Don C. Prachthauser, Personal Injury Attorney in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Waukesha, WI
Trusted personal injury attorney serving Waukesha.
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Are you Don C. Prachthauser?
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Quick answer
Don C. Prachthauser is an attorney based in Waukesha, WISCONSIN. The practice focuses on Personal Injury. Currently practicing at Murphy & Prachthauser SC.
- Based in
- Waukesha, WISCONSIN
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Personal Injury
- Handles Personal Injury matters from Waukesha, WISCONSIN.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Milwaukee) (2024).
About Don C. Prachthauser: Don C. Prachthauser is an attorney based in Waukesha, WISCONSIN. The practice focuses on Personal Injury. Currently practicing at Murphy & Prachthauser SC.
Areas of practice
Don's practice areas in Waukesha
Don concentrates on personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Don handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Personal Injury cases in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Don takes personal injury matters in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Don agrees to represent you.
Biography
Don C. Prachthauser, personal injury attorney serving Waukesha
Don C. Prachthauser is an attorney based in Waukesha, WISCONSIN. The practice focuses on Personal Injury. Currently practicing at Murphy & Prachthauser SC. Don works from Waukesha, Wisconsin and takes on personal injury matters across the region.
Mr. Prachthauser was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 7, 1951. Prior to joining the firm, he was House Counsel for Employers Insurance of Wausau. He is married to Joan Marie, and they reside in Hartland, Wisconsin. He has two daughters, Emily and Tracy.
LecturesMr. Prachthauser is a frequent presenter and speaker for the State Bar of Wisconsin, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has been a Civil Trial Practice Instructor at the University of Wisconsin Madison-Law School.
Personal CommentsOur team approach to the practice of law not only makes us highly effective, but also makes the practice very enjoyable. I am very proud to be associated with each and every member of our law firm.
Working with Don on a personal injury matter
Background Mr. Prachthauser was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 7, 1951. Prior to joining the firm, he was House Counsel for Employers Insurance of Wausau. He is married to Joan Marie, and they reside in Hartland, Wisconsin. He has two daughters, Emily and Tracy. Lectures Mr. Prachthauser is a frequent presenter and speaker for the State Bar of Wisconsin, American Board of Trial…
Who Don represents
Don reviews new inquiries case-by-case for personal injury matters in Waukesha and the surrounding Wisconsin area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Don studied and practices
Marquette University
J.D. · 1977
University of Wisconsin–Madison
BA · 1972
Jurisdictions
Don's state bar admissions
Wisconsin, Wisconsin
ACTIVE
United States, Unite
ACTIVE
Don studied at J.D. in Marquette University and BA in University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Law school and academic background
Don completed J.D. in Marquette University and BA in University of Wisconsin–Madison. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Don runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Don's legal honors and published work
Don has received 14 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Milwaukee)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Milwaukee)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Milwaukee)
2013
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Wisconsin Association for Justice - Trial Lawyer of the Year 2007
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers - Top 10 Attorneys in Wisconsin 2008-2011
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers - Top 25 Attorneys in Milwaukee 2011-Present
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers - Top 50 Attorneys in Wisconsin 2005-Present
2026
Best Lawyers in America — American College of Trial Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — International Academy of Trial Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — International Society of Barristers
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Milwaukee) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Milwaukee) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Milwaukee) (2013). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation (2026).
Locations
Office locations for Don C. Prachthauser in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Don's primary office is at Waukesha, Wisconsin, 53188. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Don C. Prachthauser
Don has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Don C. Prachthauser — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new personal injury attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Don usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Don charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Don's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Don will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a personal injury attorney in Waukesha, Wisconsin
A short list to run through before you commit: How many personal injury matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Don
Don discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in personal injury practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every personal injury matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Don confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Don's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many personal injury practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Don C. Prachthauser
How much does it cost to hire Don for a personal injury case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Don walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Don offer a free consultation?
Don charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Don's office. Some personal injury attorneys offer free consults — check Don's current terms during booking.
How long do personal injury cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple personal injury matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Don gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Don take my case if I'm outside Waukesha?
Don is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Don will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Don?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Don will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Don accepting new personal injury clients right now?
Don's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Personal Injury attorneys serving Waukesha, Milwaukee and Madison in Wisconsin
Don handles personal injury matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified personal injury attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated personal injury attorneys in Wisconsin
If Don's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these personal injury attorneys in Waukesha handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





