I Guarantee a 24 Hour Response

PUT ME TO THE TEST

Why Contact a Lawyer Immediately After an Accident

By Paul Benson • February 1, 2026
Why Is It Crucial To Reach Out To A Lawyer Soon After An Accident? Contacting a lawyer promptly after an accident is vital to preserve crucial evidence from the accident scene. Evidence like skid marks, surveillance videos, and witness statements can disappear quickly. By involving a lawyer early on, you ensure that all necessary evidence is collected and preserved, which can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Why Do Some People Delay Contacting A Lawyer After An Accident? Many individuals delay contacting a lawyer due to the misconception that they are not "lawsuit people." However, when faced with insurance companies refusing to compensate them fairly, they realize the need to protect their rights. By waiting to involve a lawyer, important evidence may be lost, such as video footage or witness accounts, which can weaken their case significantly. What Are The Potential Problems Individuals Face When Insurance Adjusters Reach Out Early? Insurance adjusters often aim to elicit statements that downplay the severity of injuries or shift blame away from their policyholders. By recording conversations and obtaining seemingly innocuous statements, they can later use discrepancies to undermine a claim. Consulting with a lawyer before engaging with insurance adjusters is crucial to avoid inadvertently harming your case. What Key Evidence Can Be Lost If Individuals Wait Too Long After An Accident To Seek Legal Counsel? Delaying legal representation can result in the loss of crucial evidence such as video footage, debris placement at the scene, and witness recollections. Additionally, timely medical documentation is essential for accurately assessing and documenting injuries. Without early involvement, individuals risk missing out on vital evidence that could strengthen their case. How Does The Timing Of Medical Bills And Documentation Impact An Insurance Company's Evaluation Of A Claim? In Wisconsin, the timing of medical bills and documentation is critical due to the collateral source rule. Health insurance coverage may pay medical bills upfront, but individuals can still recover the full amount from the at-fault party's insurance. However, delays or discrepancies in submitting bills can lead to reduced compensation and financial risks for the injured party. What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Employ To Settle Claims Quickly Without Individuals Fully Understanding The Implications? Insurance companies may use tactics like sending blank medical releases or offering immediate settlement checks to expedite claim resolutions. Individuals may unknowingly sign away their rights or settle their claims prematurely, leading to potential long-term repercussions. It is essential to seek legal guidance to navigate these tactics and ensure fair compensation for injuries. What Steps Should Individuals Take After A Minor Accident To Protect Their Legal Rights? After a minor accident, individuals should document the scene thoroughly, report the incident to their insurance company, and consider seeking a legal consultation. It is crucial to accurately relay their version of events to the police, report any injuries promptly, and consult with a lawyer to understand their rights and potential legal options. Is It Advisable For Individuals To Seek Medical Evaluation After A Minor Accident Even If They Feel Only Minor Discomfort? Yes, it is recommended for individuals to undergo a medical evaluation after a minor accident, even if they experience minor discomfort. Prompt medical assessment can uncover hidden injuries that may worsen over time if left untreated. By seeking timely medical attention, individuals protect their health and establish a documented record of injuries for potential legal claims. What Are Some Early Moves Insurance Companies Make That Individuals Should Be Cautious About Following An Accident? Insurance companies may attempt to obtain blanket medical releases or offer immediate settlement checks to expedite claims processing. These tactics can lead to individuals inadvertently signing away their rights or settling for inadequate compensation. It is crucial to seek legal guidance to navigate such tactics and protect one's legal rights effectively.

Understanding Bicycle Accident Laws in Wisconsin

By Paul Benson • November 14, 2025
Understanding Bicycle Accident Laws in Wisconsin: Rights, Liability, and What Cyclists Should Know

Insurance Bad Faith in Wisconsin

By Paul Benson • November 14, 2025
Insurance Bad Faith in Wisconsin: What to Do When Your Insurance Company Treats You Unfairly

Slip and Fall Accidents in Wisconsin

By Paul Benson • November 12, 2025
Slip and Fall Accidents in Wisconsin: What Property Owners Are Really Responsible For

What Really Happens After a Car Crash in Wisconsin

By Paul Benson • November 12, 2025
What Really Happens After a Car Crash in Wisconsin: How to Protect Yourself and Your Rights

Understanding Wisconsin’s Direct Action Statute

By Paul Benson • November 12, 2025
Understanding Wisconsin’s Direct Action Statute: Who You’re Really Suing After an Accident
Show More
A man is shopping for fruits and vegetables in a grocery store.

Can I Sue a Grocery Store if I Was Hurt on Their Property?

A recent Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses from the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked grocery stores as one of only nine industries that have 100,000 or more injury and illness cases each year. If you were injured on a grocery store property and are trying to figure out if and/or how to get compensated for it, having an experienced legal team behind you is the first step. As you move forward with your health recovery, an attorney that is dedicated to advocating for your needs can help you navigate through the entire process and fight for a successful outcome.


Here at my firm, The Paul Benson Law Firm, I will help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve. I have devoted my entire career to representing injured victims and their families in their pursuit of justice. I proudly serve clients in Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin, and anywhere else throughout Rock County. Call or reach out today to learn more about how I can help you with your case

Common Grocery Store Accidents

There are quite a few things that could happen in a grocery store that can lead to an accident. The most common grocery store accidents that lead to serious injury include:


  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Injuries caused by broken glass or other falling objects
  • Spoiled food
  • Unsafe parking lot conditions
  • Insufficient security


Many of these accidents are not the fault of the shopper. Some could be the fault of multiple parties. A personal injury attorney can assess the details of your case and help you decide what steps you should take next.

Duty of Care

When it comes to personal injury, you may have heard of the phrase “duty of care.” Duty of care is the first element that has to be proven when establishing liability in a personal injury case. It is the legal obligation of an individual to adhere to a standard of reasonable care while doing anything that could foreseeably harm other individuals. 

Who Is at Fault?

If an accident happens at a grocery store, there are a number of different parties that could be found liable. Those parties include the company that owns the store, a worker, or another customer. Sometimes, it could be a combination of more than one party as well. Assessing the percentage of fault for each party is something that will get decided before damages can be awarded.

Who Is Liable If I am Injured In The Parking Lot?

Cases in grocery store parking lots often fall under premises liability law. In these cases, the property owner is typically the person liable for your injury. This includes if you are injured in the parking lot as a pedestrian, regardless of whether or not you were actually shopping in the store. Unsafe parking lot conditions that cause injuries can be far-reaching and typically involve hazards that should have been addressed by the property owner. Some of the most common hazards include dim or inadequate lighting, uneven and cracked surfaces, or slippery surfaces from oil, ice, or snow.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If you are looking to file a personal injury claim, there are two major concepts that you need to be aware of: the statute of limitations in your state and the type of negligence laws that your state adheres to. 

Comparative Negligence 

Comparative negligence laws generally dictate how much you can receive in damages with respect to your level of fault in the accident. The state of Wisconsin is considered a comparative negligence state. This means that they will determine the percentage of fault of every party involved in the incident. If you are found to be 20% at fault for your accident, you will only be able to receive 80% of the damages, as the other 20% will be deducted to account for your level of fault. Additionally, you are unable to receive compensation if you are more than 50% at fault.


For example, if you are in a slip and fall accident in the parking lot of a grocery store due to icy conditions on the sidewalk, but security camera footage shows that you were running at the time, the court may deem you to be 20% at fault for your injuries. If the court decides to award you $100,000 in compensation, that number will be reduced by 20%, or $20,000 to account for your level of fault in the accident — leaving you to collect $80,000 in damages.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the time frame in which you are allowed to file a claim against any parties involved in the accident. In Wisconsin, you have three years from the date of the incident to begin your claim. It’s important to note that the clock starts from the date of the accident, not from the date that you discovered your injuries or received treatment.

Let The Paul Benson Law Firm Help

Here at my firm, The Paul Benson Law Firm, I am committed to providing dedicated legal counsel and strong representation to injured victims and their families. Having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side to protect your rights and advocate for your needs can help you pursue a more favorable outcome for your case. If you live in Janesville or Beloit, Wisconsin, or anywhere else throughout Rock County, call my office today to schedule a free consultation!