Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions for people lawfully on their property. These claims fall under premises liability law, and they can involve stores, landlords, restaurants, apartment complexes, parking ramps, and other businesses. Falls can happen anywhere, from a shop on Water Street to a busy store at Oakwood Mall.
Wisconsin’s Safe Place Statute, Wis. Stat. § 101.11, sets a higher standard for employers and owners of public buildings. It requires them to keep their premises as safe as the nature of the property reasonably permits, as long as they knew or should have known about the hazard. Proving notice often depends on how long the danger existed and whether the owner had a reasonable chance to fix it.
What Hazards Cause Slip and Fall Accidents in Eau Claire?
Long winters make ice and packed snow a common factor in local falls, but many accidents happen indoors too, often in places people visit every day. Common hazards we see in fall cases include:
- Ice and snow: sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances left uncleared or untreated.
- Wet floors: spills, tracked-in slush, or mopped areas without warning signs.
- Uneven surfaces: cracked pavement, loose mats, and damaged stairs.
- Poor lighting: dim stairwells, parking ramps, and hallways.
Photos of the hazard, incident reports, and witness names can help show how long a danger existed. Our guide on what to do after a slip and fall covers these first steps in more detail. Saving your shoes and clothing from the day of the fall can also help.
How Common Are Fall Injuries in Wisconsin?
Falls are a serious public health issue in our state. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services 2024 EMS and Falls Report, emergency medical services in Wisconsin responded to more than 140,000 falls in 2024. These numbers show how common serious falls are across our state.
The same report notes Wisconsin has the highest fall death rate among older adults in the country, based on CDC data. Falls can also cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and fractures requiring months of care. Even a fall that seems minor can lead to medical bills and time away from work.
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in Wisconsin?
Typically, a lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date of the accident, and this time period generally applies to injury claims under Wis. Stat. § 893.54. However, there are important exceptions and nuances that can affect the applicable deadline.
Falls on public property follow stricter rules. If you fell on a city sidewalk or in a government building, Wis. Stat. § 893.80 generally requires written notice of your claim within 120 days. Wisconsin’s comparative negligence rule under Wis. Stat. § 895.045 can also reduce your recovery by your share of fault. Early evidence helps answer questions about fault.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall?
A successful claim may cover your medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For older adults, a single fall can lead to surgery, rehabilitation, or time in a care facility, and those costs belong in your claim.
The value of your case depends on your injuries, the evidence, the insurance available, and how the fall affects your ability to work. We gather medical records and work with your care providers to show the full impact of the fall on your daily life.
Why Choose Pemberton Personal Injury After a Fall?
We understand how stressful an injury can be, especially when you cannot work or care for your family. Our team treats every client with respect, listens to your concerns, investigates how your fall happened, and handles negotiations with insurance companies for you.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our Eau Claire office at 221 W Madison St makes it easy to meet with our team in person. We keep you updated and explain your options in plain language at every stage.
Contact Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm After an Eau Claire Slip and Fall
A fall caused by someone else’s carelessness should not leave you paying for it alone, and getting answers early can make a real difference. Learn more about our team at Pemberton Personal Injury and our commitment to injured people across Wisconsin.
If you were hurt on someone else’s property in Eau Claire, we are here to help. Contact our Eau Claire slip and fall lawyers today for a free case evaluation.
