Slip and Fall Brain Injury Cases in Chicago

Representing Victims of Brain and Head Injuries Following Slips and Falls in Chicago

If you suffer from a slip and fall accident in Chicago, one of the most dangerous outcomes would be a brain injury. Slip and fall brain injury cases may be the result of someone else’s negligence, in which case you can pursue compensation for legal damages. However, proving negligence in a slip and fall accident claim is very challenging, especially if you are dealing with the physical and emotional ramifications of a bad head injury.

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can help you hold the at-fault party accountable after a slip and fall accident. We have worked on cases involving traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures. Whether your fall occurred in a Chicago home, a business, or a public place, seeking legal help and medical intervention early on is crucial.

Verdicts & Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Our law firm has decades of experience in slip and fall cases. Here are some past settlements we have secured for our clients:

  • $4.13 million – While working on a high-rise project near the Loop, Jacob, a union laborer, fell from faulty scaffolding and suffered a traumatic brain injury and a fractured pelvis. The general contractor failed to ensure proper fall protection was in place. The severity of his brain injury, combined with long-term mobility issues, significantly increased the case value.
  • $2.7 million – After routine surgery at a South Side hospital, Eric, 48, fell from his hospital bed due to lack of supervision and struck his head, leading to an emergency craniotomy. He sustained permanent cognitive deficits and was unable to resume his prior skilled trade job. While he returned to part-time work, his reduced earning capacity factored heavily into the settlement.
  • $1.54 million – Marco, a roofing contractor working on a commercial building in the West Side, fell nearly 20 feet after a safety harness failed during a roof replacement job. He suffered a concussion, a skull fracture, and long-term post-concussive symptoms, along with orthopedic injuries. The settlement reflected both the severity of his head trauma and the roofing company’s failure to provide proper fall protection equipment.
  • $1.2 million – While shopping at a major national chain in Bronzeville, Denise slipped on spilled soup and fractured her arm. The video showed that the spill had been left unattended for over 30 minutes. Her surgery, followed by months of physical therapy, supported a substantial premises liability case.

Why Choose Us for Your Slip and Fall Injury Case in Chicago

A top-rated slip and fall brain injury lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. We have experience handling complex and high-value injury claims. Our firm has a vast network of connections with neurology experts and life care planners. We will accurately calculate your long-term medical care costs, cognitive therapy expenses, and lost earning capacity.

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers has a proven track record, winning 98% of injury cases. We consistently secure seven-figure settlements for individuals with serious injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents.

What Are Common Slip and Fall Head Injuries?

A slip and fall accident in Chicago can lead to a wide range of injuries, and even death. Here are some common injuries sustained in these types of accidents:

  • Concussions – Often dismissed in these claims, but they can result in lasting cognitive symptoms
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – Includes mild to severe TBIs, but symptoms are often delayed
  • Skull fractures – Broken bones that can lead to intracranial bleeding or infection
  • Intracranial hemorrhage – Bleeding in the brain usually requires surgery
  • Coup-contrecoup injury – Damage occurs to the site of the injury and the opposite side of the brain
  • Post-concussive syndrome – Common symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, mood changes, and memory problems
  • Bruised brain tissue – Caused by damaged blood vessels

What Are Common Causes of Slips and Falls Leading to Head Injuries?

Hazardous environments can create unsafe conditions that can lead to a slip and fall accident. Here are some common causes of slips and falls in Chicago that could cause a brain injury:

  • Slippery surfaces (spills, wet floors, waxed surfaces, recently mopped areas, tracked in snow or ice)
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Broken stairs
  • Missing handrails
  • Cluttered walkways
  • Poorly lit entryways
  • Loose rugs or mats at store entrances
  • Ice and snow on sidewalks or parking lots
  • Falls from ladders, platforms, or scaffolding
  • Poorly maintained walkways

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Slip and Fall Accident Leading to Brain Damage?

If you pursue a personal injury claim for your severe injuries, you could recover compensation for legal damages to address the financial burden of the accident. The two main types of losses are economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

  • Lost income
  • Medical bills (hospital, imaging, neurology visits, rehabilitation, therapy)
  • Future medical expenses (long-term disability, life treatment plans)

Non-Economic Damages

  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical disabilities
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of normal life

What Is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall Brain and Head Injury?

Settlement values can fluctuate based on the severity of the injuries, legal liability, and the long-term impact on the victim. Per Law.com, the average payout for a slip and fall resulting in a head or brain injury is $1.18 million, while the median payout is $500,000.

Example Cases

In 2003, Annette was walking outside a Miller Mart gas station and convenience store when she slipped on a dark spot on the cement. She fell and suffered a closed head injury and brain bleeding. Annette sued the store manager because it was discovered that they had been aware of the slippery condition and had received multiple complaints about it. She received $6 million from the settlement.

Hermes, a construction worker, was on a project site in 2007. While walking on a concrete walkway, he tripped on orange mesh fencing that had fallen on the ground and hit his head on the corner of a step, suffering from neck and brain injuries. The investigation revealed that the fence had previously fallen over, and workers regularly had to walk over it. Hermes sued the contractor for failing to enforce safe procedures and was awarded $8.5 million.

Who Is Legally Liable for Slip and Fall Head and Brain Injuries in Chicago?

Whether you suffer from a mild traumatic brain injury or a fracture, you have the option to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover damages. Here are some potentially liable parties in your slip and fall accident:

  • Property owners (commercial and residential)
  • Property managers or HOAs
  • Cleaning crews
  • Government agencies, such as the CTA or the City of Chicago
  • Construction companies
  • Contractors

How Common Are Brain and Head Injuries in Slips and Falls?

More than 60% of traumatic brain injuries in older adults are caused by falls. Furthermore, over half of all fall-related deaths involve head injuries in older adults.

Where Do Slip and Fall Brain Injuries Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Head injuries from fall accidents can occur almost anywhere in Chicago, but some locations are more prone to accidents than others. Many falls in these locations are the result of adverse weather conditions, hazardous properties, and a failure to warn people of potential hazards. Some common locations for slips and falls include:

  • CTA stations
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Grocery stores
  • Apartment stairwells
  • Icy sidewalks
  • Park walkways

What Laws Apply to Slip and Fall Head Injury Claims in Chicago?

The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) states that a property owner must demonstrate reasonable care to create a safe environment. If your injury occurs at work, your claim will be governed by the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), which requires employers to carry insurance.

A landmark case, Ward v. Kmart Corp., established certain exceptions to the “open and obvious” doctrine, particularly in commercial settings.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Brain Injury Lawsuit?

In Illinois, you have two years to pursue damages for head injuries (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, if a government agency is involved, the notice must be filed within one year under 745 ILCS 10/. If a brain damage case involves a minor or incapacitated adult, tolling may apply.

Common Defenses in Slip and Fall Brain Injury Lawsuits

The defendant’s lawyers will use several tactics to undermine your claim:

  • The incident was partially your fault under comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116)
  • The hazard was open and obvious
  • There was no prior notice of the hazard

Our law office can counter these defenses with evidence of poor lighting, lack of signage, time-stamped photos, witness statements, and expert testimony.

How to Strengthen Your Slip and Fall Head Injury Case in Chicago

Preparing for a potential lawsuit starts the moment the slip and fall accident occurs. Here are some practical steps you should follow:

  • Notify the property owner immediately
  • Seek medical attention immediately and retain all medical records
  • Keep detailed symptom journals
  • Preserve shoes and clothing
  • Avoid posting on social media
  • Consult our expert personal injury attorneys

How a Slip and Fall Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help

To hold the responsible party accountable for their actions, Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers offers several legal services. We will coordinate with neurologists and cognitive specialists, secure medical records, handle insurance negotiations, develop ongoing medical care plans, gather evidence early, and represent clients in a trial if necessary.

FAQs

What if I didn’t feel symptoms until days later?

This is common in TBIs. Medical documentation and expert evaluations help link the injury to the fall.

Can I file a claim for someone with a brain injury who can’t speak for themselves?

Yes—spouses, parents, or guardians may bring the claim on their behalf.

Are fall-related brain injuries permanent?

A fall could cause permanent brain damage in some cases. Every injury is different, but many result in long-term or lifelong cognitive, physical, or emotional effects.

How much does a slip and fall brain injury attorney cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered from a mild traumatic brain injury, a closed head injury, a skull fracture, or another type of brain trauma on a Chicago property, Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can guide you through the claims process. We can hold the at-fault party accountable for allowing wet or slippery floors, inadequate lighting, or other hazards. Contact our law office today for a free case evaluation.

Client Reviews

I am thrilled with how the team handled my trip and fall case. They hired an investigator to go out to the scene and take photos of the area to demonstrate a defect with the stairs. I could tell from the start...

Anthony W.

Extremely professional group of attorneys. They answered my questions and always responded to my phone calls. At the end of the day, they definitely recovered more money for my case than I feel like I could...

Debbie R.

After breaking my leg at work, I thought I had a straightforward slip and fall case. I was very wrong. Mr. Rosenfeld and his associates really handled everything for me in terms of getting my medical treatment...

Sean C.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 No Fees Unless We Win
  3. 3 Available 24/7
Fill out the contact form or call us at 312-800-1534 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

Disclaimer