Winter Slip and Fall Injury: What Are Your Rights?

Milwaukee winters are known for their beauty—but also their hazards. Snow-covered landscapes may look picturesque, but beneath the surface can lie serious risks for slip and fall injuries. Every winter, countless Wisconsin residents suffer injuries from icy sidewalks, parking lots, and other hazardous conditions. If you’ve experienced a winter slip and fall, you may be wondering about your legal rights and whether you can recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, or lost wages.

At the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg, we help injured parties navigate the legal process after a fall accident. Our goal is to ensure that property owners who fail to take proper precautions are held liable under Wisconsin’s premises liability laws. Here’s what you need to know about your rights after a winter slip and fall.

What Causes Winter Slip and Fall Accidents?

Winter months bring a variety of dangerous conditions. Icy patches on sidewalks, unshoveled parking lots, or improperly cleared snow and ice are among the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. Property owners in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises safe for visitors. This includes prompt snow and ice removal to prevent winter slip and fall incidents.

When a property owner’s negligence leads to unsafe conditions, they can be held liable for fall injuries that occur on their premises. Whether the accident occurred outside a business, in an apartment complex, or in a retail store parking lot, the injured party may be able to file a legal claim against the responsible party.

Who Is Legally Responsible for Winter Slip and Fall Injuries?

Liability in slip and fall cases depends on whether the property owner knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to address it in a timely manner. If a property owner failed to clear snow, salt icy walkways, or repair uneven surfaces, and that failure resulted in a winter slip, they may be responsible for any injuries that occur.

Wisconsin’s comparative negligence laws also come into play. Under these laws, an injured party’s compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the fall. For instance, if someone was texting while walking across an icy patch, they may bear some responsibility. However, that doesn’t eliminate the liability of the property owner, especially if hazardous conditions were not clearly marked or addressed.

Common Injuries from Winter Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries can range from minor to life-altering. Victims may suffer broken bones, head injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries. In more severe fall cases, spinal cord injuries or soft tissue injuries may occur, which can require extensive medical treatment and result in long-term physical and emotional toll.

Injured parties often face steep medical bills and extended recovery periods, during which they may be unable to work. These fall accidents don’t just hurt physically—they affect both your health and your financial well-being.

What to Do After a Winter Slip and Fall

If you’ve been hurt in a winter slip and fall, it’s important to act quickly. First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, a thorough examination can reveal underlying issues and provide vital documentation for your case.

Next, preserve evidence of the accident scene. Take photographs, gather witness statements, and collect evidence showing the hazardous conditions. If possible, document that the property owner failed to take proper steps to make the premises safe.

Medical records will be crucial in establishing your injuries. If you later decide to pursue a premises liability claim, these documents, along with proof of lost wages and other damages, will help demonstrate your right to fair compensation.

Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Wisconsin

Slip and fall claims in Wisconsin are governed by state-specific premises liability laws. To succeed in your claim, you must show that the property owner was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, prove negligence, and deal with insurance companies. They can also assist in calculating the full value of your losses, including medical expenses, emotional distress, and lost wages. Having a legal advocate ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

In many winter slip and fall cases, insurers may argue that the weather, not negligence, was to blame. That’s why working with a knowledgeable attorney is essential. They can help you overcome these defenses and focus on holding the property owner accountable.

Learn more about your rights after a winter slip and fall injury. Call the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg at (414) 271-7007 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.

Winter Slip and Fall Injury FAQs for Milwaukee

Can I sue a property owner for a slip and fall on ice?

Yes, if the property owner failed to clear snow or salt icy patches in a timely manner, and that failure caused your fall, they may be held liable under Wisconsin’s premises liability laws.

What kind of compensation can I receive after a winter slip and fall?

You may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In more serious cases, where injuries require extensive medical treatment, the financial impact may be significant.

How do I prove the property owner was negligent?

Proving negligence requires evidence. You or your attorney will need to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous conditions and failed to act. Photos, witness statements, and medical records can support your case.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Wisconsin?

In most cases, Wisconsin law allows you three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. However, acting sooner gives you the best chance to preserve evidence and gather witness statements.

What if I was partially at fault for my fall?

Under comparative negligence laws, you can still recover compensation if you were partly responsible—as long as you were not more at fault than the property owner. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.