Wisconsin winters can be unpredictable, and Milwaukee, West Allis, and surrounding areas see thousands of slip and fall injuries every year. When snow, ice, and freezing rain create dangerous walkways, businesses and property owners have a responsibility to keep their spaces reasonably safe. Knowing your rights after a winter fall can help you protect your health and your claim.

 

 

Why Winter Falls Are So Common

 

 

Icy sidewalks, untreated parking lots, and slush-covered store entrances create high-risk conditions throughout Milwaukee County. Places like grocery stores, local restaurants, and big-box retailers often see a spike in slip and fall incidents during storms or temperature swings. Even residential areas in Wauwatosa or Brookfield can become hazardous when sidewalks aren’t properly cleared.

 

 

Common Winter Hazards That Lead to Falls

 

 

Winter weather creates dangers that aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. Some of the most common causes of cold-weather injuries include:

 

• Ice patches that aren’t salted or treated
• Slush and water tracked inside stores
• Snow piles blocking walkways
• Poor lighting that hides frozen spots
• Black ice forming near gutters or downspouts

 

 

These hazards can cause serious injuries, especially for older adults or anyone with a prior injury.

 

 

What To Do After a Winter Slip and Fall

 

 

If you fall, your first priority is your health. Seek medical care right away so your injuries are documented by a doctor. Many people in Milwaukee go to facilities like Aurora West Allis Medical Center or Froedtert Hospital after a fall, even if pain seems minor at first.

 

Try to take photos of the ice or hazard as soon as possible, along with your shoes and the surrounding area. Weather changes quickly, and property owners often clear or salt the area after an accident, making early evidence crucial.

 

 

Responsibility of Property Owners in Winter Months

 

 

Wisconsin law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to keep walkways safe. This includes timely snow removal, salting icy areas, putting down mats, and warning guests when surfaces may be slippery. In busy Milwaukee shopping centers or West Allis retail areas, staff are expected to monitor conditions regularly, especially during storms or high foot traffic.

 

When these responsibilities are ignored or delayed, injuries are more likely—and victims have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain caused by the fall.

 

 

How a Local Attorney Can Help Build Your Case

 

 

Slip and fall cases can be challenging because businesses often deny responsibility or blame the weather. A Milwaukee personal injury lawyer can help gather time-sensitive evidence, review maintenance logs, and speak with witnesses. Erdmann Law Offices understands how local weather affects property conditions, and we know how to demonstrate when a hazard should have been fixed or warned about. Acting quickly is key, especially when icy conditions change by the hour.

 

 

Injured in a Winter Fall? Contact Us Today

 

 

If you slipped and fell in Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, or nearby areas this winter, you don’t have to handle the situation alone. Erdmann Law Offices is here to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.

 

Reach out today for a free consultation . We’re available seven days a week and can meet at your home, by phone, or wherever is most convenient while you recover.