Slip And Fall Accidents On Commercial Properties In Kenosha

Slip and fall accidents can happen unexpectedly, but when they occur on commercial properties, they can lead to serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt due to a slip and fall accident at a store, restaurant, office building, or other commercial property in Kenosha, Wisconsin, it’s important to understand your legal rights and how the law can help you seek compensation. As experienced personal injury lawyers, we understand how overwhelming these types of accidents can be and want to provide you with the information you need to pursue justice.

In Wisconsin, commercial property owners have a responsibility to maintain their properties in a safe condition. If their negligence leads to an accident, you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, slip and fall cases can be complex. Proving negligence and determining who is at fault will require a thorough investigation and a skilled legal team.

We will now explain the key aspects of slip-and-fall accidents on commercial properties in Kenosha, the laws that govern them, and the legal steps you can take if you’ve been injured. We’ll also address some common questions people have about slip and fall cases and provide insight into how we can help you.

What Constitutes A Slip And Fall Accident?

A slip-and-fall accident occurs when someone loses their balance and falls due to a hazardous condition. On commercial properties, these conditions can include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven surfaces or cracks in the pavement
• Poor lighting
• Obstructions or clutter in walkways
• Faulty stairs or railings
• Spilled food or liquids

Property owners are legally obligated to inspect their premises regularly and repair any dangerous conditions that could cause accidents. If they fail to meet this responsibility and someone gets hurt, they may be held liable for the injuries.

Legal Responsibilities Of Commercial Property Owners

Under Wisconsin law, property owners are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. This includes customers, employees, and anyone legally on the property. Wisconsin’s premises liability law holds property owners accountable for accidents that occur because of their negligence. To prove negligence, there are several factors that must be considered:

1. Duty of Care – The property owner must have a duty to maintain a safe environment. For commercial properties, this duty extends to keeping the premises clean and free from hazards that could injure someone.
2. Breach of Duty – The property owner must have failed to meet their duty of care. For instance, if a spill was left unattended for hours or if a broken step wasn’t repaired, the property owner could be considered negligent.
3. Causation – You must prove that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injury. For example, if a wet floor caused you to fall and suffer a broken leg, it must be shown that the fall was the result of the hazardous condition and not some other factor.
4. Damages – Finally, you must show that you suffered harm as a result of the accident. This could include physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Types Of Injuries From Slip And Fall Accidents

Injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents can range from minor to severe. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones or fractures
• Sprains or strains
• Head injuries or concussions
• Back and neck injuries
• Hip or joint injuries
• Cuts and bruises
• Soft tissue injuries

Serious falls can lead to long-term or permanent injuries, particularly for older individuals. In some cases, slip and fall accidents may result in significant financial burdens due to medical expenses and lost income, especially if the injury leads to time off work.

How Wisconsin Law Affects Slip And Fall Cases

In Wisconsin, slip and fall accidents are handled under premises liability law. To file a claim, you must prove that the property owner or their employees were negligent and that this negligence caused your injury. This involves gathering evidence, which can include:

• Surveillance footage showing the accident
• Witness statements
• Medical records documenting the extent of the injury
• Photographs of the hazardous condition that caused the fall

Wisconsin follows a comparative fault system, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor but were also not paying attention, your compensation might be reduced by a percentage based on your level of fault.

Steps To Take After A Slip And Fall Accident

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on a commercial property in Kenosha, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and having a medical record of the incident will be crucial for your case.
2. Report the Incident – Report the slip and fall accident to the property owner or manager. Make sure the incident is documented in writing, including the time and details of the fall.
3. Take Photos and Gather Evidence – If possible, take pictures of the hazard that caused the fall, as well as your injuries. Collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident.
4. Avoid Making Statements – Never admit fault or downplay your injuries. Be polite, but keep your statements limited to reporting the facts of the incident.
5. Contact Our Experienced Attorney – It’s critical to speak with our Wisconsi slip and fall lawyer. We can help gather evidence, negotiate with the property owner’s insurance company, and ensure that your rights are protected.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident on a commercial property, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. First, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, which includes both current and future medical bills related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Additionally, if the injury causes you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, including any future earnings, if the injury results in long-term disability. You may also be compensated for pain and suffering, which covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. In some cases, if the property owner’s actions were grossly negligent, you could be entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future.

How We Can Help You

At the Law Offices of John V. O’Connor, we have years of experience helping clients in Kenosha and throughout Wisconsin with slip and fall cases. We understand the complexities of these cases and will work diligently to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation, guiding you through the process every step of the way.

Slip-And-Fall Injury Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if I have been injured in a slip and fall accident on a commercial property?

First, seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. After that, report the accident to the property owner or manager and document everything—photos of the scene, witness information, and your injury. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and to begin building your case.

How Do I Prove Negligence In A Slip-And-Fall Case?

To prove negligence, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, had a reasonable amount of time to fix it, and failed to do so. Evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage, and witness statements can help demonstrate negligence.

How Long Do I Have To File A Slip-And-Fall Claim In Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the time frame.

Call Our Kenosha Slip-And-Fall Lawyer For A Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident on a commercial property in Kenosha, don’t wait to seek the legal help you deserve. At Law Offices of John V. O’Connor, we’re here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to recover. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.

If you need assistance after an injury, contact our Kenosha slip-and-fall lawyer at the Law Offices of John V. O’Connor by calling (262) 605-8400 to receive your free consultation. We represent clients throughout Kenosha and all of Wisconsin, and we’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.