over who has the legal standing to bring the case and how compensation should be distributed. Families in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse can trust our wrongful death attorneys to provide guidance in this process.
Our experienced lawyers can answer questions about Wisconsin state laws, complex family dynamics, and estates. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, our team will help ensure that the rights of all eligible survivors are honored and that the process remains as fair and transparent as possible. Read more in our article, “Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?”
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases
Fatal accidents have numerous causes. Below are some of the most common kinds of accidents or acts of negligence that lead to wrongful death lawsuits.
Auto Accidents
Car accidents are among the most common, particularly those involving reckless driving, drunk driving, or distracted driving. Our attorneys also assist families who’ve lost loved ones in fatal motorcycle accidents and large truck accidents. These kinds of tragedies can happen in all Wisconsin communities, whether the crash occurs on a highway, a rural road, or in city traffic.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is another leading cause of wrongful death. When doctors, nurses, surgeons, or healthcare facilities fail to provide the accepted standard of care, their mistakes can be catastrophic if not fatal. We’ve worked on wrongful death cases that stem from delayed or incorrect diagnoses, surgical errors, and medication errors.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents, especially in industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, also lead to wrongful death claims. These cases could be filed against employers who failed to provide safe working conditions or third parties whose negligence caused or contributed to a fatal accident.
Unsafe Premises
Poorly maintained spaces can lead to all kinds of serious accidents and fatal injuries. This includes serious slips, trips, or falls, exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances, or electrocution due to poor wiring or exposed wires.
Defective Products
Product liability law covers a wide range of products and potential defects, including unsafe machinery, dangerous consumer goods, and deadly pharmaceuticals and supplements. If any kind of product caused or contributed to the loss of a loved one, our wrongful death lawyers will hold the makers, marketers, or distributors accountable.
The Types of Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases
Wisconsin law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation to address the tangible and intangible losses caused by wrongful death. While no legal remedy can ever replace a loved one, these damages often include medical expenses related to the final illness or injury, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
Families may also recover damages for loss of companionship, love, guidance, and care. The emotional impact of losing a spouse, parent, or child is immense, and Wisconsin courts recognize the importance of acknowledging this irreplaceable loss. In certain cases, punitive damages may be available if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional.
At Bye, Goff & Rohde, our wrongful death attorneys in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse help ensure that all potential damages are fully explored and documented after the loss of a loved one. We will work with financial experts to project the amount of your loved one’s lost income. Our lawyers will also work with medical professionals and counselors who can testify to the enduring impact of the loss on surviving family members.
The Wrongful Death Legal Process in Wisconsin
Pursuing a wrongful death claim in Wisconsin involves several steps, each requiring meticulous preparation and strict adherence to state laws and deadlines. The process typically begins with a consultation to determine eligibility, review the circumstances, and assess potential liability. Once a claim is initiated, attorneys gather evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
Wrongful death cases often involve negotiation with insurance companies, corporations, or healthcare providers. These entities are typically represented by experienced defense attorneys who aim to minimize liability and reduce settlement amounts. Without strong representation, families may face unnecessary delays or inadequate compensation.
If settlement negotiations do not result in a fair resolution, the case may proceed to trial. A jury or judge then evaluates the evidence and determines liability and damages. Having skilled trial lawyers on your side is crucial, as the courtroom is where the strongest advocacy often makes the most significant difference.
Why Local Experience Matters in Wisconsin Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases are not handled in isolation—they are shaped by local courts, judges, juries, and even the character of the community itself. Families in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse deserve attorneys who understand the local legal landscape and have built relationships with area experts, medical providers, and investigators.
Eau Claire is a hub for both healthcare and manufacturing, meaning that wrongful death cases often arise out of medical malpractice or workplace accidents. River Falls, with its strong agricultural and small-business economy, presents unique risks where farm and equipment-related accidents are more common. La Crosse, situated along major transportation routes and home to large hospitals, sees cases stemming from truck accidents, medical errors, and industrial incidents.
Bye, Goff & Rohde is based in these communities. Our wrongful death attorneys understand how to frame cases in ways that resonate with local juries and address the unique challenges of each region. Local knowledge not only strengthens a case but also provides families with a trusted partner close to home during their most difficult moments.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits Hold Negligent Parties Accountable
One of the central purposes of wrongful death claims is accountability. When negligence leads to the loss of life, it is not only a private tragedy but also a public concern. Each successful wrongful death case sends a clear message that reckless or negligent behavior will not go unchecked. Whether the defendant is a careless driver, a negligent medical provider, an unsafe employer, or a corporation that released a dangerous product, holding them accountable ensures safer practices and prevents similar tragedies in the future.
Accountability also provides closure for families. Knowing that justice has been pursued helps survivors begin the long process of healing. It affirms that their loved one’s life mattered and that their death was not overlooked by the legal system.
How Our Wrongful Death Attorney in Wisconsin Can Help
Wrongful death cases require legal skill, compassion, and sensitivity. Attorneys guiding families through this process must balance aggressive advocacy with understanding and respect. From managing complex paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies to preparing evidence and presenting arguments in court, wrongful death attorneys take on the burden so that families can focus on grieving and healing.
Families who live in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse can trust our wrongful death attorneys to provide the legal representation they need. Our local law firm knows the courts in these parts of Wisconsin, and our lawyers can respond quickly if you have questions or other urgent legal needs. Having a strong advocate by your side ensures that deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and every legal avenue for recovery is pursued.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Wisconsin
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compassionate support and strong legal representation. Families in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse can turn to the experienced wrongful death attorneys of Bye, Goff & Rohde. We will fight tirelessly to ensure your loved one’s story is heard and their rights are respected. To request a free consultation with a law firm that has handled wrongful death cases for over 50 years, contact our Wisconsin law offices today.