A slip-and-fall accident can change your life in the blink of an eye. Even a seemingly minor accident can have long-lasting consequences that are as costly as they are painful. If those injuries occurred on someone else’s premises due to the property owner’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation.

If you’re wondering about your legal rights after a fall, the personal injury team at LawtonCates has the answers. Our esteemed law firm has successfully represented injured people in South Central Wisconsin for nearly 70 years, recovering millions of dollars and handling precedent-setting cases in nearly every legal setting.

Clients know us as Midwestern lawyers dedicated to securing meaningful results, whether we’re negotiating with insurers or battling it out in court. We’re proud to hold an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest distinction for professional excellence awarded based on peer ratings and an independent evaluation process.

Ready to learn your options? Call or contact us today to speak with an experienced slip-and-fall accidents lawyer in Wisconsin.

Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents can occur anywhere and at any time. Common causes include:

  • Uneven surfaces
  • Wet floors
  • Obstacles in walkways
  • Poor lighting
  • Loose or missing handrails
  • Crumbling or missing stairs
  • Missing signage
  • Icy sidewalks or parking lots

While some falls are unavoidable accidents, many result from a property owner’s failure to address or repair a hazardous condition. You may have a valid premises liability claim against the negligent owner in such cases. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a slip-and-fall accident attorney. An experienced lawyer can help determine what caused your fall and identify the party responsible for your injuries.

Typical Injuries in Slip-and-Fall Cases

A slip and fall is more than just a clumsy moment. It’s a serious event that can lead to severe injuries and lifelong disabilities. Some of the most common injuries include:

Always seek medical attention following a slip and fall, even if you just feel a little sore. Sometimes, the real damage doesn’t show up for days, weeks, or even months. Seeing a doctor and starting medical treatment protects not only your health, but also your potential personal injury claim.

Is Someone Else Legally Responsible for Your Fall?

There are many instances where liability for a slip-and-fall accident falls on someone else. The key is whether the responsible party had a legal duty to maintain safe premises and failed to meet their obligations. Potentially liable parties in a slip-and-fall case include:

  • Property owners – Residential and commercial property owners have a duty to repair known hazards and provide adequate warnings to visitors. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, the injured party may be entitled to seek compensation.
  • Landlords and property management companies – If a tenant suffers an injury after slipping, tripping, and falling in a shared space of a rental property, the landlord or property management company may be liable.
  • Business operators – Even if they don’t own the property, business operators in charge of safety and maintenance may be responsible if their negligence causes an accident.
  • Government entities – A local or state government may be responsible when a slip-and-fall accident occurs on sidewalks, in government buildings, or on any other public property. These claims have tighter notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines, so don’t hesitate to contact a Wisconsin slip-and-fall accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Wisconsin Premises Liability Laws and Slip-and-Fall Claims

Wisconsin premises liability laws state that property owners and managers may be liable for a slip-and-fall injury if:

  • They were aware (or should have been aware) of the hazard.
  • They failed to address the dangerous condition by repairing it, removing it, or adequately warning visitors.
  • Their failure to meet these obligations caused the injury.

Even if the property owner isn’t entirely at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation. Under Wisconsin law, you can pursue a personal injury claim as long as you are no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. Don’t make assumptions about your share of the blame. Consult a slip-and-fall accident attorney in Wisconsin who can evaluate your case and protect your right to recovery.

How to Build a Strong Premises Liability Case

The facts of a case form the foundation of a strong personal injury claim, but without solid evidence to back them up, those facts carry little weight. To build a persuasive case, you should:

  • Seek medical attention – Your health comes first. Get your injuries diagnosed and treated. Prompt medical attention shows the insurance company you took your injuries seriously.
  • Report the incident – Notify the property owner or manager of what happened as soon as possible. Request a copy of the incident report. These steps provide official documentation and help legitimize your claim.
  • Document the scene – Take photos and videos of the accident scene to visually document the conditions that led to your injuries. Be sure to capture the specific hazard and any contributing factors such as poor lighting, lack of warning signs, or other unsafe conditions.
  • Gather eyewitness information – Witnesses can provide unbiased verification of the incident and the conditions that caused it. Collect the contact information for future statements.
  • Hire a Wisconsin slip-and-fall lawyer – When you hire a reputable lawyer for a slip-and-fall accident case, you get an advocate who can leverage their extensive knowledge of personal injury law and skilled negotiation strategies to craft an evidence-based case demanding full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Recovering Damages After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

Your slip and fall accident attorney in Wisconsin can help determine the physical, emotional, and financial damage caused by the accident and seek maximum compensation. Common forms of compensation include:

  • Medical expenses – The cost of ambulance services, hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, surgeries, medical devices, physical therapy, and future medical bills
  • Lost wages – Missed hourly wages, salary, commissions, tips, raises, benefits, and lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering – Physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life due to the accident
  • Emotional distress – Psychological trauma resulting from the slip and fall, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

Contact Our Trusted Wisconsin Slip-and-Fall Attorneys

If you’re looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer after a slip-and-fall accident, LawtonCates is here to help. Our firm is committed to guiding accident victims toward the financial recovery they need to move forward. Unlike high-volume firms that prioritize profits over people, we intentionally limit our caseloads to ensure every client receives the respect, attention, and dedication they deserve.

When you’re ready, we’re ready. Contact our slip-and-fall attorneys today for a free consultation.