Wisconsin Premises Liability Basics
Property owners and occupiers in Wisconsin have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe and to warn of hidden dangers. When a store, landlord, or business fails to clear ice, fix a broken stair, or clean up a spill, and someone is hurt, the owner may be liable. Wisconsin's safe-place statute (Wis. Stat. § 101.11) imposes an even higher duty on owners of public buildings and places of employment.
Winter Falls and the 'Natural Accumulation' Question
Many Wisconsin slip-and-fall cases involve ice and snow. While owners are not automatically liable for every natural accumulation, they can be liable when they create an unnatural hazard, fail to address a known dangerous condition, or violate the safe-place statute. The facts — how long the ice was present, whether the owner knew, and what they did — determine the case.
Proving a Slip and Fall Claim
Winning a slip-and-fall case requires showing the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it. Evidence such as incident reports, surveillance video, maintenance logs, and witness statements is critical, and much of it can disappear quickly. Prompt investigation protects your claim.
Compensation for Fall Injuries
Falls can cause fractures, head injuries, and spinal damage, especially for older adults. Injured victims may recover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Wisconsin's modified comparative negligence rule applies, so even if you bear some fault, you may recover as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible.
Injured in Wisconsin? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly. Liability depends on whether the owner created or failed to address an unnatural or known hazard, and on the safe-place statute.
Wis. Stat. § 101.11 imposes a heightened duty on owners of public buildings and workplaces to keep them safe.
Generally three years from the date of the fall under Wisconsin law.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.