Slip and Fall Lawyer in Appleton, WI

Two kinds of negligence apply to Wisconsin’s slip and fall accidents

Pursuing a slip and fall case in Wisconsin generally involves proving negligence. Neenah’s homeowners, Menasha businesses, and other entities in the Fox River Valley are negligent if they knew or if they should have known there was a dangerous situation but did nothing to fix it. For example, a grocery store owner who knows an employee spilled water on the floor but does not clean it up has actual knowledge of the slip and fall hazard, or a homeowner who refuses to shovel or salt for days after a heavy snowfall should know there is a risk of an accident. Both parties are negligent by not rectifying a situation that could lead to a slip-and-fall accident. Proving negligence can be extremely difficult, but personal injury attorney Ron Tusler has the knowledge and courtroom experience required to make sure the evidence is clear and victims are compensated for their injuries.

Get the compensation you deserve

Many insurance companies are quick to dismiss a slip and fall injury or will offer an extremely low initial settlement. Insurance representatives will attempt to bully the injured party into feeling like the accident was his or her fault and there is no case. Wisconsin has laws defending the rights of parties injured in a slip and fall caused by another’s negligence. Both general negligence and safe place laws can be used to pursue legal claims against those responsible for the injury. Do not settle for a “quick turnaround” settlement mill law firm. Your claim is worth more than the insurance company wants to pay. Tusler Law will aggressively fight to ensure your rights are upheld and you get the compensation you deserve.

The value of a slip and fall settlement typically falls within the range of $15,000 to $45,000. However, the exact amount you may receive will be determined by various factors, such as the extent of your injuries. Cases involving minor injuries may result in a settlement below the average range, while those with severe injuries and a strong legal case may receive a settlement that exceeds the average range

What to do if you are injured in a slip and fall accident

In the moments immediately following a slip and fall accident, it is important to keep a level head and follow a few, basic rules. Failing to do so could affect your ability to receive compensation in a civil lawsuit.

Do not admit fault

After an accident, many victims are in shock. The victim is in pain and possibly immobile. The victim is often embarrassed, as well. In this condition, be very careful what you say. Even if you believe you might be at fault, give yourself time to consider the situation. If you rush to admit fault, the insurance company and property owner will blame you and excuse themselves from any fault.

Report the fall

Contact the premise and let them know that you fell. Tell them where and why you fell. But that is all you need to provide to them. Do not give a detailed statement. Simply put them on notice of the fall. This is important so that they can save their security camera footage and report the incident to their premise liability insurer.

Get names and contact information

Your prospective lawsuit may involve calling witnesses. Be sure you will be able to contact them in the future for a statement. You should also include the names of the building owners, and, if it took place in a store, the business managers and all employees on duty at the time of the accident.

Take photos of the scene

Photographic evidence of the location at the time of the slip and fall can be crucial to determining fault. Your photos should show the surrounding area and exactly where your injury occurred. This is especially important when you fall on ice. Ice conditions are constantly changing. It is important to provide some evidence of the current conditions when you fell.

Seek medical attention and document injuries

A slip and fall can cause a concussion, herniated disc, or other injuries not immediately apparent. Seek appropriate medical attention and document your injuries. Swelling, bruising and other obvious injuries should be photographed. While it may seem silly to take a slip & fall as seriously as other injuries, it's very possible to experience medical issues from what seems like a simple accident. Arm yourself against the worst-case scenario by preparing your last will & testament. 

DO NOT make a statement to any insurance adjuster

An insurance adjuster may contact you asking for a statement. If they do, refuse to speak with them. Tell them that you are hiring attorney Ron Tusler and they should speak directly to him. The insurance companies do not use you to collect information. You are a biased party. They receive their information from the premise or police reports. The main reason that they call victims is to collect your statement to use against you in court.

Common Causes of Slip & Falls

1. Icy ground conditions 
2. Wet pavement
3. Dim lighting is observed on a walkway
4. Walking paths have potholes
5. Loose gravel on a walking surface
6. Staircases have bunched carpets
7. Spilled liquids that haven't been cleaned up
8. Footpaths contain litter or other debris
9. Retail stores have clothes or other items on the floor