Wisconsin premises liability law governs slip and fall cases, holding property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions and warning of hazards. Fault hinges on proving negligence through four elements: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages, with comparative negligence reducing awards proportionally if the injured party shares blame over 50%.​
Proving Liability
Property owners owe invitees (customers) the highest duty to inspect and fix dangers like wet floors or ice, while licensees (social guests) receive reasonable care. Owners who knew or should have known of a hazard—yet failed to act or warn—face liability, including for natural snow accumulation after a reasonable cleanup window. Evidence like incident reports, photos, and witness statements strengthens claims.​
Compensation Available
Victims can recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage if negligence is established. Awards adjust under Wis. Stat. § 895.045 for partial fault; full bars apply beyond 50%. Government property claims require 120-day notice under Wis. Stat. § 893.80, with caps and immunity hurdles.​
Filing Deadlines
Claims must file within three years per Wis. Stat. § 893.54, shorter for public entities. Prompt action preserves evidence and meets notice rules for viable recovery.​
