Operators of commercial buildings, whether in Wisconsin or somewhere else, have a responsibility to make sure their properties are reasonably safe. When they don't, accidents can happen. If a person slips, falls and gets injured, he or she might be entitled to compensation. A lot can depend on how long the slippery conditions were allowed to exist before they were cleaned up.

An example of what can result if regular maintenance is overlooked can be seen in a case from another state. It involves personal injury suffered by a man after a slip and fall at a sporting goods store in November 2010.

Papers filed in the matter out of Louisiana say that the man was entering the store in Baton Rouge when he hit a patch of wet floor. The complaint says it was a puddle and that he slipped and injured his knee and back. The man's suit claims there was no sign warning customers about the problem.

The formal language of the complaint accuses the store management of neglecting its duty of care and breaching its duty to protect customers from foreign substances on the floor. It says the store failed to keep the floors clear of dangerous substances and also failed to notice that a problem existed.

No specific amount is attached to the suit. The man is reportedly seeking an award to cover his physical and mental suffering, lost wages, medical bills and court costs.

The case is being heard in federal court in New Orleans.

Source: Louisiana Record, "Academy Sporting store sued after customer slips in water," Michelle Keahey, Jan. 3, 2012