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Injured in a slip and fall accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else's property, contact the Milwaukee premises liability lawyers at Philip S. Georges PLLC. Our dedicated team is committed to holding negligent property owners accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. With a proven track record in premises liability and slip and fall cases, we offer personalized legal support to help you through this challenging time. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step towards justice and recovery.

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Milwaukee Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises liability cases encompass a wide range of incidents where individuals are injured due to unsafe property conditions. Whether it’s a violation of state or local building codes, unmaintained walkways, or improperly cleared parking lots, such hazards can lead to serious injuries. At Philip S. Georges PLLC, our Milwaukee premises liability lawyers are dedicated to holding property owners accountable for their negligence and securing the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property, contact Philip S. Georges PLLC to determine your eligibility for a premises liability claim. Our experienced Milwaukee premises liability attorneys have a proven track record of success. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone—reach out to our award-winning team today. We offer free initial case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win for you.

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We Make Getting Help Easy

Your injuries have made life difficult, and that’s why The Wolf Pack® wants to make things easy on you. Once you submit your case for a free consultation, we take it from there, keeping you updated along the way.

We Fight for You

If you have a premises liability case, you deserve compensation for what you’ve suffered. We work hard to protect your rights and get you what you need to move forward.

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When you work with us, you never have to worry about any hidden fees. You don’t pay unless we win, and we offer free case evaluations.

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Understanding Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to ensure their property is safe for visitors. This duty applies to both residential and commercial property owners. When they fail to maintain their property, resulting in unsafe conditions, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur.

How to Win a Premises Liability Cases

To successfully pursue a premises liability or slip and fall claim, the injured party must prove that:

  • The property owner owed a duty of care: Property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors.
  • There was a breach of duty: The property owner failed to maintain the property or warn of potential hazards.
  • The breach caused the injury: The unsafe condition directly resulted in the injury.
  • Damages resulted: The injury led to measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Understanding the various types of premises liability cases can help you recognize potential hazards and determine whether you have grounds for a claim. Here are some of the most common types of premises liability cases:

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most frequent types of premises liability cases. These occur when a person slips, trips, or falls due to hazardous conditions such as:

  • Wet or slippery floors
  • Uneven or broken pavement
  • Loose rugs or carpets
  • Cluttered walkways
  • Poor lighting

Property owners have a duty to provide adequate security measures to protect visitors from criminal acts. Inadequate security cases may involve:

  • Assaults or robberies in poorly lit parking lots
  • Lack of security personnel or surveillance cameras
  • Failure to maintain secure entry points, such as broken locks or gates

Property owners can be held liable if their pet injures someone. Common scenarios include:

  • Dog bites in public spaces or private properties
  • Injuries caused by other animals, such as cats or exotic pets
  • Failure to restrain or control a dangerous animal

Swimming pool accidents can result in severe injuries or drowning. Common hazards include:

  • Lack of proper fencing or barriers around the pool
  • Absence of warning signs about pool depth or hazards
  • Defective pool equipment or poor maintenance

Exposure to harmful substances on a property can lead to serious health issues. These cases may involve:

  • Asbestos exposure in older buildings
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty ventilation
  • Chemical spills or leaks in industrial or commercial properties

Unsafe structural conditions can pose significant risks to visitors. Structural defect cases may involve:

  • Collapsing ceilings or walls
  • Broken stairs or handrails
  • Unsafe balconies or decks
  • Faulty elevators or escalators

Property owners must ensure their premises are free from fire and electrical hazards. Common issues include:

  • Faulty wiring or electrical systems
  • Lack of smoke detectors or fire extinguishers
  • Blocked emergency exits or escape routes

Accidents in retail stores and supermarkets often involve:

  • Merchandise falling from shelves
  • Spills that are not promptly cleaned up
  • Obstructed aisles or displays

Injuries at amusement parks and recreational facilities can occur due to:

  • Poorly maintained rides or attractions
  • Inadequate supervision of activities
  • Failure to warn of potential hazards

Malfunctions or poor maintenance of elevators and escalators can lead to serious injuries, including:

  • Sudden stops or drops
  • Entrapment between floors
  • Slips and falls on moving escalators

Wisconsin Premises Liability Laws

Understanding the premises liability laws in Wisconsin can be a difference-maker for anyone involved in an accident on someone else’s property. These laws dictate the responsibilities of property owners and the rights of injured parties.

In Wisconsin, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This duty of care extends to all lawful visitors, including customers, tenants, and guests. Property owners must take appropriate steps to:

  • Regularly inspect their property for hazards.
  • Repair or remove any dangerous conditions.
  • Warn visitors of any potential dangers that cannot be immediately fixed.

Wisconsin premises liability laws categorize visitors into three main types, each with different levels of protection:

  • Invitees: Individuals who enter the property for the owner’s commercial benefit (e.g., customers in a store). Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees.
  • Licensees: Individuals who enter the property for their own purposes with the owner’s permission (e.g., social guests). Property owners must warn licensees of known hazards that are not obvious.
  • Trespassers: Individuals who enter the property without permission. Property owners owe the least duty of care to trespassers, but they must still refrain from willful and wanton misconduct that could harm them.

Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence rule in premises liability cases. This means that if the injured party is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a court finds that the injured party is 20% responsible for their injuries, their compensation will be reduced by 20%.

In Wisconsin, there is a specific time limit within which premises liability claims must be filed. This is known as the statute of limitations. Generally, injured parties have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this period can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation.

Compensation in Premises Liability Cases

When you are injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. Compensation is generally organized into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in certain cases, punitive damages.

Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses that directly result from your injury. They aim to cover the financial costs incurred due to the accident. Common types of economic damages in premises liability cases include:

  • Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care required due to the injury.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering from the injury, including any future lost earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal property that was damaged or lost due to the hazardous condition on the property.
  • Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for rehabilitation services, including physical and occupational therapy, to aid in your recovery.

Non-economic damages are less tangible and harder to quantify, but they are just as important. These damages compensate for the impact the injury has on your quality of life. Common types of non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
  • Emotional Distress: Damages for the psychological impact of the injury, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies that you participated in before the injury.
  • Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to the injured person’s spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the injury.

In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded in premises liability cases. These damages are not meant to compensate the injured party but to punish the property owner for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are only awarded if it is proven that the property owner’s actions were willfully negligent or malicious.

 

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Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Accident

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Get medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor. This ensures your health and documents your injuries.

2. Report the Incident

Notify the property owner or manager and make sure the incident is documented. Keep a copy of any reports.

3. Gather Evidence

  • Photographs: Take photos of the scene and hazard.
  • Witnesses: Collect contact information from witnesses.
  • Notes: Write down details of the accident.

4. Preserve Physical Evidence

Keep any relevant items, like clothing or shoes, in their current condition.

5. Avoid Giving Statements

Don’t discuss the accident or give recorded statements without consulting a lawyer.

6. Keep Detailed Records

Save all documents related to the accident and your injuries, including medical bills and reports.

7. Consult a Lawyer

Contact an experienced premises liability lawyer. At Philip S. Georges PLLC, we offer personalized legal support and help you maximize your compensation.

By following these steps, you can ensure your rights are protected and improve your chances of a successful claim. Contact Philip S. Georges PLLC for a free consultation today.

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Why Choose The Wolf Pack® for Your Premises Liability Case?

Choosing the right legal team can make or break your premises liability case. At Philip S. Georges PLLC, The Wolf Pack® stands out with a proven track record of significant recoveries and extensive experience in premises liability law. Our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys offer personalized attention, tailored strategies, and comprehensive legal support, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We begin with a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options, ensuring you make an informed decision without financial obligation.

Choose The Wolf Pack® at Philip S. Georges PLLC for dedicated, experienced, and compassionate legal representation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

A premises liability case arises when an individual is injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. The property owner may be held responsible for the injuries if it can be proven that they were negligent in maintaining a safe environment.

Common types of premises liability cases include slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, toxic fumes or chemical exposure, structural defects, fire and electrical hazards, and retail store or supermarket accidents.

To have a valid premises liability claim, you must prove that the property owner owed you a duty of care, breached that duty by failing to maintain safe conditions, and that this breach directly caused your injuries, resulting in damages.

Seek medical attention, report the incident to the property owner or manager, gather evidence (such as photos and witness information), preserve any physical evidence, and contact a premises liability lawyer for guidance.

In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to ensure your claim is filed within this time frame.

You may be entitled to economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation costs), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium), and, in rare cases, punitive damages.

Yes, Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence rule. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

While it’s not legally required, having an experienced premises liability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

At Philip S. Georges PLLC, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay legal fees if we win your case. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without financial stress.

If the property owner denies responsibility, your lawyer can investigate further, gather additional evidence, and build a strong case to demonstrate the owner’s negligence and liability. A thorough legal strategy can help counter the property owner’s defense.

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Disclaimer

Phillip S. Georges and associates are licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, Virginia, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Arizona, US Supreme Court and US Court of Federal Claims.

This website is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. It is designed to give you the information you need to get started and to be knowledgeable about the process as you search for the best personal injury lawyer for you.

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