Peter Carman

Bar / Professional Activity

• American Association of Justice, Member, 2024 to present
• Wisconsin, 2001
• U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 2001
• U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin, 2001
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2001
• State Bar Moot Court Committee, 2022 to Present
• State Bar Wisconsin Lawyers’ Assistance Program (WISLAP) Committee, 2022 to 2023
• State Bar Ethics Committee, 2015 to 2021
• Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys, Member, 2013 to Present
• Wisconsin Association of Justice, Worker’s Compensation Committee Member, 2013 to Present
• Outagamie County Bar Association, Member, 2004 to Present
• State Bar of Wisconsin, Member, 2001 to Present

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Obtained an over $1.8 million jury verdict in an auto crash resulting in a traumatic brain injury (mTBI/Concussion) case , 2025
• Obtained a $1.1 million combined limits settlement pre-suot in a serious physical injury with scarring hit-and-run motor vehicle versus pedestrian case, 2025
• Obtained a $650,000.00 settlement in a personal injury case involving traumatically induced osteoarthritis of an ankle with an arthroscopic surgery, 2024
• Obtained a $500,000 pre-suit personal injury settlement in a multiple surgeries surgical back case, 2023
• Obtained a $240,000 pre-suit personal injury settlement in a serious physical injury motor vehicle accident case, 2023
• Obtained a $500,000 pre-suit personal injury insurance policy limits settlement in a traumatic brain injury case, 2022
• Obtained a $250,000 settlement in a worker's compensation permanent total disability case, 2022
• Obtained a $265,000 settlement in a worker's compensation vocational retraining case, 2021
• Obtained a presuit $300,000 personal injury settlement in a traumatic brain injury personal injury case, 2019

Videos

• Participated in an interview by a legal nurse consultant discussing what goes into selecting an rejecting personal injury and worker's compensation cases, as well as the competency and ethics considerations that go into those issues, Should I Take That Case?, Legal, Liability Insurance, 2022

Special Licenses / Certifications

• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin , 2001
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit , 2001
• U.S. District Courts, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin , 2001

Pro bono / Community Service

• Grand Chute Kiwanis Club - Interim Club Secretary, 2026
• Presiding Judge, Texas Young Lawyers Association Mock Trial Competition, Region 12, hosted by the University of Wisconsin Law School at the Dane County Courthouse, 2026
• Kiwanis Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District, Division 10 Lieutenant Governor, 2023-2025
• Grand Chute Kiwanis, President, 2022 to 2025
• Grand Chute Kiwanis, Member, 2018 to Present
• Presiding Judge, Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament - Region 3 and Semifinal Competitions, 2026
• Presiding Judge, Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament - Region 3 and Semifinal Competitions, 2025
• Samaritan Counseling Board Development and Governance Committee, Member, 2025
• Board of Directors, Fox Valley Rowing Club, 2021 to Present
• Judge for the High School American Legion Post 38 Oratorical Competition, 2021

Educational Background

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., Honors: With Honors, Majors: Political Science and History, 1991-1995
• Xavier High School in Appleton, Wisconsin, Honors: With Honors, 1988-1991

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• Advising on the mandatory duty to report a fellow lawyer when a reporting lawyer who knows that another lawyer has committed a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct that raises a substantial question as to that lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects to the appropriate professional authority., Speaker, Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession: The Duty to Report Professional Misconduct of Fellow Lawyers, Kid's Chance of Wisconsin, Legal, Liability Insurance, 2021

Other Outstanding Achievements

• Member, The Top Trial Lawyers in America, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2025
• Member, The Top Trial Lawyers in America, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2025
• Invited to the 2021 Wisconsin State Bar G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy.  The Leadership Academy is a comprehensive leadership development-training program created by the State Bar’s Leadership Development Committee.  It’s specifically designed to empower participants with the skills, strategies, and resources to become effective leaders in their careers, communities, local and state bar associations, and the profession itself.  The presenters are highly regarded national and regional speakers in their respective fields., 2022

Firm News (Newsletters)

• Witness statements can strengthen an injury claim by providing independent, outside observations that help confirm what happened, resolve factual disputes, and support both liability and damages. The strongest statements are specific, fact-based, and focused on observable details such as time, location, conditions, and the actions of those involved, especially when they come from neutral witnesses and match physical evidence and reports. Witnesses may help document visible injuries, physical limitations, and post-incident changes that show how the injury affects daily life. It is vitally important to gather witness statements early, before memories fade. Witness statements are most effective when used alongside medical records, photographs, and official reports to create a consistent and stronger overall claim., How can witness statements strengthen your injury claim?, Legal, Personal Injury
• Truck accidents are among some of the most dangerous motor vehicle accidents. While commercial trucks are also invaluable to American infrastructure, passenger vehicles must understand the dangers of sharing the road with trucks with one such significant danger being the risk of cargo spilling into the road.  This article analyzes that risk., Truck accidents and the hazard of cargo spills, Legal, Truck Accidents
• If your Wisconsin workers’ comp claim is denied, the article lays out a basic playbook:Read the denial letter and identify the stated reason (common issues: missed deadlines, incomplete medical support, or a dispute over whether the injury is work-related).Build your evidence file: medical records (reports, notes, diagnostic tests), work records (timecards, incident reports), and witness statements from coworkers if available.Request a hearing with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Hearings, where an administrative law judge reviews both sides’ evidence and decides eligibility for benefits.Prepare for the hearing by organizing all paperwork and being ready to clearly explain how/when the injury happened, what treatment you received, and how it affects your ability to work and income.Track deadlines and notices from DWD closely—missing timelines can delay or end the claim. Bottom line: a denial isn’t the end; staying organized, evidence-driven, and deadline-focused improves your odds of benefits., Steps to take if your workers’ comp case gets denied, Legal, Personal Injury
• A dog bite can turn serious fast if bacteria gets into the wound, causing infections that can spread through tissue or the bloodstream. In extreme cases, doctors may have to amputate to stop the infection, leading to hospitalization, surgery, and long rehab—plus major emotional and financial fallout. Legally (Wisconsin), the summary says Wis. Stat. § 174.02 makes the dog owner strictly liable for injuries their dog causes, even on a “first bite,” and double damages may apply if the dog has bitten before. When complications like infection or amputation happen, claimed damages can include medical bills (past/future), lost income, rehab/prosthetics, and pain and suffering/quality-of-life losses. To recover fully, the focus is on proving the bite caused the infection and resulting consequences using medical records, photos, provider testimony, and detailed billing/expense documentation—plus acting quickly to preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines., What if a dog bite causes a serious infection or amputation?, Legal, Personal Injury
• After a bicycle accident, you can typically seek damages in four main buckets:Medical expenses: ER care, hospital bills, surgery, meds, physical therapy, and future treatment/rehab if your injuries require it.Lost income: wages you missed (including overtime/bonuses/commissions) and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job or duties.Property and out-of-pocket losses: repair/replacement of your bike, helmet, and gear, plus related expenses like transportation or home assistance.Pain and suffering: compensation for physical pain and emotional distress, including reduced quality of life and loss of activities. It also stresses that careful documentation of costs, symptoms, and lifestyle impacts helps support a fair value for the claim., What damages can you claim after a bicycle accident?, Legal, Personal Injury
• In Wisconsin, car accidents are assessed using a comparative negligence system, where each driver’s fault is assigned as a percentage. A driver can recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault, but their compensation will decrease based on their level of responsibility. To determine fault, investigators gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, and video footage. Factors like speeding, distracted driving, or weather conditions can influence the determination of fault. For example, if a driver runs a stop sign, they might bear most of the responsibility, but if the other driver was speeding, they could share some fault. Insurance companies review the evidence to allocate responsibility and settle claims in line with the comparative negligence rules. Understanding this system helps drivers navigate the aftermath of accidents more effectively. If fault is disputed, especially when injuries are involved, consulting a qualified personal injury lawyer is advised., How is AI transforming personal injury law practices?, Legal, Personal Injury
• Truck-crash spinal injuries can range from “soft tissue” problems like whiplash and herniated discs to fractures and spinal cord damage that can cause partial or full paralysis. Even when the injury isn’t catastrophic, the collision forces (compression, twisting, fracture) can trigger long-term pain and functional limits. Common longer-term effects include chronic pain, weakness, reduced mobility, spasms, and coordination problems—sometimes requiring braces, walkers, or wheelchairs. Recovery is often slow and depends on injury severity, with physical therapy and rehab playing a major role. The piece also emphasizes the non-physical toll: major lifestyle changes can drive frustration, anxiety, and depression, and emotional support (family, friends, counseling) helps with adjustment. Long-term adaptation often involves home modifications, assistive technology, and staying engaged in ongoing care to maintain independence and quality of life., What are the effects of spinal injuries from truck accidents?, Legal, Personal Injury, Legal, Truck Accidents

Honors

• America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys
• Avvo Clients' Choice Award
• An invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state or region who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers.  Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase objective and uniformly applied process which includes peer nominations combined with third-party research.  Membership is extended only to the select few of the most qualified attorneys from each state or region who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile measured by objective and uniformly applied standards in compliance with state bar and national Rule 4-7., Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2026
• An invitation-only professional organization composed of and limited to the Top 25 attorneys from each state or region who serve individuals and families who need attorneys to represent them in the American legal system regarding Motor Vehicle claims., Top 25 Motor Vehicle Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2026
• An invitation-only professional organization composed of and limited to the Top 25 attorneys from each state or region who serve individuals and families who need attorneys to represent them in the American legal system regarding worker's compensation claims., Top 25 Worker's Compensation Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2026
• Best Lawyers awards are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America recognizes only the top 5.3% of elite lawyers in the nation across 151 practice areas. Best Lawyers saw a 17% increase in votes received for 2023 over 2022.  Millions of evaluations were considered, including submissions from lawyers with whom they’ve opposed in court, to identify 2025’s exclusive group of Best Lawyers honorees., Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation – Insurance, Best Lawyers in America®, 2026
• Best Lawyers awards are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America recognizes only the top 5.3% of elite lawyers in the nation across 150 practice areas. More than 12 million evaluations were considered, including submissions from lawyers with whom they’ve opposed in court, to identify 2025’s exclusive group of Best Lawyers honorees., Best Lawyers in America® for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants, Best Lawyers in America®, 2025
• Best Lawyers awards are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America recognizes only the top 5.3% of elite lawyers in the nation across 150 practice areas. This year’s awards featured record-breaking voter participation, highlighting the increasing importance of peer recognition within the legal community. More than 3.2 million evaluations were collected for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and over 1.2 million for the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America., Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation – Insurance, Best Lawyers in America®, 2025
• The 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® legal awards has recognized the top 5% of legal talent in private practice throughout the United States. This prestigious list is determined through Best Lawyers' Purely Peer Review® research process, which involves analyzing more than 13.7 million votes. The awards are based on the review of other top lawyers practicing in the same metropolitan and practice areas, reflecting the positive feedback on their peers' skillset, knowledge, and professionalism., Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation – Insurance, Best Lawyers in America®, 2024
• The 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® legal awards has recognized the top 5% of legal talent in private practice throughout the United States. This prestigious list is determined through Best Lawyers' Purely Peer Review® research process, which involves analyzing more than 13.7 million votes. The awards are based on the review of other top lawyers practicing in the same metropolitan and practice areas, reflecting the positive feedback on their peers' skillset, knowledge, and professionalism., Best Lawyers in America® for Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants, Best Lawyers in America®, 2024
• Recognition of no more than 5% of attorneys in the state of Wisconsin for outstanding legal service achieved with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, Wisconsin Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2025
• Recognition of no more than 5% of attorneys in the state of Wisconsin for outstanding legal service achieved with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, Wisconsin Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2024
• Recognition of no more than 5% of attorneys in the state of Wisconsin for outstanding legal service achieved with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, Wisconsin Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2023
• An invitation-only professional organization composed of and limited to the Top 25 attorneys from each state or region who serve individuals and families who need attorneys to represent them in the American legal system regarding worker's compensation claims., Top 25 Worker's Compensation Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2023
• Recognition of no more than 5% of attorneys in the state of Wisconsin for outstanding legal service achieved with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, Wisconsin Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers, 2022
• An invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state or region who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers.  Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase objective and uniformly applied process which includes peer nominations combined with third-party research.  Membership is extended only to the select few of the most qualified attorneys from each state or region who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile measured by objective and uniformly applied standards in compliance with state bar and national Rule 4-7., Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2022
• An invitation-only professional organization composed of and limited to the Top 25 attorneys from each state or region who serve individuals and families who need attorneys to represent them in the American legal system regarding Motor Vehicle claims., Top 25 Motor Vehicle Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2022
• Expertise's goal is to connect people with the best local experts.  They scored Appleton Worker's Compensation Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to provide consumers with a hand-picked list of the 10 best., Among the 10 Best Worker's Compensation Attorneys in Appleton, Expertise, 2022
• Expertise's goal is to connect people with the best local experts.  They scored Appleton Personal Injury Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to provide consumers with a hand-picked list of the 15 best., Among the 15 Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Appleton, Expertise, 2022
• Awarded after achieving at least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.  All 8 of my client reviews are 5.0., Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbll, 2022
• AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2022
• Since 1997, the "Lead Counsel Verified" status has been granted to attorneys who possess The Right Professional Experience and a Spotless Record, Lead Counsel Verified in Worker's Compensation, Personal Injury, and Personal Injury Defense, Thomson Reuters, 2021
• 2018 Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators - Honor limited to only 100 civil defense attorneys in Wisconsin and the top 0.5% of litigators in the Untied States based on civil defense verdicts, exceptional legal achievements, professional expereince, significant case results, peeer reputation, and client satisfaction., America's Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators for Wisconsin, America's Top 100 LLC, 2018

Awards

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Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com

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Avvo Top Contributor: This award is granted to attorneys who have significantly contributed to Avvo.com by answering questions in the Q&A forum, publishing legal guides, or other meaningful contributions to the Avvo community.

Industry Groups

• Insurance