If you suffered a slip and fall at work in Chicago, Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers is here to help you recover what you’re owed. We focus exclusively on representing injured workers across the city and suburbs, including those hurt in warehouses, offices, restaurants, and construction sites.
Slip and fall accidents can cause long-term harm, and we understand how quickly medical expenses, lost wages, and stress can add up. Our team has the local insight and legal experience to handle your slip and fall case from start to finish.
Hiring a top-rated slip and fall lawyer from Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers means putting your case in the hands of attorneys who understand how to win in Chicago workplaces. Our team is recognized by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
We have recovered millions for clients injured in workplace accidents, and we know how to deal with cases combining workers’ compensation, insurance adjusters, and third-party liability claims. Our goal is to fight for maximum compensation, and we don’t get paid unless you do.
At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we’ve handled many slip and fall at work cases across Chicago, especially those involving construction sites where safety shortcuts lead to serious injuries. Our team knows how to investigate workplace accidents, identify third-party liability, and fight for the full value of a claim.
Carlos, a 41-year-old union carpenter, was working on an active construction site in downtown Chicago when he slipped on unsecured plywood and fell several feet. He suffered severe knee injuries that required multiple surgeries, including a reconstruction, and left him with long-term mobility issues.
The general contractor had failed to implement proper site safety measures. Multiple contractors were involved, and third-party claims played a key role in increasing the case value. We secured a $2.6 million settlement, covering Carlos’s medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact the injury had on his ability to continue working.
A slip and fall at work can happen in any industry, and in a city like Chicago, local conditions and building practices often increase the risk. In construction zones overseen by contractors for the City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), or private developers, unsecured materials, uneven scaffolding, and missing fall protection are common causes. Manufacturing facilities in areas like the South Side or McCook Industrial Corridor often deal with slippery floors from oils, lubricants, or debris.
Healthcare workers at hospitals such as Northwestern Memorial or Rush University Medical Center face risks from wet floors, cluttered hallways, and hurried environments. Restaurant and hospitality staff in high-traffic areas like River North or The Loop often slip due to food spills, mopped floors, or loose mats. Even office workers in downtown towers owned by major property management firms can fall due to loose carpeting, broken tiles, or poor lighting.
Many of these workplace accidents stem from ignored hazards or negligence, leading to claims involving both workers’ compensation and third-party liability.
A slip and fall at work can lead to a wide range of injuries, some with lasting consequences. Broken bones are common, especially in the wrists, arms, and ankles, as workers instinctively try to break their fall. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, often occur when there’s no time to brace for impact. Back injuries, herniated discs, and spinal damage are also frequent, particularly in falls from ladders or elevated surfaces.
In more severe cases, workers may suffer torn ligaments, knee injuries requiring surgery, or hip fractures, especially among older employees or those working in icy conditions outdoors. Internal injuries, dislocations, and deep bruising can also result from a fall accident, even if there are no visible injuries. These incidents often lead to costly medical treatment, time away from work, and the need to file a workers’ compensation claim to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall at work in Chicago, there are two main legal paths for financial recovery: filing a workers’ compensation claim and, in some cases, pursuing a third-party claim. These are separate avenues, and depending on how your fall accident occurred, both may apply. Here’s how each option works under Illinois law.
820 ILCS 305 requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault. This no-fault system allows an injured worker to receive medical care and wage replacement without having to prove the employer’s negligence.
Coverage applies to nearly all full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees, including those working in construction, hospitality, healthcare, and retail. Workers must report injuries promptly and follow specific procedures, including obtaining approved medical treatment in many cases.
If you were hurt in a slip and fall incident at work, filing a workers’ compensation claim is usually the first step to accessing benefits that can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
Illinois offers several types of workers’ compensation benefits for those injured in slip and fall accidents:
These benefits don’t cover pain and suffering or emotional distress. For that, you may need to explore a third-party claim.
While workers’ compensation covers most employees, there are limitations. Independent contractors, volunteers, and some gig workers may not be eligible. Employers may also dispute claims by arguing that the injury occurred outside the scope of employment or was caused by intoxication or horseplay.
Additionally, workers’ compensation benefits don’t cover non-economic damages like pain, emotional suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life. There’s also no option for punitive damages, even in cases where negligence clearly contributed to the fall incident.
For many injured workers, especially those facing serious injuries and long recoveries, these limitations make it necessary to explore other legal options, such as third-party claims, to pursue compensation.
If your slip and fall at work was caused by someone other than your employer or a co-worker, you may be entitled to file a claim against a third party in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. Unlike workers’ comp, which is a no-fault system, third-party claims are fault-based, requiring proof that another party’s negligence directly caused your injuries.
These cases are common on shared job sites, such as construction projects or large commercial buildings, where multiple contractors, vendors, or property owners operate in the same space. Common examples of third-party negligence include:
Illinois personal injury law governs these claims and follows traditional negligence principles. That means you must prove that the third party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach caused your injury, resulting in actual damages.
The major advantage of third-party claims is the broader range of compensation they provide. Workers’ compensation benefits are limited, mainly covering medical expenses and a portion of lost wages.
To succeed in a third-party slip and fall claim, you must prove four essential elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. These components form the foundation of personal injury law in Illinois and must be supported by credible evidence to prevail in court or settlement negotiations.
Evidence can make or break a case. This may include:
Timing is critical. The sooner you gather and preserve evidence after the fall accident, the better your chances of proving liability. A lawyer can conduct a detailed investigation, obtain records before they’re lost, and work with safety experts to strengthen your claim. This preparation is vital to securing maximum compensation in a third-party case.
In a third-party claim, the goal is to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses caused by your slip and fall incident. Damages may include:
Unlike workers’ compensation, which offers limited benefits, third-party claims provide the opportunity to seek full value for what you’ve endured. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation and secure compensation beyond what your employer’s insurance offers.
Per Law.com, the average payout for slip and fall accidents at work in Chicago is $633,915, while the median payout is $405,000. This range reflects the wide variability in slip and fall accident claims, with values stretching from just over $10,000 to $3.5 million.
The data also shows that most cases are resolved through verdicts and settlements, and the most common venue is Cook County, IL. While each fall case is different, working with an experienced slip and fall lawyer improves your chances of recovering fair compensation.
On December 6, 2007, Kevin Montgomery, 54, slipped on ice while moving plywood on the 61st floor of a construction site managed by Bovis Lend Lease in Chicago. He sued Bovis, alleging it failed to cancel work or remove snow and ice after poor weather.
The defense argued Montgomery was at fault and that another contractor was responsible for clearing the floor. Montgomery suffered aggravated lumbar injuries requiring two back surgeries and claimed permanent disability due to arachnoiditis. The case settled after trial arguments for $3.5 million, with a $1,038,926.50 workers’ compensation lien waived.
In December 2001, Brian Budrik, a welder on the Hollywood Casino project in Aurora, fell while stepping off a metal plate using a wooden spool. He sued general contractor R.C. Wegman Construction and subcontractor Interstate Scaffolding, claiming there was no safe way down from the plate.
He suffered severe back injuries, lost wages, and required long-term treatment. The jury awarded Budrik $3,288,805 in damages but reduced his recovery to $2,039,059.10 due to comparative fault. Wegman was assigned 26% of the fault; Interstate Scaffolding was cleared.
On May 16, 2008, Dan Benak, 38, slipped on wet paint while walking on a beam 15–20 feet above the ground at the Irving Park CTA station in Chicago. He fell two feet into cables and later required lumbar fusion surgery. He sued general contractor James McHugh Construction and ERA Valdivia Construction, claiming poor work sequencing and a lack of warning signs.
Defendants argued the paint was an open and obvious hazard and questioned the extent of Benak’s injuries and lost wages. The case settled for $1,750,000, and a $600,000 workers’ comp lien was waived.
On June 18, 2012, LaTarsha Hollins, 39, a mail carrier, slipped on moss-covered, wet steps while delivering mail at a Chicago residence. She alleged the homeowners negligently maintained the area and improperly positioned a sprinkler.
Hollins suffered a herniated disc requiring back surgery and claimed permanent nerve damage and inability to work. The jury found the homeowners 70% liable and awarded $1,150,368. Due to a high/low agreement, damages were capped at $500,000, the limit of the defendants’ insurance policy.
On November 12, 2009, Peter Filipos, 36, a cement mason, slipped on lubricant spray applied to facilitate equipment movement at a construction site in Evanston. He alleged negligence by contractor Elliot Construction and concrete supplier Ozinga Brothers.
Filipos suffered a torn rotator cuff, underwent surgery, and claimed he could no longer work in his trade. The case settled before trial for $1,000,000, covering medical costs, lost income, and permanent loss of normal life.
Taking the proper steps after a slip and fall at work can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. From protecting your health to preserving evidence, what you do immediately after a fall incident can directly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to focus on:
After a slip and fall at work, your health comes first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem mild. Prompt care creates a direct link between the fall accident and your injuries, which helps support your workers’ compensation claim or third-party liability case later. Always follow through with recommended medical treatment.
Notify your employer right away after the fall incident. In Illinois, you typically have 45 days to report a workplace injury, but sooner is always better. Reporting the incident creates an official record, which becomes critical during the workers’ compensation process. Ask for a copy of the report for your records.
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards that caused the fall. Get names and contact info of witnesses. Save your treatment records, receipts, and any correspondence with your employer or the insurance company. The more documentation you have, the stronger your slip and fall accident claim will be.
A top slip and fall lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you secure compensation. Whether you’re filing for workers’ compensation benefits or a third-party claim, legal support is key to building a strong case. Most offer a free consultation to evaluate your options.
At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, our top Chicago slip and fall lawyers handle both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims arising from workplace accidents. We start by investigating how your slip and fall at work happened—gathering medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and safety reports to build a clear case.
For your workers’ compensation claim, we manage the entire claims process, ensure you receive proper medical treatment, and fight for the full range of workers’ compensation benefits—including wage replacement and medical coverage.
If another party’s negligence contributed to your fall accident, such as a subcontractor or property owner, we will pursue a separate third-party claim for additional damages like pain and suffering.
We coordinate both claims to avoid delays and protect your rights at every stage. Our goal is to help you secure compensation that reflects the actual impact of your fall injuries.
If you suffered a slip and fall at work in Illinois, the timeline to seek compensation depends on the type of claim.
For a workers’ compensation claim, you must report the injury to your employer within 45 days and file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission within 3 years of the injury or 2 years from the last payment of benefits, whichever is later (820 ILCS 305/6).
For a third-party liability claim, the statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of the fall accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Acting quickly protects your right to pursue compensation and helps preserve valuable evidence.
Slip and fall injuries can result in a wide range of medical issues, from sprains and fractures to more serious trauma like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage. These injuries may require surgery, long-term physical therapy, or even lead to permanent disabilities. In many cases, the injured worker cannot return to their previous job, resulting in reduced earning capacity or early retirement.
Ongoing pain, emotional stress, and lifestyle changes can impact both work and daily life. The consequences are not just physical—they also involve substantial medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of adapting to long-term limitations.
Under Illinois law, most employees are covered by workers’ compensation, which is a no-fault system. This means that if you’re injured in a slip and fall at work, you generally cannot file a lawsuit against your employer, even if their negligence contributed to the incident. Instead, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits like medical coverage and wage replacement.
However, if another party—such as a property owner, subcontractor, or maintenance company—was involved in creating the hazard, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim, which allows for broader damages, including pain and suffering.
Proving negligence typically isn’t necessary in a standard workers’ compensation claim, but it becomes relevant if your employer wrongfully denies benefits or if you’re pursuing a third-party claim. To establish negligence, you must show the employer failed to maintain a reasonably safe work environment.
This may involve a lack of safety protocols, ignored hazards, or failure to comply with OSHA standards. Strong evidence includes medical records, witness statements, inspection logs, and accident reports. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather the necessary documentation to show that the employer failed to exercise reasonable care.
At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, hiring a top-rated slip and fall lawyer is risk-free. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fees come out of your settlement or jury award, not your pocket.
We also offer a free consultation to review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. This approach allows you to focus on healing while we handle your slip and fall accident claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a federal agency responsible for ensuring safe working conditions in the U.S. OSHA sets and enforces standards for workplace safety, including rules about fall protection, hazard communication, and equipment maintenance.
Employers must follow these rules and provide safety training, personal protective equipment, and a hazard-free environment. Failure to comply with OSHA standards can lead to fines, inspections, or liability in workplace accident cases. In a slip-and-fall case, a violation of OSHA regulations may serve as evidence that the employer failed to maintain safe conditions.
Yes—most slip and fall accidents at work are preventable through consistent workplace safety practices. Employers should implement routine inspections, ensure walkways are clean and dry, repair damaged flooring, and apply non-slip surfaces in high-risk areas. Posting warning signs, enforcing fall protection policies, and offering regular training help employees recognize and avoid hazards.
Maintenance teams should be equipped to address spills, leaks, or icy conditions promptly. By following OSHA guidelines and promoting a culture of safety, employers can significantly reduce the risk of fall incidents and protect workers from injuries.
If you were hurt in a slip and fall at work, don’t wait to get legal help. At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Whether you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim or pursuing a third-party case, our experienced fall attorneys are ready to fight for your recovery. Contact us to speak with a top Chicago slip and fall lawyer.