Illinois Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall cases in Illinois commonly occur in public places, workplaces, and private properties. These incidents can lead to significant injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and bone fractures, resulting in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Compensation in slip and fall cases is recoverable through a legal claim or lawsuit. A skilled personal injury lawyer helps victims navigate the slip and fall lawsuit process, gathering evidence, and advocating for fair compensation from responsible parties.
If you are severely injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact our Illinois slip and fall lawyer and schedule a free case evaluation to explore your legal options.
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Illinois Slip and Fall Accident Statistics
In 2021, falls, slips, and trips were responsible for 33 work-related fatalities, marking an increase from the 24 reported the previous year. These incidents constituted the second-most frequent fatal event, accounting for 16% of all work-related fatalities.
Slip and fall accidents contribute significantly to spinal injuries, comprising 21% of all such injuries according to the Brain and Spinal Cord.
The Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey reveals that individuals with disabilities face a higher risk of injury from falls compared to those without disabilities.
Statistics from the ITT-Hartford Insurance Company indicate that falls represent 16% of all workers’ compensation claims and account for 26% of total costs. In contrast, sprains and strains account for 33% of these costs.
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that falls, slips, and trips in Illinois resulted in 23 work-related fatalities in 2022, in contrast to the 33 recorded in 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a 30% increase in fall-related deaths among older adults from 2007 to 2016.
Stumbles, slips, and falls accounted for 27% of the 888,220 non-fatal injuries that resulted in days away from work.
In the United States, slip and fall accidents are the second leading cause of unintentional deaths, with over 25,000 incidents reported annually.
What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents in Illinois?
Slip and fall accidents can result in various injuries, often caused by unsafe conditions in the environment. While some risks are related to natural occurrences like icy sidewalks, many slip and fall injuries occur due to negligence. Identifying the cause of an accident is crucial for establishing liability in a slip and fall lawsuit.
Dangerous situations that can lead to Illinois slip and fall accidents include:
- Icy sidewalks and negligent snow or ice removal
- Poorly lit stairwells and broken or defective stairs or stair rails
- Worn, folded, or improperly placed rugs and mats
- Uneven or damaged flooring, pavement, or sidewalks
- Wet or oily spots from spills or leaks without proper warning
- Broken or defective porches and poorly maintained properties
Slip and fall lawyers play a critical role in identifying the cause of these accidents by conducting investigations and gathering evidence such as maintenance records, incident reports, and witness testimonies to establish liability and seek fair compensation from the insurance company.
What Are the Common Slip and Fall Injuries Occurring in Illinois?
Slip and fall accidents can lead to various injuries due to sudden and unexpected impacts on the body, which can cause harm to different areas such as the head, back, limbs, or soft tissues. Here are some common injuries sustained by Illinois slip and fall victims:
- Broken or fractured bones, particularly in the wrist, arm, or ankle.
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains in the back, neck, or limbs.
- Head injuries including concussions and traumatic brain injuries may occur from falls.
- Spinal injuries that can lead to chronic pain, paralysis, and mobility issues.
- Dislocated shoulder joints.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Minor injuries like bruises and cuts.
- Death in case of a fatal slip and fall incident.
To successfully prove injuries in a slip and fall case, you need to provide medical records that demonstrate the extent and impact of your injuries. A slip and fall lawyer plays a critical role in seeking compensation for these injuries on your behalf.
Proving Liability in Illinois Slip and Fall Accidents
In Illinois, parties responsible for causing a slip and fall accident may be held financially accountable. If you experience a slip and fall on someone else’s property in Illinois, you might have grounds for a legal claim against:
- Property or business owner
- Manager or landlord
- Manufacturer who produced faulty products on the premises
- Maintenance workers
- Employees or contractors working on the premises
- Government agency responsible for ensuring public safety on the property
Our experienced slip and fall lawyers will thoroughly evaluate the details of your case to identify the cause of your fall and determine potential liability. This careful analysis allows Illinois slip and fall victims to pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
Illinois Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall Claim
Under Illinois law (735 Illinois Compiled Statutes section 5/13-202), a slip and fall claim based on negligence must be filed within two years to comply with the statute of limitations. However, there are exceptions to Illinois statute of limitations law.
For example, if the property owner is a state or local government entity, such as the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), you have only one year to file your claim and must meet specific requirements.
Filing your claim as soon as possible after a fatal slip and fall accident is crucial because evidence may be lost over time and may reduce your chance to recover damages. To protect your rights, consult a slip and fall attorney immediately after a slip and fall incident.
Modified Comparative Fault in Illinois Slip and Fall Accidents
In Illinois, the “modified comparative fault” rule lets you recover damages in a slip and fall case even if you are partly at fault. For instance, if a jury finds you 40% responsible for the slip and accident and the property owner 60% responsible, you could recover 60% of the proven damages.
Hence, if your total damages amount to $10,000, you would receive $6,000. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will not receive any compensation for the slip and fall injury. This modified comparative negligence rule ensures a fair distribution of responsibility and damages.
How to Successfully Prove a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
In Illinois, the Premises Liability Act dictates the laws regarding slip and fall accidents. This statute obligates property owners to ensure their premises are reasonably safe. If a property owner fails to uphold this duty and you sustain an injury, they may be liable for your damages.
To establish a successful slip and fall lawsuit in Illinois, the injured party must demonstrate the following:
Presence of a Hazard
There must be evidence of a dangerous condition on the property. This can be shown through witness statements, photos, videos, incident reports, or maintenance records.
Owner’s Awareness
The property owner either knew or should have known about the hazard before the incident. This can be proven through previous complaints, past incidents, or the duration of the hazardous condition.
Lawful Presence
The injured person must have been legally present on the property, either as a guest or customer, rather than trespassing.
Negligence in Maintenance
The property owner’s negligence in maintenance or failure to repair the condition must be demonstrated. Evidence includes repair records, photos, and videos showing the lack of proper upkeep.
Injury as a Result
The person must have suffered an injury directly caused or worsened by the fall. Medical records and professional testimony are used to establish the link between the injury and the incident.
How Our Illinois Slip and Fall Lawyers Guide You Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
At our law firm, our experienced slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of a personal injury lawsuit with professionalism and care. Here’s how we assist you through each stage of the process:
- Legal Consultation: During your initial consultation, we will assess your case and guide you through your legal options. We determine if you have grounds for a slip and fall lawsuit and answer any questions you may have.
- Accident Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation to collect evidence and establish liability for your slip and fall injuries.
- Demand for Compensation: We file a demand for compensation with the negligent party or their insurance company, outlining your damages and the legal basis for your claim.
- Negotiation: We negotiate with the other party to reach a fair settlement. Mediation may be involved to facilitate discussions.
- Trial Preparation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare your case for trial. This includes filing a slip and fall lawsuit and representing you in court.
Throughout the process, our Illinois slip and fall attorneys ensure you receive personalized attention and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Slip and Fall Attorneys
Slip and fall accidents can occur in various settings, including commercial properties, residential areas, and business establishments. Property owners, managers, and business operators are responsible for maintaining safe conditions to prevent such slips or falls. If you were involved in an accident that caused you serious personal injuries, seek expert legal assistance.
Slip and fall lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, have successfully achieved millions of compensation in personal injury claims across Illinois. Let our Chicago slip and fall lawyer help you secure your rightful justice and financial recovery.
Contact our legal team today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation with our Chicago slip and fall attorney. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay for our legal services unless we win your personal injury case through a negotiated settlement or litigation.