Wisconsin Slip and Fall Lawyers
A slip-and-fall accident can happen anywhere. One moment you are walking through a grocery store, parking lot, or apartment complex, and the next, you slip on a wet floor and end up on the ground, injured and in pain.
Property owners in this state have a duty of care to keep their premises safe for visitors: when they fail to fix hazards or warn people about them, they can be held responsible for the harm that follows. At Nowlan Personal Injury Law, we help injured people across Wisconsin recover compensation after someone else’s negligence leaves them with high medical bills, no income, and months of pain. Our job is to prove what went wrong, why it happened, and what it has cost you.
Hire Nowlan Personal Injury Law for Your Slip and Fall Claim
Slip and fall cases can be difficult to prove. Property owners and insurance companies often deny responsibility or argue that you should have been more careful. That is why having experienced legal representation is so important. At Nowlan Personal Injury Law, we know how to hold negligent property owners accountable and secure fair compensation for our clients.
Here is what sets us apart when handling slip and fall injury cases in Wisconsin:
- We Know What Evidence Matters: In slip and fall claims, success depends on proving what caused the fall, how long the hazard existed, and whether the property owner failed to act. We move quickly to preserve evidence, gather surveillance footage, take photographs, and identify witnesses before that information disappears. We know what to look for and how to use it.
- Experience with a Wide Range of Property Types: Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. Our experienced attorneys have handled cases involving grocery stores, apartment buildings, public sidewalks, restaurants, and nursing homes, and know how to adapt our approach to each one.
- We Push Back Against Blame: Property owners and insurers often try to place the blame on the person who fell. They might say you were distracted, wearing the wrong shoes, or should have seen the hazard. Our Wisconsin slip and fall lawyers know how to counter these tactics with strong evidence, expert input, and testimony that supports your side of the story.
- We Build Cases with Expert Support: Slip and fall claims often require expert analysis to prove fault and damages. We work with safety inspectors, medical professionals, and vocational experts to establish how the hazard occurred, how it could have been prevented, and how the injury affects your life.
- Strong Negotiators and Trial-Tested Advocates: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. Our team has the litigation experience and the courtroom skills to present your case clearly and persuasively before a judge or jury.
Our personal injury lawyers handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing out of pocket. We cover the costs of building your case and only collect a fee if we win compensation for you. This makes legal representation accessible, regardless of your financial situation.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Future medical costs for ongoing treatment or therapy
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
The amount of monetary compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the impact on your ability to work or function, and the long-term effects on your quality of life. Our premises liability attorneys work with medical professionals, vocational experts, and financial analysts to assess the full value of your case.
Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law sets a time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits, including slip and fall cases. In most situations, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If the fall occurred on government property, you may be required to file a notice of claim within 120 days. Failing to meet these deadlines can prevent you from recovering any compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
It is always best to speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney as soon as possible. This allows us to preserve evidence, contact witnesses, and begin building your case while the details are still fresh.
What You Must Prove in a Wisconsin Slip and Fall Case
To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you must prove that the property owner or another responsible party acted negligently. That means showing that they failed to act on their duty of care and take reasonable steps to prevent your injury. Wisconsin law requires proof of the following elements:
- There was a dangerous condition on the property
- The property owner knew or should have known about the condition
- The owner failed to fix the hazardous condition or warn you about it
- That failure caused your injury
- You suffered damages as a result
Property owners are not automatically responsible just because someone falls on their property. The law focuses on whether they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and whether they took steps to prevent harm. Our job is to gather evidence that supports your accident claim and demonstrates that the fall was preventable.
Comparative Negligence in Wisconsin
Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence system. That means your financial compensation can be reduced if you were partially responsible for the fall. For example, if you were looking at your phone, wearing improper footwear, or ignoring warning signs, the insurance company may argue that you share fault.
If a court finds that you were more than 50 percent at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensatory damages. If you were 50 percent or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 and found 40 percent at fault, you would receive $60,000. This is why it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who can push back against unfair claims of shared fault and build a strong case on your behalf.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Injury
What you do in the minutes and days following a slip and fall can have a major impact on your case. If you are injured, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Report the fall to the property owner, store manager, or landlord
- Ask for a copy of the accident report if one is created
- Take photos of the hazard, the surrounding area, and your accident injuries
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses
- Seek medical care right away, even if the injury seems minor
- Keep records of all medical bills, doctor visits, and missed work
- Avoid giving statements to the insurance company until you speak with an accident lawyer
Documentation helps establish what happened and proves the connection between the fall and your injuries. Insurance companies often try to downplay or deny valid personal injury claims, but clear, timely evidence puts you in a stronger position.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are one of the most common causes of bodily injury in Wisconsin. While some happen because of distraction, many result from unsafe conditions that should have been addressed by the person or business responsible for the property. Common causes of slip and fall injuries include:
- Slippery floors without warning signs
- Spilled liquids or food in stores or restaurants
- Snow and ice accumulation on sidewalks or entryways
- Loose floor mats, torn carpets, or uneven surfaces
- Loose floorboards
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells
- Poor lighting in parking areas
- Broken staircases
- Broken steps
- Clutter or debris left in walkways
- Exposed tree roots
These hazards, which fall under the umbrella of premises liability law, are preventable. In many cases, the property owner or manager had notice of the problem but failed to fix it or warn visitors that it existed. When that happens, the injured party may have the right to file a legal claim for damages.
Where Slip and Fall Accidents Happen
Slip and fall accidents can happen in almost any setting. While some occur on public property, most take place on private or commercial properties. We regularly handle fall cases involving:
- Grocery stores
- Retail chains
- Shopping malls
- Restaurants and bars
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and resorts
- Public sidewalks and municipal buildings
- Private homes or rental properties
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Hospitals and clinics
- Workplaces and construction sites
The location matters because it helps determine who is legally responsible and what insurance coverage may apply. Our team investigates each case carefully to identify the at-fault party or parties before demanding maximum compensation.
Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls can lead to severe injuries, especially for older adults or individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Even a fall that seems minor at first can result in long-term medical issues. We help clients with all types of injuries, including:
- Fractured hips, wrists, ankles, and shoulders
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
- Knee and back injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries and torn ligaments
- Long-term mobility loss or chronic pain
- Fatal injuries that lead to wrongful death
In many cases, slip and fall victims face extensive recovery periods. Medical bills add up quickly, and a catastrophic injury may prevent them from returning to work or earning a living. Some require physical therapy, surgery, or permanent lifestyle changes. When a fall causes serious harm, it is important to understand what your options are and how an experienced slip and fall lawyer can help..
Contact a Wisconsin Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
At Nowlan Personal Injury Law, we have helped people across Wisconsin recover compensation after life-changing fall injuries. We understand how a serious accident can affect your quality of life and have the experience and determination to fight for a favorable outcome.
If you were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t wait to get legal advice. Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney. We will review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights in clear terms. Let us help you hold the negligent party accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.