Suffering an injury on someone else's property can instantly change your life. You might face mounting medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and intense physical pain. When a property owner fails to keep their premises safe, you should not have to bear the financial burden alone.
At Anderson O'Brien, LLP, our Stevens legal team understands the stress you face after a serious accident in Portage County. We have proudly served central Wisconsin since 1886, helping injured community members hold negligent property owners and their insurance companies accountable.
Time is critical when dealing with property injuries because evidence often disappears quickly. Contact our Stevens Point premises liability lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you explore your legal options.
Why Choose Anderson O'Brien, LLP for Your Premises Liability Injury Claim
When you choose Anderson O’Brien, LLP, you gain a legal team with deep roots in central Wisconsin and a proven track record of success. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Strong litigation results: Our attorneys have achieved significant recoveries in premises liability cases, including multiple six-figure jury verdicts when the insurance company refuses to pay fair compensation to our clients.
- Aggressive trial preparation: We prepare every claim as if it will go to trial, which often leads to favorable settlements because defense teams know we are ready to fight in court.
- Personalized attention: We take the time to listen to your story, explain the legal process in plain English, and keep you informed at every stage of your claim.
- Reliable support: Our team understands the stress you’re facing and provides clear communication and guidance to help you navigate this challenging time.
- Local legal knowledge: With over a century of service in central Wisconsin, we know the local landscape and how to take on powerful insurance companies effectively.
Choosing Anderson O’Brien, LLP means partnering with a team that is dedicated to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
How Our Stevens Point Premises Liability Lawyers Can Help
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you might expect the owner’s insurance to cover your medical bills without issue. Unfortunately, the reality is often far more complicated. Insurance adjusters frequently use tactics to deny or reduce valid claims, leaving injured individuals frustrated and overwhelmed.
Our premises liability attorneys in Stevens Point are prepared to tackle these challenges head-on. Here are common issues we can help you address:
- Unexpected claim denials: Insurers may reject your claim outright, arguing that the property owner wasn’t responsible for the hazard.
- False narratives from insurers: Adjusters might twist the facts, suggesting you were careless or that the accident was your fault.
- Delayed injuries: Symptoms like back pain or head trauma may not appear immediately, leading insurers to question whether the accident caused your injuries.
- Seemingly minor accidents escalating: What starts as a minor fall can lead to serious complications, such as fractures or long-term mobility issues, which insurers may downplay.
- Disappearing evidence: Surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements can vanish quickly if not preserved through formal legal action.
Our legal team takes swift action to protect your claim. We investigate the scene, secure critical evidence, and build a compelling case to prove the property owner’s negligence. By addressing these challenges directly, we help you secure the compensation you need to fully recover.
Understanding Wisconsin Law for Premises Cases
There are a number of important legal considerations for your Wisconsin premises liability case. One important consideration is whether the injury occurred at a location that is subject to Wisconsin’s Safe Place Statute, which imposes a heightened standard of care on places of employment and public buildings. For example, if injured at a big box store, grocery store or their parking lot and walkways, those companies may be subject to the Safe Place Statute which requires them to make their locations as safe as reasonably possible.
Was the injury caused by a temporary condition or a defect in the property? If the injury was caused by the property’s structural defect, there may be a time-limiting statute of repose that may apply and requires careful consideration.
Your Anderson O’Brien attorney will work to make sure they are able to present your case in the strongest possible position using all theories of liability to help you recover against those who are responsible.
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle in Portage County
Premises liability in Stevens Point extends far beyond a simple slip-and-fall. A dangerous property can cause severe harm in many different ways. Our attorneys assist clients with a wide variety of property-related injury claims.
- Slip and fall accidents: Wet floors, icy sidewalks, and spilled liquids in grocery stores frequently cause devastating bone fractures and head trauma.
- Unsafe staircases in rental housing: Broken handrails, uneven steps, and rotting wood in apartment buildings pose severe risks to tenants and their guests.
- Inadequate lighting: Poorly lit parking lots and commercial walkways make it impossible to see tripping hazards or changes in elevation.
- Dog bites on private property: Property owners can be held strictly liable when their dogs attack visitors, leading to severe lacerations and nerve damage.
- Falling or tripping merchandise in stores: Unfortunately, big box stores can fail to properly stock or secure their products leading to falling objects injuring or tripping over items left in walkways.
- Swimming pool accidents: Missing safety gates, slippery decks, and a lack of supervision at community or private pools can result in tragic drowning incidents or traumatic brain injuries.
- Structural defects: Landlords and business owners who ignore failing roofs, collapsing balconies, or loose floorboards put everyone on the premises in extreme danger.
If a negligent property owner caused your injury, we can help you fight for the financial recovery you need to pay your medical bills and support your family.
Taking on Local Property Owners and Their Insurers
What makes premises liability cases uniquely challenging in a smaller market like Stevens Point is the nature of the defendants. You might be dealing with a beloved local business, a community institution, or a familiar landlord. Taking legal action against familiar faces in a tight-knit community can feel uncomfortable.
However, you are rarely suing the individual directly. You are pursuing a claim against their commercial liability insurance policy. These property owners pay insurance premiums precisely for situations like yours. The insurance company relies on your hesitation to avoid paying what they owe.
Our attorneys understand the local landscape. We combine genuine community commitment with the litigation skill necessary to take on massive insurance corporations. When property owners and their insurers refuse to accept responsibility, we step in to demand fair treatment on your behalf.
Types of Compensation Available for Your Slip and Fall Injuries
A severe injury creates a ripple effect of financial hardship. Our goal is to make you whole again by pursuing maximum compensation for your losses. The exact value of your settlement depends on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your daily life.
You may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the accident.
- Lost wages: If your injury forces you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the paychecks you lost during your recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity: Catastrophic injuries might prevent you from returning to your previous career, entitling you to compensation for future lost income.
- Pain and suffering: This encompasses physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the property owner's negligence.
We calculate the full extent of your damages to prevent insurance adjusters from lowballing your settlement. We work with medical professionals to project your future care needs, making sure that your final settlement covers the true cost of your accident.
Determining Eligibility to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Stevens Point
Understanding whether you’re eligible to file a premises liability lawsuit can feel overwhelming, but Anderson O’Brien, LLP is here to help. During a free consultation, our attorneys will carefully evaluate your situation and answer key questions like:
- What type of property was involved? Was the property a public building or place of employment? If so, the heightened Safe Place Statute may apply.
- Was the property owner aware of the hazard? Did they know—or should they have known—about the unsafe condition that caused your injury?
- Did the property owner take reasonable steps to address the hazard? Was the issue ignored, poorly repaired, or inadequately marked?
- Did your actions contribute to the accident? Could the defense argue that you were partially at fault, and how might that impact your claim?
- Are there time limits affecting your case? Have you acted quickly enough to preserve evidence and meet Wisconsin’s filing deadlines?
There’s no room for guesswork when it comes to your eligibility for a premises liability claim. Anderson O’Brien, LLP provides the clarity and guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
Stevens Point Premises Liability Attorneys FAQ
What should I do immediately after getting hurt on someone else's property?
Start by seeking medical attention to document your injuries. If possible, take photos of the hazard and report the incident to the property owner. Then, reach out to Anderson O’Brien, LLP for guidance on protecting your claim and next steps.
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law generally allows three years to file a claim, but acting sooner can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case. Contact Anderson O’Brien, LLP to ensure your timeline stays on track.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my fall?
In many cases, yes. Wisconsin’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if your fault is less than 51%. Our attorneys can help reduce any unfair blame placed on you.
How much does it cost to hire a Stevens Point premises liability lawyer?
There are no upfront costs. Anderson O’Brien, LLP works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we successfully resolve your case.
What if I slipped on ice or snow outside a local business?
Property owners are expected to address snow and ice hazards within a reasonable timeframe. We’ll investigate the circumstances and work to hold them accountable if negligence played a role.
Will my premises liability case have to go to trial?
Many cases resolve through negotiation, but if a fair settlement isn’t possible, Anderson O’Brien, LLP is prepared to represent you in court.
Move Forward With Confidence With the Help of Experienced Premises Liability Lawyers in Stevens Point, WI
You deserve a dedicated advocate who will stand up to the insurance companies and fight for your recovery.
A serious property accident replaces your normal routine with medical appointments, physical pain, and constant financial worry. The burden of proving a property owner's negligence should not fall on your shoulders while you are trying to heal.
Anderson O'Brien, LLP is ready to stand by your side. We know Wisconsin premises liability law and we know how to beat the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims.
By prioritizing facts, preserving critical evidence, and demanding accountability, we help injured residents in Stevens Point work toward a fair resolution.
Are you ready to take the next step in seeking justice after an accident on someone else's property? Contact Anderson O'Brien, LLP today for a free initial consultation with our experienced Stevens Point premises liability lawyers.