Slipping and Falling is No Fun for Anyone

Let’s face it, slipping, tripping and then taking a hard tumble can be incredibly embarrassing for anyone. Not only that, but anyone who falls may suffer a wide range of injuries that require medical treatment. When a slip and fall occurs and someone else may be to blame for the harm that results, it is important to explore your legal options. Thankfully, a Milwaukee, WI slip and fall lawyer will be happy to help.

How should I respond to a slip and fall?

The first response to a slip and fall accident should involve seeking medical attention. The injuries for a trip and tumble can be really painful. Hitting your body onto cement, pavement, tile flooring, or wood can cause bodies fairly serious damage. With that said, your injuries may not manifest for a few days if you have sustained soft tissue damage. Please seek medical attention even if you don’t think you are hurt. You may have internal damage that you cannot yet perceive.

Should I take photographs of the accident?

If you can, take photographs of exactly where you fell, so it can be easier to tell your story later. Snap a picture of anything that may have contributed to your fall, whether that be a water puddle, objects, overly waxed floor, torn carpeting, etc. Down the line if you sue the person/business responsible for the fall, evidence will be crucial to the strength of your claim. If you are unable to take a picture, please don’t panic. A Milwaukee, WI slip and fall lawyer will be able to discuss evidence-related issues with you once you determine whether you’d like to file a claim.

Why do these accidents happen?

The ways in which a person may suffer a fall are limitless. But in most cases, slip and falls happen due to inadequate lighting, inadequately maintained flooring, lack of handrails on staircases, puddles of liquid, slick sidewalks/surfaces and messy store aisles. Slip and fall accidents often occur due to negligence on behalf of property managers or store supervisors. Spills in retail shops may go unattended to because of lazy or inattentive staff. In other cases, a property manager may not want to add handrails to a staircase because it will cost him or her money. Regardless of the reason that a fall occurs, an experienced Milwaukee, WI slip and fall lawyer can help you determine whether you can hold a third party liable for the harm that the accident caused.

What are common injuries related to slip and fall situations?

The injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents vary, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident in question. It is partially because each accident scenario is unique that seeking legal counsel is beneficial for victims. An experienced Milwaukee, WI slip and fall lawyer can explore each unique situation and advise victims of their legal options accordingly. It is not uncommon for those who fall to suffer (at minimum) mild head trauma, bruises, scrapes, soreness, back and neck problems, broken bones, and pulled muscles. The injuries can be more severe when aggravating factors – including age, disability, the severity of the fall, weather conditions, etc. – are present.

Should I consult with a lawyer about my accident?

If another party had a part in your slip and fall accident, you may benefit from consulting with a Milwaukee, Wisconsin slip and fall lawyer as soon as you can. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical costs and other losses if someone failed to uphold a reasonable duty of care in regards to you and your safety. Please consider scheduling a consultation with the legal team at Hickey & Turim, SC today in order to learn more about any legal options that may be available to you. Speaking an attorney does not commit you to filing a legal claim. Doing so simply will simply allow you to make an informed decision about your situation.

Hickey & Turim S.C., a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI residents trust, may provide invaluable legal counsel to people who’ve suffered an injury in an unexpected accident. These incidents cause millions of people immense pain and may jeopardize their inability to enjoy life. The extent of the injuries endured may vary from a strained muscle or broken bone to a severe neck or head injury, or even a fatality. Regardless of what you have experienced after a devastating fall, you might want to consider contacting a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI.

Hickey & Turim, S.C.: A Milwaukee Slip and Fall Lawyer

Hickey & Turim, S.C. has been fighting for the victims of personal injury for almost 30 years. Guided by our in-depth experience, we confidently navigate legal cases of all types – from those that are straightforward to those that are extremely complex. Working on a contingency fee basis, we make your financial security a top priority. If you believe that we’re a good match for your claim, one of our lawyers may explain the process so you know exactly what to expect. To discuss your case with a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI respects, please call our law firm now.

General Information

Up to three million Americans slip and fall every year. Unfortunately around 15,000 people die in these incidents. Most of these are preventable when the areas are well maintained. A slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI provides typically handles claims that involve water, ice, oil, paint, or other substances on a walking surface. Often it is the negligence of a property owner, manager, or even cleaning company that causes the accident. When such a danger exists, all those who pass should be properly warned. This is not always the case leading pedestrians to be put at a heightened risk for falling.

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and are most common in:

• Parking lots;
• Restaurants;
• Shopping centers;
• Hotels;
• Banks;
• Offices;
• Casinos;
• Parks; and
• Schools.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall, please call a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI respects such as Hickey & Turim, S.C.

Four Things to Do if You Slip and Fall

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall, there are a few precautionary measures a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI provides may tell you to do. They are as follows:

1. Get help – If possible, let someone at the establishment know you have slipped and fallen. This ensures your incident is recorded for insurance purposes. You also need to seek medical attention quickly. Inform the doctor of any aches or pains, regardless of how minor they might be.
2. Take pictures – Using your phone or a camera, take pictures of the entire scene. Make sure you document what caused you to fall, the surroundings, the environment, weather, and anything else that might seem relevant.
3. Gather witness information – If there were any witnesses, kindly ask for their full name and phone number.
4. Contact a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI depends on – It’s prudent to be careful about what you say when reporting the incident. In general you should contact a lawyer before giving a statement.

Remember slip and fall injuries can be very serious, yet they are often internal. Days or weeks can go by without noticing anything too out of the ordinary; however, this does not mean nothing is wrong. For this reason, we cannot stress enough the importance of getting medical attention. Please call a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI families count on as soon as possible to find out if you have a claim. We can be happy to provide you with the next steps to take and answer any questions you might have.

How You Can Protect Your Legal Rights

In general, the defending party of a slip and fall would hire a lawyer soon after the incident occurs. When this happens, it may be in your best interest to have a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI can provide on your side. By doing so, your rights may be protected to their fullest. The lawyers at Hickey & Turim, S.C. understand the various tactics and legal approaches that could be used against you. With this in mind, we work with unremitting determination to build a strong case backed by undeniable evidence that proves negligence or wrongdoing.

Proving Liability in Your Claim

It is the job of a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI depends on to prove liability by showing that the defendant’s actions, or lack thereof, caused the accident. Even if you’re sure proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” exists, this proof must be examined through a fair proceeding for all parties. As soon as you hire a lawyer, he or she may begin to examine your case to put the pieces of the puzzle together. By the time your case is presented, a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI offers may show:

• The defending party(s) was aware of a defect, problem, or obstacle
• This party failed to take the necessary steps to fix the issue
• You did not know about the accident, or contribute to it, in any way
• A person with a sound mind would have presumably tried to prevent the accident
• The defendant’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongdoing caused the slip and fall

It might not always be possible to prove all of the above; however, as much information as possible should be gathered to form a strong argument in your favor. Whether your case is settled out of court through negotiations or is required to go to trial, you might receive monetary compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, emotional anguish, pain and suffering, and more.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Documenting a Slip and Fall Accident

Nobody wants to experience a slip and fall accident. If the worst happens and you find yourself in one of these painful situations, you may be wondering how to best document the experience for when you talk to your slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI. Hickey & Turim S.C. has a few do’s and don’ts to take the stress out of the process.

Do: Take Pictures

Snap a photo of anything that might have contributed to the accident. Ice patches, broken railings, and uneven floors are common causes of falls. Try taking pictures from multiple angles to get a total view of the situation. We recommend saving the images in multiple places, such as your phone storage and your computer or online cloud service. Storing photos in multiple locations prevents you from accidentally deleting them and losing valuable evidence.

Do: Talk to Witnesses

Look around for any other people who might have seen the accident. They can provide valuable evidence if you choose to take legal action. Introduce yourself politely, explain what happened, and ask if you could get their name and phone number to pass on to your slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI. Talk with them about what they saw; they might help you remember an important detail or point out something to photograph.

Don’t: Brush It Off

A slip and fall accident might seem like nothing at first. While you might be tempted to brush off the incident as an embarrassing part of your day, Hickey & Turim S.C. knows it’s important to seek medical attention quickly. Your doctor could notice injuries that you otherwise wouldn’t feel for days. Make sure your doctor’s observations are recorded in your medical record and you know how to access your record if you need to use it as evidence.

Don’t: Try To Do It All Yourself

If you aren’t sure whether you have documented enough about your accident, a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, can give you guidance. Personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and make a plan to counter any arguments used against you. They’ll work with you to build the best possible case, whether that involves going to court or simply settling the issue through negotiation. With the help of a lawyer, you could get reimbursed for lost wages or get compensation for your medical bills. Give yourself the best chance at a successful case by asking for assistance.

Counting on Hickey & Turim, S.C. For Your Slip and Fall Claim

As a leading Milwaukee slip and fall lawyer, families from around the area come to us for legal counsel. Having helped thousands of clients reach successful settlements, our law firm has garnered a reputation we are proud of. When you choose us to be your slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, you can expect things like:

• Free initial consultations;
• No upfront fees until we settle or win;
• Hospital or home visits;
• Evening or weekend appointments;
• Readiness to go to trial;
• Honest and transparent advice; and
• Full support for all those involved.

A slip and fall accident can be petrifying and cause innumerable physical, financial, and emotional grievance. If you’re ready to speak to a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI trusts, please call Hickey & Turim, S.C. at (262) 797-6677.

What Makes a Slip and Fall so Dangerous?

You may or may not be familiar with the law, but a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin can make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, no matter how great or how small.

Slip and falls can happen anywhere, and all too often they go completely unreported. In these cases, by the time the minor injuries from a small slip-up develop into a much more serious health issue, it’s too late for the victim to get the money they need for a full recovery.

If you’ve suffered a trip, slip, or fall you’re not alone: Slip and falls are incredibly common injuries, but why don’t they get reported? And (more importantly) how can a lawyer help if you’ve been injured in a minor accident?

The Truth Behind Reporting Slip and Falls

Slip and falls can happen in the workplace, in places of business, and even at your neighbor’s house. However, you can’t be properly compensated for your injuries unless you report whatever accident caused your injuries in the first place. Unfortunately, this is the first hurdle for many victims of slip and falls.

Slip and falls are minor. They’re small injuries caused by accidents that many people are too embarrassed to report. As stated before, these injuries have the potential to turn into something much worse in a few days, weeks, or months – but immediately after the accident, the victim may feel more ashamed or embarrassed than anything else. Nobody wants to be the clumsy one in the office – but nobody should be uncertain about reporting their injuries either.

In more sinister circumstances, employers may maintain a culture of fear in their office or workplace. This toxicity can prevent employees from getting the help they need out of intimidation or bullying. As with embarrassment, intimidation should never decide whether you get the care and compensation you deserve for your slip and fall.

Unfortunately, a failure to report a slip and fall may mean a failure to secure funding for your recovery. After you’ve been injured, you’ll be dealing with medical bills sooner or later (oftentimes later in the case of slip and falls). On top of medical bills, you’ll have to cope with lost wages, because chances are you’ll be unable to clock in and out of work each day when you’re receiving medical care.

How can a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI help you if you’ve experienced a slip and fall? That comes down to the details of your case, and that’s what sets Hickey & Turim, S.C. apart from all the rest.

4 Reasons to Seek Medical Care After a Slip and Fall

 When you visit a restaurant or other business establishment, you have a reasonable expectation that the proprietors have taken steps to keep you safe during your visit. Safety includes proper signage on wet floors, salt on outdoor walkways in the winter, and prompt clean-up of all spills.

However, whether by accident or negligence, sometimes a business might fail in its duty to keep its patrons safe, which can lead to injury. Here are just a few reasons why you should seek medical attention after a slip and fall in a business. Then, you should contact a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, right away.

Treat Injuries

The attorneys at Hickey & Turim S.C. will always recommend tending to your injuries after a slip and fall before doing anything else. The most obvious reason for seeking medical care is to tend to any injuries you may have. For example, a twisted ankle, bumped head, or sprained elbow can quickly become problematic if left untreated. A doctor will be able to treat you and get you the proper medication or bandaging you need. 

Assess For Unseen Injuries

Some injuries, such as whiplash or shoulder injuries, may not have immediate pain or ailments associated with them. However, a doctor may be able to determine whether or not you may suffer from unseen injuries, which can help you prepare for any pain or swelling you might experience in the coming days. 

Get Documentation

If your fall led to any injuries, severe or otherwise, you’ll need documentation for two main reasons. 

Evidence

A medical record will show the doctor’s findings, assessments, and treatment for your injuries. Those findings will make it easier to show in court that your injuries directly resulted from the business’s negligence. In addition, a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, MI, such as one of the professionals at Hickey & Turim S.C., will be able to use that documentation to help bolster your case.

Future Medical Visits

When your doctor properly documents your initial visit and injuries, it makes it easier to follow up with any specialists or other doctors in the future. In addition, other doctors will better understand your injuries if those injuries were assessed by a medical professional, which can make your treatment more effective. Future visits will also provide a longer paper trail for court.

Once you’ve taken care of getting medical attention, it will be time to contact a lawyer. An experienced slip and fall attorney will be able to guide you throughout your suit. But, most importantly, a lawyer will be able to get you the best outcome for your case.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI residents trust may be able to help. At Hickey & Turim SC, we have handled dozens of slip and fall cases and work hard to help our clients get justice. Our dedicated lawyers can help guide you through the legal process and be there to address all of your questions and concerns.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Many people go to the emergency room for slip and fall accidents each year, as a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI can attest. Some walk away with just bruising while others may suffer serious head or other injuries. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of slip and fall accidents.

• Hazardous Weather Conditions: Slip and fall accidents that happen outside are usually caused by hazardous weather conditions, like snow and ice, as a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI clients respect can confirm. For example, someone can slip on an icy sidewalk outside of a homeowner’s residence. If the homeowner knew about the icy conditions and failed to do anything about it, he or she could be held liable for the injured person’s medical bills and other damages.
• Wet Floors: Wet floors are another common cause of slip and fall accidents a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI residents rely on has seen. For instance, if milk or other liquid spills in a grocery store and a customer walks on it, he or she can slip and fall. To avoid accidents like these, it is critical for grocery store managers to clean up spills promptly.
  Worn Down Stairs: Stairs become worn down over time. For example, the stair edges may become rounded after a certain amount of time, causing people to slip and fall. If the property owner knew about the dangerous condition and did not repair it promptly, he or she could be held legally responsible if a person gets hurt.
• Improper Training: As a Milwaukee slip and fall lawyer can verify, slip and fall accidents often happen in the workplace. If employees aren’t properly trained on how to handle certain equipment and tools, they are more likely to fall and get hurt. The employer may be held liable for hurt workers’ medical bills.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help

If you wish to pursue compensation for your injuries, it may be in line with your goals to hire a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI locals count on. He may help you file the lawsuit in a timely manner and protect your best interests. Your lawyer may also help you gather the necessary evidence you need to prove your case and communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. With a dedicated lawyer on your side, you may have a better peace of mind about your situation.

If you are looking for a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI residents recommend, you might want to consider speaking to Hickey and Turim. Our law firm is the kind that you can trust for honest, reliable, and compassionate legal counsel. Whether you are a victim or a loved one, we are ready to hear your story. For a free consultation with a Milwaukee slip and fall lawyer, please call our firm.

Slip and Fall Injury

A slip and fall can happen anywhere at any time and to anyone. Every year, people suffer serious, life threatening injuries that could lead to devastating consequences. Wet floors, construction site obstacles, and unit stairwells are some of the areas common with these accidents. Often times the catastrophic results cause pain, financial debt, and unwanted stress. If you believe you are owed damages from a negligent property owner, please call a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI offers as soon as possible.

Our lawyers can answer your questions, help you understand the laws, and let you know what options you have. When investigating your case, we will take into considerations such as:

• Whether or not there are any previous complaints about the hazard;
• Who might be the negligent party; and
• The extent of the injury.

In addition to this, we will examine your medical records and any available evidence to establish a foundation from which to build a case. If you are not sure about your claim, call a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI depends on today.

General Information about Slip and Falls

It is the obligation of a property owner, or sometimes manager, to keep their property in a safe condition. If a slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI can show that an owner knew or should have known about an unsafe condition, but ignored it, there may be grounds for a claim when a person was injured because of this situation. Every slip and fall is inherently unique which is why it will benefit you to get advice from a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI trusts.

Fall on Ice and Snow

Wisconsin experiences ice and snow during the winters. Over this season, many people slip and fall on the icy pavement or grounds. Property owners have a duty to ensure sidewalks and parking lots are well looked after and that all snow or ice is removed to the best of their ability. Owners generally have a reasonable amount of time to remove the snow and ice. For instance, the owner might not be liable if you slipped and fell in the middle of a snowstorm. Examples of other possible liabilities involving a slip and fall on ice and snow include:

• If the ice built up on the roof, melted, and dripped off because the drain was clogged;
• If ice on a parking lot melted, led to puddles, and the refreezes into patches; or
• If the property owner agreed to ice and snow removal, but failed to provide it.

If you suspect any of the above happened, please call a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI respects, such as Hickey and Turim.

Who Is Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents on Slippery and Untreated Sidewalks?

One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents during winter months are caused by slippery sidewalks. This usually happens because the sidewalk itself has been left untreated or not cleared of the ice and snow that has fallen. This failure means that pedestrians are left to maneuver on hazardous walking surfaces and this often leads to a slip and fall accident.

At Hickey and Turim, we have successfully represented numerous slip and fall accident cases and have been able to obtain the financial compensation that victims deserve. If you have been a victim of a slip and fall accident, a slip and fall lawyer can help you pursue a claim against the party or parties whose negligence resulted in your injuries. You may be entitled to medical expenses, loss of income from being unable to work while you recover, pain, suffering, and more.

Who Is Responsible for My Accident?

If you have fallen on a slippery sideway in Milwaukee, WI that had not been treated, the first step in pursuing a personal injury claim is determining who the responsible party is. Is it the property owner? Is the municipality where the sidewalk is located? Can the victim sue? These are common questions that your personal injury attorney can answer.

States and local governments have laws on the books that can help answer these questions. Many of these entities have passed laws which may actually offer protection to a property owner if they have done a poor job of removing ice or snow and treating the surface if the hazard was present because of “Mother Nature.” For example, if a pedestrian slips and falls on an untreated sidewalk during a bad snowstorm, the property owner may not be held liable because the storm was still going on. If, however, a day or two had passed after the storm and the property owner still had not cleared the snow when the pedestrian fell, then they could be held liable.

The purpose of these laws is to help ensure that property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks and areas around their property, yet also ensuring there is not a burdensome liability for weather conditions out of their control. In the past, before these types of liability laws were enacted, many property owners would just refuse to clear sidewalks because they did not believe it was their responsibility to do.

Let Our Firm Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter slip and fall accident, contact Hickey and Turim today to meet with a member of our legal team. A slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI clients turn to will evaluate your case and determine who the at-fault party is. Your slip and fall lawyer will work with their insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, your attorney will not hesitate to litigate in a court of law. We will use all available resources to ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.

Contact Hickey & Turim, S.C. Today

At Hickey & Turim, S.C., we understand that every slip and fall case is different, and that’s why we provide personalized and attentive case management for each and every one of our clients. You may have felt too embarrassed or intimidated to report your injuries, but with us at your back you don’t need to be afraid of your future.

Don’t look for cookie-cutter solutions to your legal problems. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who cares. Reach out to Hickey & Turim, S.C. today, and see how the right slip and fall lawyer in Milwaukee, WI can help you get your life back on track.

Resources

What May Constitute a Slip and Fall?