Premises Liability
Holding Milwaukee Property Owners Accountable for Unsafe Conditions
Erdmann Law Offices, S.C. helps people injured on unsafe property recover the compensation they deserve when owners or managers fail to keep their premises safe.
Understanding Property Owner Responsibility in Wisconsin
Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
When a property owner allows unsafe conditions to exist, serious injuries can result. Wisconsin law requires that homes, businesses, and public properties be maintained in a reasonably safe condition. If a spill, loose railing, uneven flooring, or even an aggressive dog leads to an injury, the property owner may be liable for damages. As a Milwaukee premises liability attorney, Robert Erdmann investigates every case personally and ensures clients throughout West Allis, Wauwatosa, and beyond get fair treatment under the law.
Common Property-Related Injury Claims
Types of Premises Liability Cases
These are the most frequent kinds of cases we handle for clients injured on unsafe premises.
Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents:
Wet floors, snow and ice, or broken steps often cause falls that lead to serious injuries. Visit our
Slip & Fall Accidents page to learn more.
Dog bites & animal attacks:
Wisconsin law holds pet owners responsible when their animals injure others, even if it’s the first time. See our Dog Bites page for details.
Other property hazards:
From falling merchandise in stores to poor lighting or unsafe walkways, any dangerous condition caused by neglect can justify a premises claim.
What You Must Prove to Recover Compensation
Wisconsin Premises Liability Law
Property owners in Wisconsin are required to correct or warn about hazards they know of—or should have known about—before they harm visitors. This “duty of care” varies based on whether you were a customer, guest, or trespasser, but in most situations, owners must act reasonably to prevent injury. In a slip and fall, for example, we must show the hazard existed long enough that the owner or staff should have noticed and fixed it. For dog bite cases, Wisconsin’s strict liability statute makes owners responsible for their animal’s actions, regardless of prior behavior. Our firm investigates the facts, gathers witness statements, and preserves surveillance or maintenance evidence to prove negligence.
What You Need to Know After an Injury
Questions About Premises Liability in Milwaukee
What if I fell but I was partly clumsy or distracted?
Wisconsin’s comparative negligence rule still allows recovery as long as you are less than 51% at fault. If you were distracted by your phone but the property owner ignored a dangerous condition, you may still be entitled to compensation. We evaluate each situation carefully to protect your right to recover damages.
The store cleaned up the spill right after I fell—is that evidence?
It can be. Quick cleanup often indicates the store knew there was a hazard. Witness statements or camera footage can show what happened before and after the fall. We also review inspection logs to see if employees were monitoring safety properly.
Do I really need a lawyer for a slip and fall?
Premises liability cases are often more complex than car crashes because proving fault is harder. Insurance companies regularly deny or minimize these claims. An attorney can collect evidence, interview witnesses, and handle communications with insurers to make sure your case is taken seriously.
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Generally, you have three years from the date of injury to file a claim. If your fall or injury occurred on city or government property, you must provide notice within 120 days. Contacting a lawyer early helps preserve your right to compensation.
What if the injury happened at a friend’s home?
It’s common to feel hesitant, but these claims usually go through homeowners’ insurance—not your friend’s personal assets. We handle such cases discreetly and focus on ensuring your medical costs are covered through their insurance policy.