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Chicago Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Slip and fall injuries account for more than 21% of all hospital visits. These injuries may happen on the job, at a local grocery store, or in a parking lot. And they can quickly put you in a vulnerable position. When that happens, you want accurate information about your legal options. Trust Levin & Perconti to keep you fully informed of your rights.

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What Are the Differences Between Slip and Fall, Premises Liability, and Personal Injury Claims?

Personal injury refers to any bodily injury that results from another party’s negligence. Premises liability falls under personal injury law, but refers only to those injuries that occur because of a property owner or manager’s negligence.

Here is a list of common accidents that fall under the umbrella of premises liability:

As you can see, slip and fall injuries are just one possible category for a premises liability claim.

Common Slip and Fall Hazards in Chicago

Anyone who owns or manages a property is responsible for the safety of visitors accessing their land or establishment. Following are some of the most common hazards that lead to slip and fall accidents in Chicago:

  • Poor housekeeping
  • Failure to block off a dangerous site
  • Broken steps or flooring
  • Wet or waxed flooring
  • Uneven ground
  • Poor lighting
  • Obstructions or debris
  • Lack of signage

In Chicago, where the coldest months of the year average between 24 degrees and 28 degrees, winter weather can be another common contributing factor to slip and fall accidents. When poor weather conditions make a property unsafe for visitors, owners or managers are still responsible for their safety.

If an injury is caused by icy steps, wet walkways, or snow-covered roadways, it’s possible to file a claim. As long as the owner or manager was aware of the possibly dangerous conditions and had a reasonable amount of time to address the issue, the court may hold them accountable.

Steps to Take After a Chicago Slip and Fall Accident

Because a slip and fall accident can happen at any time and in any place, you may feel caught off guard in the immediate aftermath of the event. To stay in control of the situation, we recommend you follow these steps:

  • Check yourself for injuries and avoid sudden movements until you’re sure about your personal safety.
  • Take pictures of the scene and the negligent conditions.
  • Report the hazardous conditions, the fall, and your injury to the establishment or management.
  • Visit with a specialist to treat and document your injury. You can also contact your primary care physician for a full medical evaluation and treatment. It’s important to do this as immediately as possible after your slip and fall accident to link your injury to the fall, receive documentation of your injuries, and begin healing.
  • If you need an ambulance, an EMS report will be created documenting your injury. You can request a copy of this report. Additionally, if you fall at a business, an internal incident report might exist. Documentation is important to prove the cause of your injury and the actual harm you suffered.
  • Contact the attorneys at Levin & Perconti to get personalized legal advice.

Filing an insurance claim and pursuing compensation from the negligent party can quickly become complicated. Following these steps will get you started on the right path, but you must speak with a knowledgeable slip and fall attorney to fully understand and protect your rights.

Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident may result in a range of injuries, both minor and severe. Commonly, a person may sustain one or more of the following:

Each of these injuries has the potential to become quite serious. In some cases, a TBI may even result in death.

Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents are not always open-and-shut cases. To obtain compensation for your damages, your attorneys need to prove that the property owner or manager was negligent and that this is why you sustained an injury. One of the following scenarios must apply:

  • The manager or owner failed to maintain the property
  • The manager or owner created unsafe conditions that led to your injury
  • The manager or owner knew about dangerous or hazardous conditions and failed to notify you of them

Other factors may come into play, such as whether the conditions were temporary or permanent. Your best bet for proving liability in a slip and fall accident is to quickly obtain the help of an attorney.

What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Slip and Fall Accident?

Fault can get tricky. Even if you believe you might share the blame for your accident, speak with an attorney who can evaluate your case and properly determine liability.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

The payout for a slip and fall accident can range from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, what factors play a role in the final settlement amount?

The most important factor is the type and severity of your injury. The higher your medical bills and lost wages, the more you’re entitled to receive to recoup or cover those expenses. Other factors that come into play include:

  • The amount and credibility of collected evidence
  • Whether your injury requires ongoing care
  • Both physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Any medications you’re required to take and pay for

All of these figures will impact the amount of your claim.

$975,000

Slip & Fall Settlement

for the mother of a young man who suffered a fatal brain injury after falling from the porch of a second story Chicago apartment.

$850,000

Slip & Fall Settlement

for the family of an 88-year-old man Chicago man who died after suffering serious injuries in a fall at a Jiffy Lube service center.

What if My Loved One Died Due to a Slip and Fall Accident in Chicago?

In Illinois, wrongful death suits are governed by specific standards. Essentially, the law states that a “personal representative” may recover damages if he or she can prove that a loved one’s death occurred because of negligence.

To qualify as a personal representative, you must be an immediate family member (most often a spouse, adult child, or parent). Economic losses, funeral costs, and mental suffering can all be included in the claim.

How Long Do I Have to Sue After a Chicago Slip and Fall Accident?

In Illinois, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a slip and fall lawsuit, though there can be factors that can shorten or lengthen this period. Because of this narrow window of time, you’ll want to contact an attorney as soon as possible after you’re injured. This two-year statute of limitations also applies to a wrongful death claim.

Why Should I Hire the Chicago Premises Liability Attorneys at Levin & Perconti?

Since 1992, Levin & Perconti has secured more than a billion dollars in recovery on behalf of our clients. There’s no better resource for your premises liability case in Chicago. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago

We’ve helped many people in situations like yours. To help you navigate the process, we’ve answered some of the questions we commonly receive about slip and fall accidents in Chicago.

You should never admit fault or agree to a settlement without advice from a knowledgeable attorney. It’s best to avoid speaking with the opposing party, their insurance company, or any lawyers they might have representing their interests. Simply direct them to speak with your attorney.

Your landlord must ensure that the property they’re leasing to you is reasonably free from hazards. If you can prove that your injury was the result of your landlord’s negligence, you may have a case. Call our attorneys to discuss your situation in greater detail.

Because of the Host Protection Insurance program, you may be covered for up to $1 million per incident if you’re injured during an Airbnb stay. It’s important to speak with an attorney to learn about your rights and any available remedies.

Levin & Perconti works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only have to pay if we successfully resolve your case. A percentage will be deducted from your compensation award to settle the attorney’s fee. This percentage rate is established at the time of hiring us to handle your case. If your case is unsuccessful, you will owe nothing.

The litigation process, from start to finish, may take a few months or over a year, depending on the factors of the case. If your case goes to trial, the process may take a bit longer. The attorneys at Levin & Perconti care about timeliness in getting you the compensation you need to recoup any losses and assist in your ongoing recovery. However, we won’t settle for less than your case is worth, even if it takes a little longer.

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