Michael Hupy

Attorney Michael F. Hupy is the senior partner in the billion dollar law firm of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. overseeing 11 offices in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. In his career, he has achieved multi-million dollar results for clients including a $22 million award for an injured child.

Through Attorney Hupy's leadership, the firm has donated over $1 million to thousands of worthwhile causes.

In December 2008, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle presented Attorney Hupy with a Certificate of Commendation for many years of leadership in making "the community a better place to live." The Governor previously publicly thanked Attorney Hupy for his help in reversing a unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that could have reduced damages for injured motorcyclists.

In 2009, the State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs presented Attorney Hupy with a commendation for making a $5,000 donation to the Veteran's Assistance Program in recognition of Dave Zien's million-mile ride. Attorney Hupy was on the back of Zien's bike when he reached the million-mile mark on April 4, 2009.

Attorney Hupy has been AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for more than 20 years. This is the Gold Standard of Lawyer Ratings - highest possible peer review rating in legal ability and ethical standards - and has been since 1987. This award is the pinnacle of professional excellence earned through a strenuous Peer Review Process that is managed by the world's most trusted legal resources - not made up ratings and scores based on posts, reviews, and responses to public forums.

In 2019, Attorney Hupy was a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award presented by The Marquis Who’s Who Publications Board. This award is an honor reserved for Marquis Biographies who have achieved career longevity and demonstrated unwavering excellence in their field.

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Slip-and-Fall
• Negligent Security

• Free Consultation

Illinois

Wisconsin

Senior Partner

Hupy and Abraham, S.C.

1972 - Current

Marquette University of Law

1972

Marquette University

B.A. (1968)

1968

Certified Civil Trial Specialist

National Board of Trial Advocacy

2014

Top Local Advocate

Top Local Advocate

2014

Leaders in Law

Wisconsin Law Journal

2013

AV Preeminent Rated

Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Super Lawyers

Super Lawyer

2005

Wisconsin State Bar  # 1014322

Member

Current

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Member

Current

Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers Board of Directors

Member

Current

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Member

Current

Hupy & Abraham Watch For Motorcycles Awareness Program

Founder

Current

$18.2 Million Settlement in Tort Claim Against the U.S. Government

www.hupy.com

$22 Million Settlement in Three Trials for Seven-Year-Old Laotian Boy

www.hupy.com

$5 Million Settlement for 16-year-old Passenger in Truck Accident

www.hupy.com

COA

Attorney Michael Hupy, president of Hupy and Abraham, served on the board of directors for Children’s Outing Association for seven years and has been named one of the organization’s “Parents of the Year” along with his wife, Suzanne. He has presented to the children at both of their centers including a “Summer Safety” Program.

Crime Stoppers Press Conferences

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thbHDpwt6Hk

Annual MLK Special Event, Racine Unified School District

Guest presenter at the Annual MLK Special Event for the Racine Unified School District. He was the precursory speech inspiring student and then introduced Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

Local Television Programs

Attorney Hupy has been a guest expert on local television programs numerous times to spread awareness about various safety issues, including crime and pedestrian safety. He has been President of Milwaukee Crime Stoppers a member of “MilWALKee Walks,” a recently formed pedestrian-based coalition since its creation in 2016.

Diversity in Business Award

Wisconsin Law Journal

2019

Top Local Activist

Shepherd Express

2016

Lifetime Service Award

Milwaukee Community Journal

2016

Distinguished Service Award

Milwaukee Bar Association

2015

Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist

National Board of Trial Advocacy

2014

Leaders in Law

Wisconsin Law Journal

2013

Service Award

Center for Entrepreneurship

2012

Certificate of Commendation

Wisconsin Government

Certificate of Commendation

State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

AV Preeminent Rated

Martindale Hubbell

Q. Car damaged by a porta-potty during a storm. Who would be liable (company who rented, the porta potty company, or both)?

January 7, 2025

A: Determining liability for the damage caused by the porta-potty during the storm can be complex, and it largely depends on several factors, including contracts, local laws, and whether negligence was involved. Here’s an overview of the potential liable parties:

1. Porta-Potty Company:

The porta-potty company may have some liability, especially if the toilet was not properly secured or anchored. In many cases, companies providing portable toilets are responsible for ensuring that their units are safely anchored to withstand typical weather conditions, including high winds. If the company failed to secure the porta-potty properly, they could be liable for the damage to your car.

The fact that the company is offering only half the repair cost might suggest they believe they share partial responsibility, but they may be denying full liability, possibly because they feel that the storm was an exceptional event that wasn't fully foreseeable.

2. Homebuilding Company:

The homebuilding company could be liable if the porta-potty was placed in a location that they controlled or if the location contributed to the incident. If they arranged for the porta-potty or if the unit was on their property (such as in the construction zone), they could be partially responsible, particularly if they failed to properly manage or monitor the placement of the portable toilet during the storm.

However, it’s unlikely that the homebuilding company would be directly responsible unless they were negligent in their oversight of the construction site or specifically contracted with the porta-potty company without ensuring proper safeguards.

3. Weather and Act of God:

If the damage occurred because of an unusually severe storm or "act of God" (an event that could not have been predicted or prevented), it may be harder to hold either party fully liable. However, this would only apply if the porta-potty was reasonably secured and the storm was truly extreme. A well-anchored porta-potty should withstand normal storm conditions.

Would Small Claims Court Be Worth It?

If the porta-potty company is offering half of the repair cost, and you believe they are responsible for the full amount, you could potentially take them to small claims court for the remaining cost. Small claims court can be an affordable way to seek compensation for property damage, and the process is typically simpler and quicker than filing a lawsuit in a higher court.

Before proceeding, consider these points:

• Evidence: Gather all evidence showing that the porta-potty was improperly secured (photos, witness statements, etc.) and any communication you’ve had with both the porta-potty company and the homebuilder.

• Insurance: Check with your auto insurance to see if your policy covers storm-related damage. Your insurer might also assist in pursuing a claim against the responsible party.

• Negotiation: Since the porta-potty company is already offering half of the repair cost, you may try negotiating with them further before filing a claim.

In conclusion, the porta-potty company seems to have some responsibility, but depending on the specifics of the storm and your contract with them, the homebuilder might also share some liability. It’s likely worth pursuing small claims court if the porta-potty company refuses to cover the full cost of repairs, but make sure you have solid evidence to support your case. ... Read More

Q. I get a hereby summoned by hit a pedestrian, and the office that filed the complaint wants to talk to me ?

January 7, 2025

A: It seems you're dealing with a complex legal situation related to a pedestrian accident, where the plaintiff (the person who was hit) claims significant physical and mental damages that exceed the coverage provided by your insurance. You also mentioned that the person who delivered the summons suggested you contact the plaintiff's lawyer’s office. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening:

1. Why the Plaintiff's Lawyer Wants to Talk to You:

The lawyer representing the pedestrian might want to discuss the details of the accident, get your version of events, or offer a settlement. It's common for the parties involved in accidents to have their legal representatives communicate to resolve the case without going to court.

The lawyer may:

• Request your side of the story: They might want to verify details about the accident to understand your position and see if there’s room for a resolution or settlement.

• Attempt a settlement: It’s possible the lawyer hopes to settle the case before it reaches a trial, and part of this could involve talking with you to gauge your willingness to settle.

• Clarify damages or liability: If the claim is substantial, they may want to discuss how liability and damages are being presented to ensure accuracy on both sides.

2. Should You Contact Them?

Before reaching out to the plaintiff’s lawyer, I would recommend consulting your own attorney. Here's why:

• Legal Protection: Having your own lawyer review the situation ensures that your rights are protected. Lawyers can help you navigate such discussions and avoid making statements that could be used against you in a potential lawsuit.

• Insurance Matters: Since you’ve already submitted the claim to your insurance company, your insurer may have legal resources available to represent you in discussions or negotiations.

• Evidence and Strategy: Your lawyer can help determine whether engaging with the plaintiff’s lawyer is necessary or if the matter should be handled entirely by your insurance.

3. What Could Be the Reason for the Phone Marking?

It’s unclear exactly why the delivery person marked the phone number, but it could simply be an effort to make sure you know how to contact the lawyer. However, given the legal nature of the case, they may have been indicating that it is important to respond. It might also suggest that the lawyer wants to speak with you directly to clarify certain aspects of the case.

Next Steps:

• Contact your insurance company: Keep them updated about any communications you receive. Since your insurance has your claim, they might prefer to handle any conversations with the plaintiff's lawyer.

• Consult an attorney: If you don’t already have one, consider hiring a lawyer to represent you. This will provide legal advice and ensure that you are making informed decisions.

• Don’t engage directly without representation: If you don’t have legal counsel, avoid speaking directly to the plaintiff’s lawyer unless directed by your own attorney or insurance company.

It's important to stay calm and ensure you’re taking all the right legal steps to protect yourself. ... Read More