Compensation for Bone Fractures in Chicago Slip and Fall Accidents
A broken bone slip and fall can instantly disrupt your life, especially when caused by unsafe property conditions. At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we represent people who suffer bone fractures after slipping or tripping on dangerous conditions in Chicago homes, businesses, sidewalks, and public spaces. From icy walkways to wet floors, we work to hold negligent property owners accountable and recover full compensation.
Slip and Fall Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm
- Maria was leaving Sunday service when she slipped on an icy walkway at a historic church near Bronzeville. She suffered a fractured pelvis, requiring surgery and months of rehab. Our team proved the church failed to properly salt the area despite multiple winter storm warnings. The combination of permanent mobility issues and clear evidence of negligence led to a $2,000,000 settlement.
- Linda was shopping at a large national chain in River North when she slipped on spilled food in the grocery section. She broke her upper arm and missed nearly six months of work. Surveillance footage showed the hazard had been there for over 20 minutes without cleanup, which helped us secure a $1,200,000 recovery.
- James was visiting a downtown Chicago office when he tripped over an extension cord left stretched across a hallway. He fractured his hand and wrist, limiting his ability to work as a graphic designer. Evidence that building staff failed to secure the cord and witness testimony about other past incidents contributed to a $1,000,000 settlement.
Why Choose Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers for Your Case
Our top-rated Chicago slip and fall injury lawyers have recovered over $490 million for clients injured in slip and fall accidents and are recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. We’ve helped over 5,000 clients nationwide secure the compensation they need after serious falls, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Types of Slip and Fall Accident Fractures We Handle
Slip and fall accidents in Chicago can cause a wide range of fractures, such as:
- Closed fractures – The bone breaks but doesn’t pierce the skin, often from wrist or ankle injuries in grocery stores, retail spaces, or icy parking lots.
- Open (compound) fractures – The bone pierces the skin, creating infection risk and often requiring emergency surgery. Common in falls down poorly lit stairs or off elevated platforms.
- Comminuted fractures – Bones shatter into three or more pieces, frequently affecting the elderly who fall on hard surfaces in apartment lobbies or public restrooms.
- Transverse fractures – A clean, straight break caused by a direct blow or sideways fall onto a hard surface.
- Oblique fractures – Angled breaks from twisting during a fall, such as when pivoting on uneven flooring or torn carpeting.
- Spiral fractures – The bone is twisted apart by rotational force, often when a foot catches on cracked tile or loose mats.
- Greenstick fractures – Partial breaks more common in children, where one side of the bone bends while the other cracks.
- Compression fractures – Crushed vertebrae, often from backward falls on ice or slippery bathroom surfaces, particularly in elderly victims.
What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents Leading to Fractures in Chicago?
Common causes of fracture-inducing falls in Chicago include:
- Icy or snowy sidewalks that haven’t been salted or shoveled, especially outside residential buildings and businesses in winter.
- Uneven sidewalks or broken curbs in busy neighborhoods.
- Spilled liquids in grocery stores or restaurants that aren’t cleaned up promptly.
- Loose mats or torn carpeting near entryways, creating tripping hazards.
- Inadequate lighting or missing stair railings in apartment and office buildings.
- Cracked or sloped flooring in hallways or common areas.
What Are the Most Common Bone Fractures in Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall incidents in Chicago can result in a wide range of broken bone injuries, such as:
- Hip fractures – Especially common among older adults, often requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
- Wrist fractures (distal radius) – Common when someone instinctively tries to break their fall with an outstretched hand.
- Ankle fractures – Such as lateral or medial malleolus breaks, often caused by twisting during a fall on uneven surfaces.
- Humerus fractures – Breaks in the upper arm or shoulder area from sideways or backward falls.
- Vertebral compression fractures – Crushed vertebrae in the spine, common in low-height backward falls.
- Facial bone fractures – Occur when the face strikes the ground or another hard surface during impact.
What Damages Can an Injured Person Recover?
Depending on the circumstances, victims of slip and fall accidents can recover:
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages – Income missed during recovery, plus diminished earning capacity if the injury limits future work.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life from lasting impairment.
- Permanent disability – Compensation for lifestyle changes, home modifications, or mobility equipment.
- Punitive damages – In cases where the owner’s conduct was especially reckless or indifferent to known hazards.
What Is the Average Slip and Fall Payout for Broken Bone Injuries in Chicago?
In Chicago, slip and fall verdicts and settlements for broken bone cases range widely—from as little as $5,750 to as much as $2 million. According to VerdictSearch data, the median recovery is around $214,751, while the average is $431,657.
Case value depends on several factors: the type and severity of the fracture, whether surgery was required, the length of recovery, and the long-term impact on your mobility and ability to work. Liability disputes, the presence of clear evidence (like surveillance footage), and whether the owner was aware of the hazard can also significantly influence the outcome.
Example Cases Filed in Cook County
$2,000,000 Jury Verdict
While walking near a construction site in Chicago, Michael slipped on black ice that had formed after snow was improperly plowed, shattering his ankle. He required three surgeries, developed an infection, and was left with lasting mobility limits.
$900,000 Settlement
Edna, a nurse in La Grange Park, fell on ice outside her condo due to a known drainage problem. She broke her femur, underwent three surgeries, and faced over $330,000 in medical bills and lost income.
$645,000 Settlement
Constance, a retired nurse, slipped on ice in a River Forest CVS parking lot while trying to access a sidewalk blocked by snow piles. She fractured her left wrist, required three surgeries due to complications with bone healing, and had a pre‑existing wrist condition.
How Common Are Fracture Injuries in Chicago Slip and Fall Accidents?
Broken bones are one of the most common outcomes of slips and falls. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, and one in five fall-related injuries results in a fracture. While older adults face the highest fracture risk, we’ve seen clients of all ages suffer wrist, ankle, shoulder, and spinal fractures after preventable falls. These injuries often require surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, and can lead to permanent mobility loss.
Where Do Slips and Falls Resulting in Fractures Occur Most Often in Chicago?
Fracture‑causing falls can happen anywhere in the city, but some places pose a higher risk because of foot traffic, weather exposure, or poor maintenance. Common locations include:
- Sidewalks in front of residential buildings
- Grocery stores and restaurants
- Apartment building stairs and hallways
- CTA station platforms and stairwells
- Office building lobbies and parking garages
- Nursing homes and hospitals
What Laws Govern Fracture Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?
Most fracture‑related slip and fall cases in Chicago fall under the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/). This law requires property owners and occupiers to keep their premises reasonably safe for people who are lawfully there, such as customers, tenants, or other invited guests.
For winter‑related falls, the Chicago Municipal Code § 10‑8‑180 sets rules for snow and ice removal on sidewalks in front of homes and businesses. Failing to follow these rules can support a negligence claim.
Illinois case law reinforces these duties. In LaFever v. Kemlite Co., 185 Ill. 2d 380 (1998), the Illinois Supreme Court held that an owner could be liable when a worker slipped on accumulated debris, emphasizing the duty to protect lawful visitors from known hazards on the property.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois, including fracture‑related slip and fall claims.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents Resulting in Fractures in Chicago?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a fracture‑causing fall, depending on where and how it happened. Potential defendants include:
- Property owners or landlords
- Commercial tenants
- Snow removal or janitorial contractors
- Property management companies
- Government property operators
Common Defenses in Fracture Slip and Fall Accident Cases in Chicago
Property owners and insurers often push back against fracture claims by arguing:
- The hazard was open and obvious
- You were distracted or careless
- They had no notice of the hazard
- The area had just been cleaned or treated
We counter these defenses with surveillance footage, maintenance logs, weather reports, and medical evidence to show exactly how the fall happened and the true impact of your injuries.
How to Strengthen Your Broken Bone Claim in Chicago
Taking the right steps after your fall can make a major difference in your case:
- Report the accident to the property manager, owner, or business immediately.
- Get an incident report and keep a copy.
- Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Seek medical attention right away and follow all treatment instructions.
- Save the shoes and clothing you wore at the time.
- Get witness names and contact info if possible.
- Contact an attorney quickly to preserve surveillance footage and gather evidence before it’s lost.
How a Chicago Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Can Help
A serious fracture can change your life — and proving your claim takes more than just telling your side of the story. Our role is to:
- Investigate your accident by gathering surveillance footage, inspection records, and witness statements.
- Work with orthopedic specialists to explain the severity of your injury and your future care needs.
- Identify all responsible parties — from property owners to contractors and government entities.
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and future losses.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers or take your case to court when needed.
By handling every step of the legal process, we give you the time and space to focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
How much does a slip and fall attorney cost? We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Do I have a case if I have osteoporosis or a prior condition? Yes. Even if a preexisting condition made your fracture more likely, they can still be held liable if their negligence caused your fall.
What if I fell on a sidewalk or in a public building? You may still have a claim against the City of Chicago, the CTA, or another public entity. Per 745 ILCS 10, these cases have shorter deadlines and special notice requirements, so contact an attorney immediately.
Consult a Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer Near You!
Our Chicago slip and fall lawyers have recovered millions for clients with serious fracture injuries caused by unsafe property conditions. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win for you. Contact Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers to get started. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.