Personal Injury / Wrongful Death

The trial lawyers at Bugbee & Conkle, LLP have extensive experience in personal injury/wrongful death claims. Because of our advocacy skills, we have earned an outstanding reputation among our peers in the legal community as effective advocates representing individuals and families of those injured or killed through the fault of another. Bugbee and Conkle represents individuals and families of those injured or killed in personal injury and wrongful death actions arising from motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and medical mishaps.

We recognize that the majority of personal injury claims involve complexities that are not obvious to the average person and which may significantly affect the viability of the claim. Our lawyers possess a keen understanding of insurance laws, safety regulations, medical issues, and litigation practices, all of which are critical to representation in personal injury matters. We are sensitive to the needs of our clients and their families, who invariably have suffered a level of personal loss. Bugbee & Conkle’s lawyers utilize their expertise to quickly and effectively resolve personal injury claims and achieve favorable results for clients through litigation and/or settlement.

A typical claim will include some or all of the following stages:



The Incident

  • At-Scene Investigation
  • Insurance Company Investigation
  • Attorney Investigation


    • The Insurance Claim

  • Contacting Your Insurance Company
  • Contacting The Negligent Person's Insurance Company
  • The Settlement Demand


    • The Lawsuit

  • When, Why and Where to File a Lawsuit
  • Court Rules and Requirements
  • Discovery
  • Arbitration/Mediation
  • Trial


    • A case typically begins as a claim brought against the negligent person's insurance coverage (or if none is available, against the injured party's uninsured insurance coverage).

    The resolution of a case, even at this early claims stage, is often a legally complex and complicated process, and includes:

  • Determining who specifically may assert the claim.
  • Determining the nature, proof and valuation of injuries.
  • Preparing and filing all necessary paperwork to establish the claim.
  • Protecting against the expiration of a claim due to the passage of a statute of limitations.
  • Collecting and presenting evidence of the negligent party's responsibility.
  • Presenting and negotiating formal settlement demands.
  • Preparing and filing a lawsuit, if necessary, to preserve the injured party's legal rights.


    • If it becomes necessary for a lawsuit to be filed, the case may also require:



  • Preparing and filing all documents required by local and state rules.
  • Establishing a strategy for exchanging evidence through the process of discovery.
  • Participating in mediation or court-ordered arbitration.
  • Negotiating with insurance adjusters and other attorneys for fair settlement of the claim.
  • If necessary, preparing for and conducting a trial.


    • Securing payment of any negotiated settlement, binding award or jury verdict.



    If you have a question about a personal injury/wrongful death matter please contact Andrew J. Wilhelms (awilhelms@bugbee-conkle.com) at (419) 244-6788 or use the e-form under the Contact Us menu item on this site.