The winter months are known to blanket Chicago streets with snow and ice. Something as simple as walking can become dangerous due to slick sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances stairways and more. The harsh weather can create slippery conditions that put people at risk of getting seriously injured in a slip and fall accident.
Slip and fall accidents involving snow and ice accumulated on another individual’s property are a little more complicated in terms of fault than other types of premises liability cases. The ability to recover compensation depends on the circumstances of the slip and fall accident.
As a general rule, landowners or property managers in Illinois have no legal duty to remove natural accumulations of snow or ice on their property. This means commercial or residential property owners typically are not liable if you fell because they failed to remove naturally accumulated snow or ice, warn visitors about it or to provide them with mats to wipe their feet.
However, there are exceptions. If an Illinois property owner aggravated the natural accumulation of snow or ice in an unnatural manner, it may be possible to file a premises liability lawsuit against them. For example, the property may have unrepaired holes, cracked pavement or a sloping parking lot that results in unnatural accumulation of snow and ice.
Because slip and fall accidents in snowy or icy conditions involve complex legal issues, it is wise to speak to a knowledgeable Chicago personal injury lawyer. If a property owner’s negligence caused you to fall and get injured, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today for a free consultation.