Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere: at work, at home, or even on vacation and are a common occurrence in the United States. Each year, millions of people suffer from slip and fall injuries. Most injuries are minor, but some can be serious, including broken bones, head injuries, and even death.
Many factors can contribute to a slip and fall accident. Some of the most common causes include wet or icy surfaces, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways.
Are you a slip and fall victim? Are you suffering from slip and fall injuries? The personal injury attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, are legal advocates for those involved in a slip and fall incident seeking full and fair compensation from those responsible for their fall accident cases.
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Contact our experienced Chicago slip and fall lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team concerning your personal injury claim remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, it is essential to take action right away. Seek medical attention if necessary, and speak with a Chicago slip and fall lawyer about your legal options.
National Slip and Fall Accident Statistics
The idea of a slip and fall injury may sound minor at first, but slip and fall injuries are one of the most common causes of emergency room visits and missed days of work in the United States, which leads to lost wages and extensive medical bills.
In the United States, every year, an estimated 8 million people visit the emergency room due to a slip and fall accident. These accidents often occur when individuals are not paying attention to their surroundings and lose their balance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries for 65 years or older. Falls account for more than 40 percent of all fatal injuries among this age group.
Despite national statistics, many individuals still view slip and fall accidents as something that only happens to the elderly. It is a dangerous mindset since anyone can suffer a slip and fall accident at any time.
A National Floor Safety Institute report indicates that approximately 12% of all slip and fall cases occur when property owners fail to provide a safe environment.
For example, a young mother was seriously injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store last year. The woman reached for an item on a high shelf when she lost her balance and fell head first onto the concrete floor.
Illinois Slip and Fall Accident Data
Chicago slip and fall accidents are very common, resulting in serious injury.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, in the past year, there were over 10,000 reported slip and fall accidents in the state.
- Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents in the Chicago area involve wet or icy floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and clutter.
- Elderly adults in Illinois are the most at-risk group for slip and fall accidents, followed by children.
- These accidents resulted in over 5,000 injuries, including over 1,000 that were classified as severe.
Common Injuries from a Chicago Slip & Fall Accident
When a fall accident occurs, the consequences can be significant. Often, people suffer serious injuries as a result of slipping and falling. Some of the most common injuries associated with these accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries are one of the most common injuries suffered in a slip and fall accident. These injuries can range from a mild concussion to life-threatening injuries such as a skull fracture or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The severity of a head injury often depends on the force of the impact and whether or not the person hit their head on a hard surface.
Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord injuries are also common in slip and fall accidents. These injuries can cause permanent paralysis or even death. To reduce the risk of spinal cord injury or prevent injuries like this, it is essential to wear appropriate safety gear when working at height or participating in high-risk activities.
Broken Bones/Fractures
Fractures are another common injury sustained in slip and fall accidents. These fractures can occur in any body part but are especially dangerous near the head or spine. Fractures often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation before the individual can return to normal activities, which can come with very high medical bills.
Deep Cuts and Lacerations
Slipping and falling can also cause deep cuts and lacerations. These wounds can be excruciating and may require stitches or surgery to close them. In some cases, deep scratches can lead to infection or other complications.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Many victims of these accidents experience abrasions, cuts, and soft tissue damage leading to contusions. These injuries will subside with ice, rest, and over-the-counter medication. However, some might require professional medical attention and physical therapy.
Infection
An infection can occur without immediate treatment of an open wound from a slip and fall. Infection can cause serious health problems and, in some cases, even be life-threatening.
Dislocations
Dislocations often occur when an arm or leg is twisted in an unnatural position. In these serious injury cases, the pain may be extreme, and the injury may require corrective surgery. In some cases, a dislocation can cause permanent damage to the affected joint.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries when ligaments or muscles are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. These injuries can be harrowing and may require physical therapy to heal properly.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
A slip and fall against a hard object can lead to internal bleeding and organ damage. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Wrongful Death
Sometimes, a slip and fall accident can result in wrongful death. It is most likely to occur when the individual suffers a head injury or other serious personal injury. If you have lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Signs and Symptoms of a Slip and Fall Injury
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, it is essential to know the signs and symptoms of common injuries. These include:
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or memory loss
- Neck and back pain or stiffness
- Pain or numbness in the arms or legs
- Intense pain in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, or foot
- Dislocated foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, or shoulder
What Causes Slip and Falls and Who is Responsible?
Slips and falls are common in any setting, from a grocery store to someone’s home. While the cause of a slip and fall can vary, some general factors often contribute to these accidents, including:
- Slip and fall accidents can be caused by various factors, such as wet or icy surfaces, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways.
- Any slip and fall victims harmed on someone else’s property can seek compensation to recover their damages against the property owner, including public and private property. Many of these accidents occur when a property owner fails to take corrective actions for hazardous conditions on the premises.
Negligent property owners can be held accountable through a premises liability case. Our experienced Chicago slip and fall attorneys know how to prove liability to get fair compensation for damages incurred.
However, in Chicago, property owners might not be responsible for removing any natural accumulation of snow or ice on their property within hours after a snowfall or ice storm. Your burden of proof will be to show that the property owner is responsible for your fall.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents
While it is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors, there are things that people can do to help reduce their risk of slipping and falling.
If you fall, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
There are several ways to prevent these accidents from happening. Some of these include:
- Wear shoes with good traction.
- Use a flashlight if walking in a dark area.
- Make sure that walkways and stairs are free of clutter and debris.
- Put non-skid mats on wet surfaces.
- Use handrails when ascending or descending stairs.
- Keep floors clean and dry.
- Avoid icy or slippery surfaces.
- Take your time when walking or climbing stairs.
- Installing grab bars in bathrooms and shower stalls.
- Place rugs in high-traffic areas.
- Take care when using appliances or cleaning products around the house.
- Ensure that furniture and appliances are not blocking walkways or pathways.
- Keep pets restrained or out of the way when walking through the house.
Slip and Fall Accidents in Nursing Homes
Slip and fall accidents are common in nursing homes because many residents are elderly and may not be as steady on their feet as they used to be. In addition, the floors in nursing homes can often be wet or slippery, leading to falls, and can often be traced back to staff negligence or a lack of proper safety precautions.
Falls are a leading cause of injuries for elderly people living in nursing homes. Fall accidents are the number one cause of death for nursing home residents primarily because when someone falls, they often hit their head or sustain other serious injuries.
Some of the most common reasons for a slip and fall claim include:
- Wet or slippery floors: Often, nursing home floors are wet and slippery, making it easy for residents to slip and fall. Sometimes, staff fail to clean up spills or mop up properly, leading to hazardous conditions.
- Poor lighting: This can also make it difficult for residents to see potential hazards in their path, leading to slips and falls. Often, nursing home staff do not adjust lights to account for darker hours, such as early morning or evening.
- Uneven surfaces: Nursing home hallways and walkways can often be unstable, causing residents to stumble and fall. In some cases, this is due to a lack of proper maintenance, while in others, it is simply due to the age of the building.
- Clutter and obstacles: Clutter and obstacles in hallways and walkways can also cause residents to trip and fall. Often, nursing homes have too much furniture or equipment in common areas, leaving little room for residents to move around safely.
- Carpeting: While carpeting may seem like a soft surface on which to fall, it can be pretty dangerous. Carpeting can often be wet or sticky from spilled drinks or food, making it even more likely that residents will slip and fall.
- Poorly fitting shoes: Many residents wear ill-fitting shoes when they slip and fall in a nursing home. It is often because they can no longer shop for themselves or because their family does not know what type of shoe would be best suited for them.
- Lack of supervision: In some cases, nursing home staff are not paying enough attention to residents, which can lead to accidents. It can be perilous if the resident is confused or unsteady on their feet.
- Medications: Certain medications can also affect balance and increase the risk of slipping and falling. Residents taking medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics should be closely monitored for signs of dizziness or fainting.
- Dehydration: Dehydration can also lead to dizziness and feelings of lightheadedness, increasing the risk of slipping and falling. Staff should be alert for residents’ dehydration signs, especially during hot weather.
- Mental confusion: residents can be led into dangerous situations because of mental confusion, such as walking into traffic or stumbling into deep water. Staff should keep a close eye on residents who seem confused or disoriented.
- Poor nutrition: A poor diet can also lead to dehydration and dizziness, increasing the risk of slipping and falling. Nursing homes should ensure that all residents get enough essential nutrients daily.
- Limited mobility: Limited mobility can also make it difficult for residents to move around safely, leading to slips and falls. Sometimes, staff must assist with walking or transferring from bed to chair.
If the accident occurred in the nursing home where your loved one lives, make sure to contact an experienced slip and fall attorney. After discussing your claim in a free consultation, they can seek maximum compensation for your medical bills.
How A Competent Slip and Fall Attorney Can Resolve A Personal Injury Claim
A slip and fall can result in serious injuries. If you have been injured in a fall, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced attorney. A slip and fall attorney can help you resolve your slip and fall case and seek compensation for your injury.
If you have been injured in a fall, it is essential to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: It is essential to seek medical attention after any fall, even if you think you did not suffer any injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but they can still cause harm.
- Contact a slip and fall lawyer: A slip and fall attorney can help you file slip and fall claims against the at-fault party and negotiate with the insurance company to recover compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover in A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Your personal injury attorney will ensure the responsible parties are held accountable in your slip and fall case. Whether it is the property owner of a home or a business owner with wet floors where the accident occurred, a legal professional will seek fair compensation for the damages you suffered. These can include:
- Medical expenses (includes all medical bills from the accident)
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Emotional suffering
- Fees your attorney may have incurred
Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation on your slip and fall case. They will be with you through every step of this process and help you recover damages for your suffering.
Hire a Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer Specializing in Personal Injury Cases
Do you suspect the property owner’s negligence led to your fall injuries? Do you need to file a claim with the defendant’s insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer?
The affiliated Chicago slip and fall attorneys at our law offices are ready to help if you sustained a serious personal injury. Contact us for a free case evaluation; our experienced attorneys have handled many slip and fall cases. We offer legal representation around the Chicago area, Lake County, and Cook County.
Our experienced legal team accepts all personal injury cases on a contingency-fee-basis. This agreement ensures you will pay no legal fees until your Chicago lawyer resolves your slip and fall claim through a negotiated settlement or jury award.
All confidential or sensitive information you share with our slip and fall accident lawyers remains private through an attorney-client relationship.