Countless people in Chicago and throughout Illinois suffer severe injuries from falls every year, often on someone else’s property. These incidents are noteworthy and tragic because many slip-and-fall accidents are preventable. Property owners and managers have a legal duty to address hazards on their premises and keep visitors safe. When they fail in this obligation, it’s time for the injured person to consult a slip and fall lawyer in Chicago.
If you sustained injuries in a fall on someone else’s property, the team at Wallace Miller can help. Our Chicago slip-and-fall lawyers have decades of legal experience and have earned a reputation for aggressive, skillful advocacy. We know you’re probably struggling with medical bills, lost wages, intense pain, and the other losses that stem from a fall. Our slip-and-fall lawyers in Chicago can handle all the legal work in your case while you recuperate. Call (312) 261-6193 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Chicago Slip and Fall Attorney
Stepping into the legal arena after a slip-and-fall accident is not easy, especially if you have lingering injuries. Rather than handle your case yourself, here are a few reasons to hire a slip-and-fall attorney in Chicago:
- Experienced Guidance: Wallace Miller has years of experience in Chicago’s personal injury law arena. We understand the local legal landscape so you receive knowledgeable guidance throughout your case.
- Less Stress: Dealing with legal complexities while pursuing the compensation you need can add stress to your recovery. Our attorneys can handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing.
- Increased Compensation: We’ll put our negotiation skills to work to aggressively work toward the maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses. Without an attorney’s help, your demand for compensation might fail to include a loss for which you can receive compensation, reducing your claim’s value.
- Personalized Attention: Every Chicago slip and fall case is unique. We provide personalized legal strategies that align with your specific situation. When you work with us, you’re a person, not a case number.
- Peace of Mind: We’ll keep you informed at every step, creating a transparent and supportive legal process. You can rest easy knowing that we have it all under control.
Common Causes of Falls in Chicago
Here’s a closer look at some frequent factors in Chicago slip and fall accidents:
- Icy Sidewalks: Winter in Chicago can leave sidewalks covered in ice, posing a significant risk for pedestrians. Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks in Chicago, and their failure to clear these pathways can lead to dangerous falls.
- Wet Floors: Whether from cleaning or accidental spills, wet floors in buildings are a leading cause of slips. Property owners and maintenance staff must mark and promptly dry these areas properly.
- Uneven Pavement: Cracks or uneven surfaces on sidewalks and in parking lots are a significant tripping hazard. Property owners and managers must address such conditions to ensure safety.
- Poor Lighting: Dimly lit areas, particularly stairwells and parking structures, can obscure hazards and increase fall risk.
- Cluttered Walkways: Tripping hazards like loose cords, debris, or unsecured carpets can easily cause accidents if not properly managed.
- Uneven/Damaged Flooring Surfaces: Inside buildings, uneven floors or damaged tiles and planks can lead to trips and falls. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent such incidents.
- Lack of Handrails on Steps: Handrails provide essential support and balance when people use stairs. Staircases without adequate handrails pose a significant risk, especially in high-traffic areas.
Common Injuries from Chicago Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents in Chicago not only cause physical pain but can also lead to significant medical expenses and time off work. Some of the most frequent injuries from slip and fall accidents include:
Broken Bones
Falls often result in broken or fractured bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, and hips. Such injuries are a significant health concern for older adults.
Head Injuries
Hitting one’s head during a fall can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. These require immediate medical attention.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A fall can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to long-term disability or paralysis.
Cuts and Bruises
While seemingly minor, cuts and bruises can indicate more serious underlying injuries.
Sprains and Strains
Twisting or landing awkwardly can result in sprained ankles or wrists and strained muscles.
Knee Damage
A severe fall can tear the knee’s ligaments or tendons or break the bones, leading to pain and mobility issues.
Proving a Slip and Fall Claim in Chicago
Proving a Chicago slip and fall claim requires more than proof of your injuries. You must demonstrate how the property owner or manager acted negligently to recover compensation for your injuries. Furthermore, you must show how the property owner or manager’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This means proving that the liable party either knew about the hazard on the grounds or should have known about it through ordinary vigilance.
You need strong evidence to substantiate a slip-and-fall claim in Chicago. Some common types of evidence in these cases include:
- Photos of the Accident Scene: Pictures capturing the exact location of the fall are crucial in slip and fall cases. They can show any hazards like ice, wet floors, or uneven surfaces.
- Witness Statements: Testimony from eyewitnesses can provide valuable insights into how and why the fall occurred.
- Surveillance Footage: Video from security cameras can offer clear evidence of the accident and the conditions that led to it.
- Medical Records: Documentation of injuries, treatments, and medical expenses directly links the fall to your sustained injuries.
- Clothing and Shoes: Expert witnesses can examine any clothing and shoes worn during the accident for evidence, like residues or patterns that match the fall site.
- Property Maintenance Records can show whether the property owner neglected regular maintenance, contributing to hazardous conditions.
Compensation in Chicago Slip and Fall Claims
Filing a slip and fall claim allows you to recover compensation for injuries and other losses. Some of the losses for which you can seek compensation include:
Medical Expenses
This includes costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future treatment related to your injuries.
Lost Wages
You can claim compensation for lost income if your injury makes you miss work. This also covers lost earning capacity if you cannot return to work or must take a lower-paying job.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress from the accident and your subsequent injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If your injuries prevent you from enjoying your usual hobbies and activities, you can claim compensation for this loss.
Disability or Disfigurement
If the fall resulted in long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement, you can seek compensation for these life-altering changes.
Property Damage
Some falls significantly damage people’s personal property, such as their glasses, clothing, or cellphone. If this happens to you in a slip and fall, you can demand compensation for repair or replacement costs.
What to Do After a Fall in Chicago
Even if you’ve already sought medical treatment and left the scene, there are essential actions you should take to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to do:
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all events related to your fall and injuries. This includes medical appointments, symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury impacts your daily life.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan. This shows a commitment to your recovery and can help demonstrate the severity of your injuries.
- Avoid Social Media: Refrain from discussing or posting about the accident on social media. Insurance companies can use such posts to undermine your claim.
- Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney: Consult a Chicago slip and fall attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you through the next steps and help you start building your case.
- Do Not Accept Initial Settlement Offers: Avoid accepting early settlement offers from any insurance company without consulting your attorney. These offers are often lower than what you may be entitled to.
- Keep a Journal: Document your recovery process, noting any pain, discomfort, emotional distress, and how the injury affects your daily life. Your journal can help demonstrate your pain and suffering.
- Avoid Direct Communication with the Other Party: Let your attorney handle all communication with the property owner or their insurance company.
Deadline to File a Chicago Slip and Fall Lawsuit
According to Illinois law, you have two years from the date of a slip and fall to file a lawsuit. You do not want to miss this deadline, as the courts can dismiss your case regardless of its merits. Furthermore, building a strong legal case after a slip and fall takes time. You want to give your Chicago slip-and-fall lawyer as much time as possible to gather evidence. Acting quickly after an accident increases your chance of recovering fair compensation.
Contact Our Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyers Now
The experienced Chicago slip-and-fall lawyers from Wallace Miller can make this difficult time easier for you. We can handle all the legal work to get the money you deserve while you tend to your injuries. Call (312) 261-6193 or reach out online for a free case review.