Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer | Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Chicago, you deserve fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe, and when they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for your injuries.

Our experienced Chicago slip and fall attorneys work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We offer a free consultation to review your claim and help you understand your legal options.

Call us today to get started on your slip and fall claim.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident is a type of premises liability case where someone is injured after slipping, tripping, or falling on someone else’s property. These accidents happen when a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions or warn visitors about hazards.

Under Illinois law, property owners—including business owners, landlords, and municipalities—have a duty of care to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they breach this duty and someone gets hurt as a result, the injured person may be entitled to compensation.

Common examples include slipping on a wet floor in a grocery store, tripping over a broken sidewalk, or falling on an icy walkway that wasn’t properly cleared.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but certain hazards are especially common in Chicago. Understanding these causes can help you identify who may be responsible for your injuries.

Wet or Slippery Floors in Stores and Restaurants

Spills, freshly mopped floors, and leaking refrigerators can create dangerous slippery surfaces. Businesses are required to clean up spills promptly and place warning signs to alert customers. Failure to do so can lead to serious injuries.

Snow, Ice, and Sidewalk Hazards

Chicago winters bring snow and ice, which create hazardous walking conditions. Property owners must clear ice and snow from sidewalks and parking lots within a reasonable time. Icy steps, unsalted walkways, and accumulated snow are leading causes of winter slip and falls.

Uneven Surfaces, Cracks, and Poor Maintenance

Cracked pavement, broken stairs, loose floorboards, and torn carpeting can cause people to trip and fall. Property owners are responsible for regular maintenance and repairs to prevent these hazards.

Poor Lighting and Obstructed Walkways

Dim lighting in stairwells, parking garages, and hallways makes it hard to see obstacles and uneven surfaces. Cluttered walkways, extension cords, and misplaced merchandise can also create tripping hazards.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Slip and Fall?

Determining who is responsible for your slip and fall depends on where the accident happened and who had control over the property.

Commercial Property Owners

Store owners, restaurant operators, and shopping mall managers have a duty to inspect their premises regularly and fix dangerous conditions. If you’re injured in a business, the property owner or business owner may be liable.

Residential Landlords and Property Managers

Landlords must maintain common areas like stairways, hallways, and parking lots. If you fall in an apartment building or rental property due to poor maintenance, your landlord or property manager may be held responsible.

Municipalities and Public Sidewalks

The City of Chicago and other municipalities are responsible for maintaining public sidewalks and walkways. However, suing a government entity involves special rules and shorter deadlines, so it’s important to contact a lawyer quickly.

Types of Injuries from Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time off work.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Broken wrists, arms, ankles, and hips are common in slip and fall cases, especially among older adults. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery.

Head Injuries and Concussions

Hitting your head during a fall can result in concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious complications. Even a “minor” head injury can have long-term effects on your health and well-being.

Back and Neck Injuries

Falls can cause herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and chronic back or neck pain. These injuries may require ongoing medical care and can impact your ability to work and enjoy daily activities.

How Chicago Premises Liability Law Applies to Your Case

Understanding the legal principles behind slip and fall cases can help you know what to expect when pursuing a claim.

Duty of Care and Negligence

Property owners owe visitors a duty of care to maintain safe conditions. To prove negligence, you must show that:

1. The property owner had a duty to keep the premises safe
2. They breached that duty by failing to fix or warn about a hazard
3. Their breach caused your accident
4. You suffered damages (injuries, medical bills, lost wages, etc.)

Notice Requirements and Property Owner Responsibility

You must prove the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. This is called “notice.” For example, if a spill sat on the floor for hours, the owner should have discovered and cleaned it up.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Claims

In Illinois, you have 2 years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your claim.

Comparative Negligence in Illinois

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault—as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for not watching where you were walking, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.

Steps to Take After a Chicago Slip and Fall Accident

The actions you take immediately after a slip and fall can have a big impact on your ability to recover compensation.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first. See a doctor right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records are also critical evidence in your case.

Document the Scene and Collect Evidence

If possible, take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This photographic evidence and witness statements can be crucial in proving your claim.

Report the Incident and Obtain an Incident Report

Notify the property owner, manager, or staff about your fall. Ask them to fill out an incident report and request a copy for your records. This document can serve as important evidence later.

Contact a Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer

Reach out to an experienced slip and fall attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and protect your rights throughout the claims process.

Call us today for a free consultation.

How Compensation Is Calculated in Slip and Fall Cases

The amount of compensation you can recover depends on the specific facts of your case and the extent of your injuries.

Medical Expenses and Future Treatment

You can recover compensation for all medical costs related to your injury, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries caused you to miss work, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income, you may also recover damages for loss of earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering and Emotional Distress

In addition to economic damages, you can seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages can be substantial, especially in cases involving severe or permanent injuries.

Why You Need a Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer

Handling a slip and fall claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. Here’s how a lawyer can help.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters work for the property owner’s insurance company—not for you. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. An experienced attorney knows how to negotiate with adjusters and push back against lowball settlement offers.

Proving Liability and Gathering Evidence

Establishing causation and proving negligence requires strong evidence. A lawyer can investigate your accident, interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and consult with experts to build a compelling case.

Maximizing Your Settlement or Trial Award

Studies show that injury victims who hire lawyers typically recover more compensation than those who go it alone. Your attorney will fight to maximize your settlement or trial award, ensuring you’re fully compensated for your losses.

What to Expect During the Slip and Fall Claims Process

Understanding the legal process can help you feel more confident as your case moves forward.

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

During your free consultation, your lawyer will review the details of your accident, assess the strength of your claim, and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation, and you won’t pay anything upfront.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Your attorney will gather evidence, including medical records, incident reports, photos, witness statements, and any available video footage. They may also consult with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists.

Demand Letter and Insurance Negotiations

Once your injuries have stabilized and your lawyer has a clear picture of your damages, they’ll send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your claim and the compensation you’re seeking. Negotiations will follow.

Filing a Lawsuit and Trial (if necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may file a lawsuit. Many cases settle before trial, but if yours goes to court, your attorney will represent you every step of the way.