Gende Law Office

Civil Rights / Wrongful Death

Federal Lawsuit against 20 Wisconsin state employees for the death of a young lady who strangled herself while on 24/7 suicide watch at Taycheedah Correctional Institute. Resulted in a final judgment and major changes in how correctional staff handled suicidal inmates.

Wrongful Death / Auto Accident

Represented the estate of a passenger killed in a rental vehicle by an intoxicated driver. Successfully challenged an alcohol exclusion in a case of first impression in Wisconsin, winning at trial and appellate court levels, providing funds to the passenger's family.

Personal Injury / Child Injury

Challenged a school bus company's 'drop and go' service after a young girl was struck by a vehicle upon being dropped off. Appellate court ruled for the first time in Wisconsin that bus companies have the highest duty of care to children, leading to compensation for the client on retrial.

Wrongful Death / Policy Reform

Represented a family whose college son drowned in the Mississippi River. Although no monetary award was received, efforts led to significant policy changes at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse regarding alcohol advertising, changes to the 'Drunk Bus' route and policy, and increased alcohol awareness in the community.

Civil Rights / Wrongful Death

Successfully prosecuted multiple Federal Lawsuits against State and Local authorities for in-custody deaths at facilities including Columbia Correctional Institute, Waukesha Huber Facility, Winnebago Mental Health Institute, and Taycheedah Correctional Institute.