Private vs. Public Property
In general, property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe. Private property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to people present on their land. Public property owners, such as business owners, owe a higher duty of care to the people that come onto their property. Those owners are required to keep their premises as safe as the nature of their business reasonably permits when constructing, maintaining, and repairing the property.
Premises Liability: Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Premises liability claims most commonly arise when someone falls and is injured. In Wisconsin, slipping and falling on ice during the winter is not uncommon. However, falls are not always due to the inattentiveness or clumsiness of the people who fall. Property can be unsafe for a variety of other reasons.
Falls and other premises
accidents can occur for many reasons including:
- Falling objects including ice or construction tools
- Improper lack of lighting improper flooring (uneven surfaces or floor cracks)
- Improperly maintained premises
- Improper or untimely ice/snow removal
- Inadequate security
- Ongoing Construction
- Wet or slippery surfaces
