Life in McCook, Nebraska, often moves at a steady and familiar pace. Families gather for community events, neighbors know one another, and daily routines feel predictable. Yet, all it takes is one accident to change everything. A crash on Highway 83, a fall at a grocery store, or a workplace mishap can leave you facing injuries, medical expenses, and uncertainty about the future.

In these difficult times, the guidance of a skilled personal injury lawyer can provide clarity and reassurance. At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, our mission is simple: to protect the rights of accident victims and ensure they are not left alone to carry the financial and emotional burdens of someone else’s negligence.

With nearly three centuries of combined legal experience, our attorneys bring deep knowledge and tested strategies to each case. If you or a loved one has been injured in McCook, NE, we are here to help you navigate the legal system, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.

Personal Injury Case Types We Handle in McCook, Nebraska

At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, our attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury cases. No matter the cause of your accident, we have the resources and dedication to represent you effectively.

The following are some of the practice areas we manage for clients in McCook and surrounding communities:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: This includes car accidents, motorcycle crashes, truck collisions, ATV accidents, and boating accidents. These incidents often involve serious injuries and complex liability issues. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly and work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable.
  • Bicycle and pedestrian accidents: Bicyclists and pedestrians face unique risks on McCook’s roads and walkways. Even at low speeds, collisions with motor vehicles can result in devastating injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. Unfortunately, these accidents are often caused by drivers who fail to yield, drive distracted, or ignore traffic laws designed to protect vulnerable road users.
  • Brain injuries and spinal injuries: These catastrophic injuries often change the course of a victim’s life, leading to ongoing medical needs, rehabilitation, and loss of independence. We fight for compensation that reflects both immediate costs and long-term care needs.
  • Slip-and-fall accidents: Property owners must maintain safe premises. When hazards such as icy sidewalks, broken steps, or poor lighting cause injuries, we pursue premises liability claims on behalf of victims.
  • Workplace injuries: From agricultural accidents to construction site mishaps, workplace injuries are common in Nebraska. While workers’ compensation may provide some coverage, we also investigate whether a negligent third party contributed to your injury.
  • Dog bites and animal attacks: Nebraska law holds pet owners responsible when their animals cause harm. If you or a family member was bitten or attacked, we can help you recover damages.
  • Product liability: Defective or dangerous products put consumers at risk. Whether the harm comes from a faulty appliance, an unsafe children’s toy, or a hazardous medical device, we hold manufacturers and distributors accountable.
  • Medical malpractice: When doctors, nurses, or hospitals fail to meet the appropriate standard of care, patients can suffer lasting harm. We represent clients in cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and negligence during childbirth.
  • Wrongful death: When negligence leads to the loss of life, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. We provide compassionate representation while pursuing financial stability for grieving families.

What to Do After a Personal Injury in McCook, Nebraska

The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, and it is easy to feel unsure about your next steps. Taking the right actions early can protect both your health and your legal rights.

  1. Seek medical care immediately. Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries may worsen without treatment. Visiting a doctor creates documentation that will be important for any future claim.
  2. Report the incident. Call law enforcement for car accidents, notify supervisors about workplace injuries, or request an incident report for slip-and-falls. Official reports strengthen your case.
  3. Gather evidence. Photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards are valuable. Witness names and contact information should also be recorded.
  4. Avoid admitting fault. Simple apologies or statements can be twisted by insurers to reduce your claim.
  5. Keep detailed records. Save medical bills, prescription receipts, lost wage documentation, and any communication with insurers.
  6. Stay off social media. Posts about your activities or accidents can be used against you, even if they seem harmless.
  7. Consult a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer will explain your rights, handle communications, and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Why Hire a McCook, NE Personal Injury Lawyer?

Choosing a personal injury lawyer is about more than legal experience, it is about trust. You need someone who understands Nebraska’s legal system, knows how insurance companies operate, and will put your recovery first.

Here are some of the reasons clients choose Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC:

  • Extensive experience: With nearly 300 years of combined knowledge, our attorneys have handled virtually every type of personal injury case.
  • Proven track record: We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
  • Contingency fee representation: You do not pay unless we win compensation for you.
  • Local insight: We understand the courts, judges, and legal processes in McCook and across Nebraska.
  • Personalized service: Every client’s situation is unique. We tailor our approach to your specific needs and goals.

Understanding Nebraska’s Personal Injury Laws

Nebraska law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. In most cases, you have four years from the date of injury to file. However, claims involving medical malpractice or government entities may have shorter deadlines. Missing these time limits can mean losing your right to compensation.

The state also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you are 50 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages at all. Insurance companies may use this rule to their advantage, so having a skilled attorney to defend your interests is essential.

Maximizing Compensation for Your Injuries

Recovering fair compensation is about more than covering immediate expenses. Serious injuries often require long-term care and may affect your ability to work or enjoy life as you once did. Our attorneys carefully evaluate all aspects of your claim to ensure you are pursuing the maximum recovery possible.

Damages may include:

  • Medical expenses, including hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future treatment needs
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
  • Property damage repairs or replacements
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium or companionship

By accounting for both economic and non-economic damages, we ensure your settlement or verdict reflects the true impact of your injury.

Speak With a McCook, NE Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Recovering from an accident is not only about healing physically but also about restoring your financial stability and peace of mind. At Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC, we are committed to supporting McCook residents through every step of the personal injury process.

Our personal injury attorneys provide compassionate guidance, strong advocacy, and determined representation, whether negotiating with insurers or taking your case to court. We proudly serve McCook and the surrounding Nebraska communities, including Gothenburg, Auburn, Ogallala, and Valentine, helping injury victims seek justice and fair compensation.

Call us 24/7 at (402) 241-5020 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us take on the legal challenges so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.