Wisconsin Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall incidents in Wisconsin can happen in various settings such as businesses, homes, or public spaces. Under Wisconsin law, a property owner has a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors and guests. This includes promptly addressing hazards such as wet floors, uneven walkways, or icy surfaces.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A knowledgeable slip and fall attorney can help you gather evidence, establish liability, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with our experienced slip and fall lawyer and take the first step towards recovery.
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Contact our Wisconsin slip and fall lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Wisconsin slip and fall lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Wisconsin Slip and Fall Case Statistics
Wisconsin leads the nation in death rates from falls among older adults.
Statewide, emergency medical services (EMS) handle about 10,000 additional falls each year, marking an annual increase of 7.4% since 2019.
Falls accounted for 18% of 911-related ambulance calls in 2022, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The National Safety Council (NSC) highlights slip and fall accidents as a major source of workplace injuries, causing 18% of all non-fatal work injuries. In fact, 11% of all workplace accidents stem from issues with “floors, walkways, and ground surfaces.”
In Wisconsin, workers’ compensation typically covers job-related accidents and injuries, with few exceptions.
The average slip and fall settlement in Wisconsin ranges from $15,000 to $45,000.
While not all falls lead to injury, around 37% of fall victims suffer harm that requires medical attention or limits their activity for at least one day, leading to an estimated nine million fall injuries across the U.S.
Approximately 8 million people visit emergency rooms each year following a fall, according to the National Flooring Safety Institute.
Slips and falls make up 12% of total falls and account for about one million emergency room visits annually.
Most Common Causes of Wisconsin Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe environments for visitors or at least inform them about any dangerous situations. Slip and fall accidents in Wisconsin can occur suddenly due to various reasons. Some common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet, slippery floors in areas like grocery stores and restaurants.
- Missing or defective handrails that fail to provide support.
- Tripping hazards such as exposed wires and cords.
- Poor lighting, especially in stairways and walkways can lead to slip and fall accidents.
- Damaged or uneven flooring, including loose tiles and lifted carpeting.
- Uneven sidewalks and walkways with cracks and holes cause fatal slip and fall accidents for pedestrians.
- Slippery surfaces around swimming pools in hotels and resorts.
- Weather conditions such as snow, ice, or rain making outdoor areas hazardous.
Slip and fall accident injuries can result in a range of issues, including broken bones, head injuries, and sprains. Consult a Wisconsin slip and fall lawyer to investigate the exact cause of the slip and fall accident and seek compensation from property owners or managers.
Locations Where Slip and Fall Accidents Most Frequently Occur
Slip and fall accidents can happen in various environments, especially where surfaces are not properly maintained or hazardous conditions exist. Such personal injury cases frequently occur in:
- Retail spaces: Shopping malls and grocery stores can have slippery or uneven floors due to spills or cleaning.
- Hospitality venues: Hotels, resorts, and restaurants may present wet or unsafe flooring, particularly in entryways and around swimming pools.
- Entertainment venues: Amusement parks, water parks, and stadiums can have risks from slick or uneven surfaces.
- Residential buildings: Apartment complexes and nursing homes may pose hazards on stairs, walkways, or entrances.
- Office environments: Commercial buildings may have tripping hazards from cords, cables, or poor lighting.
- Outdoor areas: Parking lots and sidewalks can become dangerous due to ice, rain, or uneven pavement.
If you have experienced a slip and fall accident in any of these locations, consult a slip and fall lawyer to assess your premises liability case and recover compensation for your injuries.
Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries Victims Suffer
Sometimes a slip and fall can be a minor inconvenience, but some falls often lead to more serious injuries, particularly when the landing is harsh or from a great height. The state of Wisconsin allows an injured party to seek compensation for personal injuries with the help of a slip and fall lawyer.
The common injuries caused by slip and fall accidents can include:
- Wrist or arm fractures
- Shoulder injuries, including dislocation
- Hip fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries, such as skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries
- Overly stretched or torn muscles, ligaments, or tendons
- Knee injuries, including sprains or dislocations
- Ankle injuries, such as sprains or fractures
- Broken ribs from falling onto your side or back
- Cuts, lacerations, or bruising from impact with sharp objects or surfaces
It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect any of these injuries from a slip and fall accident. Early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize long-term damage and support recovery. Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation for your premises liability case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you have three years to file a personal injury claim, including a slip and fall lawsuit according to Wisconsin Statutes section 893.54. For damage to or loss of property due to the slip and fall accident, you have up to six years (Section 893.52 of the Wisconsin Statutes) to file a claim. However, if the slip and fall incident occurred on government property, you must file a notice of intent to sue within 120 days.
Taking legal action quickly after a slip and fall accident is essential because potential compensation can decrease as time passes. Evidence may weaken, and insurance companies may work against you. Filing for a Wisconsin slip and fall claim is not possible if you have already accepted an insurance settlement. Hence, consult with an experienced slip and fall attorney to protect your rights.
How to Determine if You Have a Valid Slip and Fall Case in Wisconsin?
When assessing whether you have a valid slip and fall case in Wisconsin, there are several key factors to consider. A slip and fall lawyer can help you determine if the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment for visitors.
Elements to prove in a slip and fall accident claim include:
Unsafe premises: This includes hazards such as slippery floors, uneven walkways, poor lighting, or loose handrails.
Owner’s negligence: The property owner may have failed to address the hazard or to provide adequate warnings to visitors about potential dangers.
Direct link to injury: Your severe injury must be a direct result of the hazardous condition that the property owner failed to fix or warn about.
If these criteria apply, consulting personal injury attorneys experienced in slip and fall cases is the next step to assess your legal claim.
What Compensation Can You Seek in a Wisconsin Slip and Fall Case?
Pursuing a slip and fall claim with a knowledgeable slip and fall attorney is beneficial for obtaining fair financial recovery from the insurance company. If the property owner’s negligence is proven, through evidence such as maintenance records, witness testimony, and records of medical treatment, the injured can seek fair compensation for these injuries:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, medication, and ongoing treatment.
- Wage loss due to injury-related work absences.
- Pain and suffering
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of earning capacity, factoring in future income loss.
- Loss of society and companionship
- Property damage when compensating for personal belongings damaged in the incident.
- Punitive damages when providing additional penalties for egregious negligence by the property owner.
Seek Compensation for Your Injuries With the Help of a Wisconsin Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident due to wet or uneven surfaces, they can lead to serious injuries that may impact your quality of life. A Wisconsin slip and fall lawyer can help you navigate the legal process of filing a lawsuit and pursue a fair settlement that covers medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages.
Wisconsin slip and fall lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, can assess your premises liability case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation at (888) 424-5757 with our Milwaukee slip and fall attorney. All confidential or sensitive information related to your personal injury case will remain private under an attorney-client relationship.