Property owners and managers have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for their visitors and guests. When they don’t meet these obligations and you get hurt in an incident caused by a hazardous condition on their property, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.

The legal team at LawtonCates has been proudly defending the rights of injured Madison clients since 1958. If you suffered injuries on someone else’s property due to their carelessness or negligence, our personal injury lawyers can fiercely advocate for you as you seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a premises liability lawyer in Madison.

What Is Premises Liability?

Wisconsin premises liability laws cover the legal responsibility that property owners and managers have to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Hazards on a property can lead to serious injuries, and premises liability statutes are designed to hold property owners accountable for preventable injuries on their property.

Property owners and managers must either remove potential hazards from the premises or warn visitors of any known dangers. This applies not only to residential property owners but also to business owners and operators, landlords, and government entities.

For a successful premises liability claim, you must provide evidence that:

  • A hazard or unsafe condition caused your injuries that the property owner was aware of, or should have been aware of.
  • The owner failed to take the necessary measures to address the hazard or unsafe condition, and they also did not warn guests about it.
  • You experienced an injury due to their negligence.

A Madison premises liability lawyer can help you gather that evidence and build a strong personal injury claim.

Common Locations for Premises Liability Accidents

Whether you slip and fall at a restaurant on State Street or trip on an uneven sidewalk while spending the day at a city park, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. When that accident results from a property owner’s carelessness, you may have a valid premises liability claim.

Common locations for premises liability accidents include:

  • Private residences
  • Retail stores and shopping centers
  • Apartment complexes
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Hotels and lodging

Each of these locations presents unique legal factors to consider when pursuing personal injury compensation. These may include the types of evidence available, applicable insurance coverage, potentially liable parties, and the specific maintenance procedures in place at the premises.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Premises Liability Cases?

Establishing liability is the foundation of any successful premises liability case, and fault does not always fall on the property owner. In some instances, there are even multiple potentially liable parties.

When seeking to establish liability, an experienced premises liability lawyer in Madison will consider the following:

  • Property owners – Whether it’s a residential property or a commercial building, the property owner is frequently the responsible party in a premises liability claim. Your lawyer will investigate the accident to determine whether or not their negligence was the cause of the accident.
  • Business operators and tenants – Business owners and tenants may not own the building in which they live or conduct business, but they’re still responsible for maintaining reasonably safe premises. When an injury results from hazards or unsafe conditions that were not properly addressed, the responsible party may be held liable.
  • Property management companies – Companies hired to manage properties like apartment complexes or office buildings are subject to premises liability claims if they fail to fulfill their legal obligations to maintain safe premises.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of premises liability accidents may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial distress caused by their injuries. A successful premises liability claim can recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses – Injuries can be costly, particularly when they require surgeries or ongoing care. You may be entitled to compensation for any ambulance services, ER visits, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, medical devices, prescription medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical costs associated with the accident.
  • Lost wages – If you missed work due to the accident or your injuries have inhibited your ability to earn a living, the liable party may be responsible for your lost wages. That includes hourly wages or salary, commissions, tips, missed raises or promotions, sick days, vacation time, benefits, and future lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering – Chronic pain and limited mobility can impact your ability to enjoy your daily life. Pain and suffering compensation can provide financial stability and a sense of justice to account for these tremendous losses.
  • Emotional distress – Both the accident and the injuries it caused can be a significant source of emotional distress. It’s not uncommon for premises liability accident victims to suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Emotional distress compensation is designed to account for these psychological consequences.

How LawtonCates Can Help With Your Premises Liability Case

Choosing the right premises liability lawyer can be a tremendous comfort during a stressful time. At LawtonCates, we have the knowledge, experience, and dedication to justice required to build a robust case for you and seek maximum compensation. Our attorneys can help by:

  • Providing legal guidance – Our initial consultations are free of charge, which means you won’t have to pay to learn whether you have a valid claim.
  • Giving you the time and attention you deserve – We don’t rush quick settlements just to move your case along and make room for the next. A Madison premises liability attorney from our law firm will develop a comprehensive strategy to pursue compensation that’s fair to you.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies – Insurance carriers will employ various tactics to weaken or deny your claim. Your premises liability lawyer can anticipate these strategies and provide solid counter-arguments during settlement negotiations.
  • Representing you in court – We treat every case as if it’s headed directly to trial, so we’re always prepared to go to court if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement.

Contact Our Experienced Premises Liability Lawyers Now

If you suffered injuries on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you need a knowledgeable premises liability lawyer to protect your rights. The legal team at LawtonCates has nearly seven decades of experience providing compassionate and dedicated representation to injured clients in Madison, WI. Contact us today for your free consultation.