Eau Claire Slip & Fall Attorneys

We typically don't think much of walking until we slip on an icy sidewalk or trip over an improperly maintained floor. The pain of your injury may keep you off your feet and unable to walk or work for some time. The Eau Claire slip and fall attorneys of Bye, Goff & Rohde are committed to seeing you made whole again, and we have the experience needed to represent you in these complex cases.

Have you been injured in a slip and fall? Call us at (534) 202-5404 to schedule a free consultation.

Experience That Counts

The firm of Bye, Goff & Rohde has been serving the Eau Claire area for nearly 50 years. We are familiar with the unique character of our city and are committed to protecting our neighbors. We are proud of the fact that our partners are all Board Certified by The National Board of Trial Advocacy. This is an honor afforded to only three percent of all attorneys. Our firm's reputation for excellence can greatly benefit you if you've been injured in a fall.

Slip & Fall Accidents Are Complex

Determining what caused your fall can be complicated. Proving your case often requires professional counsel and testimony. Proving that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the safety of their premises requires a hard-working team committed to nailing down the details of your case. You have enough to worry about with recovering and getting your quality of life back. Let our experienced team of attorneys do the work of bringing the facts to light.

Eau Claire Is Unique

Eau Claire was founded in 1845 and is home to some beautiful historic buildings. While these older buildings add to the city's character, maintaining them properly can take more time and money than some property owners are willing to provide. With snow and ice on sidewalks and steps six months out of the year, properly clearing the ice to provide a safe walkway is a duty responsible property owners take seriously. Some people, however, take dangerous shortcuts that can result in painful and expensive injuries to victims of slip and fall accidents.

Common Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Eau Claire, WI

Just as any other city in Wisconsin has its accident-prone areas, Eau Claire has several locations where slip and fall accidents frequently occur due to various hazards and weather conditions. Knowing these locations can help residents and visitors take extra precautions:

Downtown Eau Claire

Eau Claire's downtown area is a bustling hub with a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment venues. The sidewalks can become slippery due to inadequate snow and ice removal during winter months, making it a common site for slip and fall incidents.

Oakwood Mall Area

As one of the largest shopping destinations in the region, the Oakwood Mall area sees considerable foot traffic. Parking lots and entrances can be hazardous if proper maintenance isn't upheld, particularly during icy conditions or heavy rainfall.

University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Campus

The university campus is a vibrant part of the city, with numerous pathways and steps. These areas can become treacherous due to snow or ice accumulation, leading to potential accidents among students and staff.

City Parks and Trails

Eau Claire is known for its beautiful parks and extensive trail systems, which are popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. While these areas offer wonderful recreational opportunities, trails can become slippery from leaves or debris, especially after rain or during the fall season.

Residential Neighborhoods

Many residential areas in Eau Claire face challenges with maintaining clear, hazard-free walkways. Homeowners are responsible for their sidewalks' maintenance, and failure to do so, particularly in icy conditions, can lead to slip and fall accidents.

By being aware of these slip and fall hot spots, both residents and visitors can exercise the necessary caution to stay safe, while property owners are reminded of their duty to maintain safe premises.

Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents in Eau Claire

Slip and fall accidents can result from various dangerous conditions, both inside and outside. 

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include: 

• Poorly maintained walkways or stairs with cracked, broken, or uneven surfaces that create an obstacle for pedestrians 
• Ice and snow that accumulate on sidewalks, driveways, or other walkways without proper deicing or salting
• Spills left unattended on floors in restaurants, stores, and other establishments open to the public
• Loose floorboards, rugs, and mats that are not adequately secured to the ground 
• Unsafe staircases with inadequate lighting or handrails
• Uneven surfaces due to tree roots growing under pavement or sidewalks 
• Puddles caused by leaks in roofs that remain unfixed
• Defective railings located on balconies, porches, and decks 
• Slippery surfaces due to improper cleaning methods used by store owners or restaurant staff, such as using too much wax polish on floors that can increase slipperiness when wet

Because of our harsh, icy winters, we handle many slip and fall cases—in fact, they represent a majority of the cases we work on. Our Eau Claire slip and fall lawyers know what it takes to form solid arguments in cases involving slip and falls and will apply everything we know to your claim or lawsuit. 

How Do You Prove Negligence in a Slip & Fall Case?

To prove negligence in a slip and fall case, you must demonstrate that the property owner or manager where the incident occurred had a duty of care to maintain their premises in a safe condition for visitors and that this duty was breached. You must show that the breach was the direct cause of your injury. 

To prove that the land or property owner had a duty of care, evidence should be gathered to demonstrate that they were aware of potential hazards on the property or should have been aware. 

This evidence could include photographs, videos, and/or witness accounts of things like:

• Broken stairs or walkways 
• Loose handrails 
• Inadequate lighting
• Wet floors
• Ice or snow accumulation
• Any other unsafe conditions that may have caused an accident

It is important for you to document any hazardous conditions present at the time of your injury with photographs as soon as possible after it occurs. 

You must also demonstrate that, due to the actions or inaction of the property owner, you suffered an injury. In addition to providing evidence of hazardous conditions on the property, witnesses who can attest to your story need to be identified quickly, as their testimony regarding who is responsible for causing or failing to prevent harm could be crucial. Property owners who fail to ensure reasonable safety standards can be held liable for any damages from injuries sustained on their premises. 

Call us at (534) 202-5404 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let our Eau Claire slip and fall attorneys get you back on your feet.