Slip-And-Fall Accidents Lawyers
Last updated on January 20, 2026
When you suffer a slip-and-fall in Kenosha or Racine, the physical pain is just the beginning. Property owners can make it impossible to recover the compensation you are entitled to receive as a result of your injuries.
If you need a dedicated personal injury lawyer, look to the Law Office of Paul M. Gagliardi. I can help victims overcome these challenging cases to secure fair compensation for their injuries. As a sixth generation Kenosha County resident, I’m committed to helping the people of my community when they have been injured due to another’s negligence.
Understanding Property Owner Responsibilities
Business owners in Wisconsin have legal obligations to keep their premises safe. When you visit a store or restaurant, the property owners must:
- Promptly clean up spills and hazards
- Maintain walkways, stairs and railings
- Warn about potential dangers
- Address known hazards quickly
When these responsibilities are neglected and you experience a slip-and-fall, you may have grounds for a claim.
Why Slip-And-Fall Cases Are Challenging
Slip-and-fall cases present unique difficulties. For example:
- Evidence often disappears quickly after your slip-and-fall
- Stores rarely document cleanup processes
- Conditions change dramatically between your fall and when you seek help
- Insurance companies aggressively defend these claims
This is why having experienced representation from my law office is crucial – I understand the strategies needed to overcome these obstacles in your slip-and-fall case.
Documenting Your Slip-And-Fall Accident
If you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident, proper documentation strengthens your case. Take these crucial steps:
- Photograph the hazard that caused your slip-and-fall
- Get witness contact information
- Report the incident immediately
- Request a copy of any incident report
- Seek medical attention promptly
- Save the shoes and clothing worn during the fall accident
These steps create a record connecting your injuries directly to the property’s dangerous condition.
Types Of Slip-And-Fall Cases
I represent clients injured in various slip-and-fall scenarios in Kenosha and Racine. Some of these might be:
- Wet floor accidents in stores and restaurants
- Falls on icy walkways
- Trips caused by torn carpeting
- Falls due to poor lighting
- Accidents on broken stairs
- Falls from unmarked floor elevation changes
Each slip-and-fall case requires a tailored approach based on specific circumstances.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents On Stairs
There are many things that can cause a slip-and-fall accident, but stairs are a very common cause. Some of the dangers of stairs include:
- Broken or missing railings: Without this support, it’s easy to lose your balance and fall down the stairs.
- Broken or uneven steps: These issues can also cause you to stumble and fall on stairs.
- Ripped or bunched up carpeting: Carpeted steps must be in good condition or else they may cause you to trip and fall.
- Poor lighting: A dimly lit stairwell makes for hazardous conditions and can lead to falls.
- Slippery steps: Whether it is caused by snow and ice or a spill, a slippery set of stairs is a dangerous one.
- Objects on the steps: Anything left on a staircase can cause you to fall, especially if poor lighting means that you cannot see the object.
- Building code violations: Stairways that are not built properly or up to code can be very dangerous.
While you can find defective or dangerous stairways in homes, they are also very common in commercial buildings. Frequent locations of stairway accidents are:
- Hotels and motels
- Apartment buildings
- Shopping malls
- Workplaces
- Construction sites
- Factories and warehouses
- Arenas and stadiums
- Outdoor parks and recreation areas
In Wisconsin, any building with an outdoor stoop or set of stairs can be extremely hazardous in the winter if they are not promptly cleared of snow and ice. You can be seriously injured in an accident on a stairway. Broken bones, injured joints, traumatic brain injuries, back injuries and spinal cord injuries are all possible. If you have suffered an injury on a stairway, contact me today for help.
Are Slip-And-Fall Cases Hard To Win?
Slip-and-fall cases can be challenging because insurance companies fight hard to deny claims. Property owners often claim they had no knowledge of hazards or that the injured person was at fault.
With proper evidence and experienced representation, however, we can hurdle these obstacles. I build strong slip-and-fall cases by thoroughly investigating conditions and securing reliable testimony when needed. In 2025, I had two slip-and-fall cases that received settlements for my clients: One a trip-and-fall claim for $500,000, and a subsequent slip-and-fall case for $125,000. (The compensation available in your case will depend upon the facts and injuries present in your situation.)
What Percentage Of Slip-And-Fall Cases Go To Trial?
Almost 95% of slip-and-fall cases settle even before trial. However, I prepare every case as if it will go to court. This thorough preparation often leads to better settlement offers from insurance companies.
Whether your slip-and-fall case settles or goes to trial, my goal remains to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
How Long After A Fall Can You Make A Claim?
In Wisconsin, you generally have three years from your slip-and-fall accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting can damage your case as evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade. Contact my office immediately after a slip-and-fall for the strongest possible claim.
Help Is A Phone Call Away
If you’re hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, don’t face property owners and their insurance companies alone. Contact the Law Office of Paul M. Gagliardi today at 262-401-9333 or through my firm’s online form for a free consultation about your slip-and-fall case.