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Injured on Someone Else’s Property?

Robert Stahle • November 7, 2025

Understanding Slip and Fall & Premises Liability Claims in Nebraska and Iowa

Slipping on a wet floor, tripping over broken steps, or falling due to icy sidewalks might seem like “accidents”—but they’re often the result of someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been injured on someone else's property, whether it's a store, rental unit, or private business, you may be entitled to compensation under premises liability law.

At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we help injured clients across South Sioux City, Sioux City, and throughout Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights after a fall or injury on unsafe property. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions—and when they fail, you shouldn’t be left to deal with the consequences alone.



What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the legal concept that holds property owners or occupiers responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. These types of cases include:

  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Trip and fall injuries
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Icy sidewalks or parking lots
  • Broken stairs or handrails
  • Uneven floors or torn carpeting
  • Poor security leading to assault
  • Dog bites or animal attacks
  • Dangerous conditions in rental properties

To bring a successful claim, you must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the premises or failed to warn you about a known hazard.



Common Places Where Injuries Occur

Slip-and-fall injuries can happen just about anywhere, including:

  • Grocery stores and retail shops
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Apartment complexes
  • Hotels and motels
  • Office buildings
  • Parking lots and sidewalks
  • Private homes or rental units
  • Public parks and event venues

Whether you slipped on spilled liquid in a supermarket or fell on an icy step outside an apartment, you may have a valid claim under Nebraska or Iowa premises liability law.



What You Must Prove in a Premises Liability Case

To win a premises liability case, you typically must show:

  1. The property owner owed you a duty of care
    (e.g., you were a customer, tenant, or invited guest—not trespassing)
  2. The owner failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition
  3. You were injured as a direct result of that hazard
  4. You suffered real damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering

At Fitch & Stahle, we’ll work to prove that the hazard was known (or should have been known) and that the property owner did not take reasonable steps to fix it or warn you.



What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall or other premises-related accident, you may be eligible for compensation including:

  • Medical expenses (ER visits, physical therapy, surgery, etc.)
  • Lost income from missed work
  • Future medical costs or disability-related expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

We’ll work closely with your healthcare providers and financial experts to assess the full impact of your injuries and fight for maximum compensation.



What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’re injured on someone else’s property, take these steps to protect your health and your case:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately
    Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage may not be obvious right away.
  2. Report the accident
    Notify the property manager, store owner, or landlord and ask them to create an incident report.
  3. Document the scene
    Take photos of the hazardous condition (wet floor, broken step, etc.) and your injuries. Get names and contact info of witnesses if possible.
  4. Do not give a recorded statement to insurance
    Insurance companies may try to get you to say something that weakens your claim. Politely decline and contact an attorney first.
  5. Call an experienced premises liability lawyer
    At         Fitch & Stahle Law Firm, we’ll help you navigate the legal process from day one.



Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Take Legal Action

In both Nebraska and Iowa, there are statutes of limitations that limit how long you have to file a claim. Statute of Limitations deadlines are often complex and there is no general rule that universally applies to every case. This is why you need to speak with an attorney to make sure which deadline applies to your particular case.



Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm?

We’ve built a reputation across South Sioux City and the Siouxland region for strong, client-centered legal representation in injury cases—including premises liability. Here’s what sets us apart:

✅ Decades of experience in Nebraska and Iowa personal injury law
✅ Local knowledge of courts, judges, and insurance carriers
✅ Licensed in both Nebraska & Iowa
✅ No upfront fees—you only pay if we win
✅ Free consultations and honest advice from day one

We understand how difficult it is to deal with an unexpected injury—and we’re here to fight for you every step of the way.



Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you were injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, don’t leave your financial recovery to chance. Let our legal team at Fitch & Stahle Law Firm hold negligent property owners accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

📍 Visit our office in South Sioux City, Nebraska
📞 Call now at 402-494-3012
🌐 Learn more or schedule a consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com

Your injury wasn’t your fault—don’t pay the price alone. We’re here to help.

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Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? It’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.