When Wisconsin’s fall leaves turn to winter snow, sidewalks can quickly become slippery and dangerous. Every year, countless residents suffer serious injuries from slip-and-fall accidents caused by ice, snow, and poorly maintained walkways. If you’ve been hurt in one of these accidents, you may be wondering: who’s responsible for your injuries?
Let’s break down how Wisconsin law handles liability for fall and winter slip-and-falls — and what you should do if you’ve been injured.
Property Owners Have a Duty to Keep Sidewalks Safe
Under Wisconsin law, property owners and occupiers have a duty to maintain their property — including adjacent sidewalks — in a reasonably safe condition. This includes taking steps to remove snow and ice within a reasonable amount of time after it accumulates.
However, Wisconsin’s “Safe Place Statute” (Wis. Stat. § 101.11) and local municipal ordinances can both come into play. Many cities, including Milwaukee and Madison, have specific rules requiring property owners to clear snow and ice within a certain number of hours after a snowfall.
Failing to do so can expose them to liability if someone slips and gets hurt.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the circumstances, several parties might share responsibility for a slip-and-fall:
- Private property owners or tenants – for failing to remove snow, ice, or other hazards in a timely manner.
- Businesses – for not properly maintaining parking lots, entryways, or sidewalks leading to their stores.
- Municipalities – in limited cases, if the sidewalk is public and the city failed to maintain it properly (though these claims are more complex and subject to notice deadlines).
- Snow removal contractors – if a hired company performed the job negligently or failed to fulfill their contract.
Determining who is responsible often requires an investigation into who had control over the property and when the hazard formed.
Comparative Negligence in Wisconsin
Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault — as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible.
For example, if a court finds you 20% at fault because you were wearing improper footwear, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage. This is one reason it’s critical to have an experienced attorney who can build a strong case proving the property owner’s negligence.
Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents might sound minor, but they can cause serious and lasting harm, such as:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Head injuries or concussions
- Back, neck, and spinal injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Long-term mobility issues
Even a seemingly simple fall can lead to significant medical expenses and time off work.
What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
If you’ve been injured on a slippery sidewalk, taking the right steps can make a big difference in your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Your health comes first, and medical records are key evidence.
- Report the accident. Notify the property owner, landlord, or store manager right away.
- Take photos and gather evidence. Capture the icy conditions and any lack of maintenance.
- Get witness information. Statements from bystanders can help prove your case.
- Contact a Wisconsin personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help identify the liable parties and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Bykhovsky Law Can Help
At Bykhovsky Law, we understand how painful and frustrating slip-and-fall injuries can be — especially when they could have been prevented. We’ve helped injured Wisconsinites recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
Our team will investigate your accident, gather the evidence needed to prove negligence, and hold the responsible party accountable.
Don’t Let a Slip-and-Fall Set You Back
If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident in Wisconsin, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
📞 Call Bykhovsky Law today at 414-616-1655 for a free consultation — or contact us online to book a Free Consultation and learn your legal options.
Let us help you get back on your feet this winter.
