Personal Injury Law Blog
What You Need to Know About Illinois Slip and Fall Laws
Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Whether you’re shopping at a grocery store, walking through a parking lot, or visiting a friend’s home, these accidents can lead to serious injuries. Understanding Illinois slip and fall laws is crucial if you’ve been injured and are considering bringing a personal injury case to recover your expenses. Read on to learn more about the various types of premises liability cases and what you’ll need to do to secure fair compensation for what you’ve been through.
Premises Liability Cases in Illinois
Premises liability refers to the responsibility property owners have to ensure their property is safe for visitors. When a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions, they can be held liable for injuries through a premises liability lawsuit. These cases occur when someone slips, trips, or falls due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. This could be due to wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven surfaces, or debris.
Examples of Premises Liability Cases
To better understand these types of cases, here are a few real-world examples:
- Grocery Store Slip and Fall: Imagine you’re walking down an aisle in a grocery store when you suddenly slip on a spilled liquid that wasn’t cleaned up or marked with a warning sign. The store could be held liable for your injuries because they failed to maintain a safe environment.
- Apartment Complex Trip and Fall: You’re visiting a friend in their apartment complex, and you trip over a broken piece of concrete in the parking lot. The property owner might be responsible for your injuries because they neglected to repair the hazard.
- Step and Fall at a Construction Site: While walking near a construction site, you accidentally step into an uncovered hole that wasn’t properly marked or blocked off. The construction company could be liable for failing to secure the site.
Damages Awards in Chicago Slip and Fall Cases
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you might be entitled to various types of compensation. Damages in a Chicago slip and fall case vary but may include the following:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy. Importantly, you may also be eligible to recover for the cost of all necessary future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, you might be compensated for lost income. This can also include future earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. These damages can be more challenging to quantify, but they are an important part of your claim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury affects your ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies, you might receive compensation for this loss.
Illinois’ Modified Comparative Negligence Law
In Illinois, if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were found to be 20 percent at fault for your slip and fall accident and were awarded $100,000 in damages, your award would be reduced by 20 percent, resulting in $80,000.
If you’re found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages. This law encourages both property owners and visitors to act responsibly and safely.
Speak with an Experienced Chicago Slip and Fall Attorney About Your Case Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the thought of pursuing legal action may seem overwhelming. But at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our Chicago personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and build a strong case to seek the compensation you deserve. Our experienced slip-and-fall lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring that you receive fair treatment under Illinois law. Don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. To learn more about how the lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help with your case, give us a call at 877-595-4878. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can connect you with the compensation you deserve.
