Have You Been Injured In A Slip-And-Fall Accident?

Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere: at a business, on public property, or even at a private residence. Common causes include liquids left on floors without warning signs, uneven pavement, bad lighting conditions or torn carpeting. The list goes on. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors, also known as a duty of care.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip- or trip-and-fall accident in northeast Wisconsin, you may be entitled to compensation. As an experienced premises liability attorney, I help people who have been hurt due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. I’m Peter Carman, and I’m here to provide insight, legal counsel and representation for the process of getting compensation after a slip-and-fall accident.

Winning Strategies: Proving Property Owner Negligence

To win a slip-and-fall case, evidence must show that the property owner was negligent. This means demonstrating they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, had reasonable time to fix it, and failed to take appropriate action.

While property owners owe a duty of care to those on their property, it gets complicated when it comes to the actual extent of that duty. The visitor’s “status” is also part of the equation, for instance:

• Invitee: An “invitee” is someone who is on the property with the owner’s express or implied permission for the owner’s benefit such as a store customer. Property owners owe invitees a duty to use ordinary care to protect them from any unreasonable risk of harm due to the condition of the property. This includes maintaining the property and warning of any hidden dangers.
• Licensee: A “licensee” is someone who is on the property with the owner’s express or implied permission, but not for the owner’s benefit, such as a social guest. Property owners owe licensees a duty to refrain from willful, wanton or reckless conduct that could injure them. They also have a duty to warn licensees of any hidden dangers that the owner is aware of.

Most slip-and-fall claims are covered by the property owner’s general liability insurance. However, insurance companies often dispute liability and try to minimize payouts. That is where I come in. My professional background includes working in insurance defense, giving me firsthand knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate claims. I leverage this understanding to help your claim. I know how to negotiate with insurance companies. My goal is to build a strong case to get you fair compensation.

What About Wisconsin Weather-Related Falls?

Wisconsin winters can make slip-and-fall cases more complex. The “natural accumulation doctrine” can protect property owners from liability for naturally occurring ice and snow. However, property owners may still be responsible for paying for your medical expenses, lost wages, future potential wages and other damages if they made the condition more dangerous or failed to take reasonable steps to remove the hazard.

How Do You Prove A Property Owner Was Negligent In A Slip-And-Fall?

You must show the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to correct it.

What Evidence Should Be Gathered After A Fall Injury?

Gathering evidence immediately is the first step. If you are able, take photos of the scene, get witness contact information and report the incident to the property owner or manager. Surveillance footage and incident reports can also be valuable to support a strong case. Seek medical attention so you will have medical records to prove your injury.

How Long Do You Have To File A Premises Liability Claim?

In Wisconsin, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Some exceptions may apply. Call my firm, the Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C., for a free initial consultation to discuss your circumstances.

I Will Be Your Advocate After A Slip-And-Fall Injury

When you call my office in Appleton, you will speak with me, Peter Carman. I intentionally limit the number of cases I work on so I can provide each of my clients with in-depth attention to their claim. I meet clients in my home office, which allows me to provide a comfortable and approachable atmosphere. Contact me by calling 920-770-1608 or by sending me an email.