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A slip-and-fall accident can happen anytime to anyone. Unfortunately, such falls can cause a major disruption to your life. An injury can lead to time off work, unexpected expenses, mental distress, and other undesirable outcomes. Slip and fall injuries are one of the most common causes of hospitalizations in the U.S. If your slip and fall accident was a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have the right to seek compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP can assist you with slip and fall cases. Our slip and fall attorneys in Eau Claire, WI, are well-versed in the laws and regulations that govern such cases and know how to build a strong case to get you full and fair compensation for your suffering.

Wisconsin Laws for Slip and Fall Cases Overview

Generally, slip and fall cases are governed by premises liability law. These laws state that the owner or occupant of the property is responsible for any accidents that happen on the property due to their negligence or wrongdoing. If they can’t fix the dangerous situation, they must adequately warn others to protect them from harm.

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, such as slip and fall accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. Victims need to file a claim or lawsuit within this time frame, or they may lose their right to compensation. If you are filing a claim against a government entity, there are some distinctive requirements. There might be reduced statute of limitations for slip and fall cases against government agencies. You may also be required to send a formal notice informing them of your intent to sue.

Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence rule for slip and fall cases. According to this rule, the person partially at fault can recover compensation as long as their share of fault is 50 percent or less. In addition, the compensation they get may be adjusted according to their share of fault.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Unsafe floors are the most common cause of slip and fall accidents, but there could be several other reasons. In some cases, there could be a combination of factors that contribute to the fall. For example, inclement weather or poor visibility can increase the chances of a slip-and-fall accident. Here are some of the most common causes of a slip and fall accident:

  • Loose rugs or mats
  • Uneven flooring
  • Wet floors
  • Exposed wiring
  • Tripping hazards
  • Cracks or potholes
  • Spillage of liquids or food
  • Poor lighting
  • Missing handrails
  • Broken step on the staircase

There are other reasons for a slip and fall accident, so you may need to do some investigation to determine what caused you to fall. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including your workplace, home, shopping centers, restaurants, and parking garages.

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Building a Strong Case

The attorneys at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs know how to build a strong case. One of the first steps is identifying the party liable for your suffering. In a slip and fall accident, you can sue landlords, employers, retail stores, maintenance companies, restaurants, or any party whose negligence caused you to suffer the injuries.

The opposing party will likely try to deflect the blame on you, so you need solid evidence to support your claim. Experienced slip and fall Lawyers in Eau Claire, WI, can help establish liability for the accident.

Under Wisconsin law, the property owners or business owners are not automatically responsible for your injuries. You need to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care toward you and breached this duty through negligence or wrongdoing causing you to suffer damages.

To build a strong case, you need to gather evidence. For example, you can gather photographs of the condition of the property at the time of your fall, eyewitness testimony to the incident, medical records, police reports, or other types of evidence that can support your case.

You should keep records of all your out of pocket expenses that are not covered by any sort of insurance. If you suffered loss of income or loss of future earning capacity, you need to gather documents that can help you prove your claim. While all these steps might seem daunting, a personal injury attorney from Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP can handle all the legal aspects of the case.

Average Settlement for Slip and Fall Cases in Wisconsin

The average compensation for slip and fall cases in Wisconsin vary widely depending on the severity of your injuries and other factors. Serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, often result in higher settlements. To ensure you account for every penny you deserve, consult with our Eau Claire, WI, slip and fall lawyers. We are well-versed in personal injury law and have experience in all types of slip and fall cases.

Compensation for slip and fall cases include economic and non-economic losses. While economic expenses, such as lost wages and medical expenses, are easier to prove, non-economic expenses like emotional distress may require extra effort. Our personal injury lawyers can assess your case to guide you on what compensation to expect.

Schedule a Consultation With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are looking for a reliable and reputed slip-and-fall attorney in Eau Claire, your search is over. Our law firm can help you protect your rights and get you compensation for the injuries sustained in the accident. As a first step, we will assess your personal injury case to determine the best legal strategy for you to recover compensation and hold the opposing party accountable for their negligence or wrongdoing.

At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, our practice areas include a wide range of cases, including insurance appeals, medical malpractice, employment law, and more. If you’re still on the fence, come learn about our experienced attorneys. When you are ready, visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation with our slip and fall lawyers in Eau Claire. Additionally, visit our Eau Claire personal injury lawyer page to discover more about our legal services.

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