Store aisles will be changing out of their orange and black dressings and into red and green. Those aisles might also be more slick from autumn rain, leaves, and soon snow. We will all be out and about doing our holiday shopping, and some accidents are bound to happen. Keep reading to learn more about your rights as an injured visitor in a commercial building.

Many accidents in stores are slips, trips, and falls due to slippery surfaces or tripping hazards. We want to make sure you know to tell store management if you slipped, tripped or fell, whether or not you feel injured. People often do not feel the full impact of their injuries immediately following an accident. Snap a picture or two of the hazard causing the accident and any visible injuries as well. These actions come in handy if you do need to prove your case in court.

Wisconsin commercial proprietors are held to a high standard when it comes to keeping the public and their employees safe. The Safe Place Statute requires all owners of public places to “furnish the premises with safety devices and safe guards;” practice “methods and processes… that render [the premises] safe;” and “do every other thing reasonably necessary to protect the life, health, safety, and welfare of such employees and frequenters.”

Despite the efforts made by public building and land owners, accidents happen. Here are some frequent hazards that cause accidents and injuries.

In the Parking Lot

• Potholes and ruts
• Dim lighting
• Ice patches
• Oil slicks
• Uneven pavement
• Dark stairwells
• Slippery stairs
• Open drains

In the Building

• Puddles
• Tracked in leaves
• Cracked floors
• Loose carpeting
• Slippery surfaces
• Dim lighting
• Pallets, boxes, or displays too low to be seen easily

Slips, trips, and falls can cause plenty of damage – physically and financially. If you hire an attorney, however, you at least have the chance to lighten the financial burden. The injured party and their lawyer must prove that the proprietor was negligent and that negligence caused the accident. Injured parties can be compensated for income loss, the cost of medical bills, pain and suffering, and effects on quality of life.

You can learn more about slip, trip, and fall injuries at commercial buildings on our website here. If you were injured at a public building and would like to discuss your claim with an attorney, please call 414-273-7777 for your free consultation. Sperling Law Offices LLC has been fighting for injured victims for over 30 years and will work diligently toward the outcome you deserve.