Airport Slip and Fall Cases in Chicago

Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries at Midway and O’Hare Airport

With millions of passengers traveling through Chicago airports every year, slip and fall accidents can occur in terminals, baggage claim areas, security checkpoints, restaurants, parking garages, and jet bridges. When airport operators, airlines, maintenance contractors, or other responsible parties fail to address hazardous conditions, injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

An experienced airport slip and fall lawyer in Chicago can investigate the cause of the accident, identify all liable parties, and build a strong claim on your behalf. A slip and fall accident at the airport can result in severe injuries, and you deserve fair compensation. O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport may have wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained public areas, posing serious safety risks.

The experienced attorneys at Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers are trusted allies of travelers, airport staff, and other parties who have suffered injuries at airports. Contact us today to learn how we aggressively pursue compensation on behalf of accident victims.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $2,600,000: Jose, a construction worker, fell on construction debris outside of O’Hare Airport resulting in a major knee injury. We found that the airport was responsible for the unsafe conditions during the construction period.
• $2,000,000: Mary, a young woman, fell on a wet floor near her gate at Midway when she was running to catch her flight, breaking her pelvis. We proved that both the airline and the airport were liable for failing to clean up a spill.
• $1,200,000: Monique was finishing up lunch at O’Hare when she slipped on spilled food outside of the restaurant. We demonstrated that the maintenance staff had been aware of the spill, making them liable. 

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

Our experienced airport slip and fall lawyers in Chicago have recovered more than $490 million in settlements and verdicts for injury victims throughout Illinois. With a 98% success rate and a perfect 10/10 AVVO rating, we have the knowledge and resources to handle complex airport injury claims involving O’Hare Airport, Midway Airport, airlines, contractors, and government entities. From investigating hazardous conditions to negotiating with insurance companies, our Chicago airport injury attorneys are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available for your case. 

What Causes Airport Slip and Fall Accidents?

Midway and O’Hare Airports are high-traffic areas, which increases the risk of injury. Combined, the airports saw 95.9 million passengers in 2023 alone, and unfortunately, not all of them left the premises in perfect health. Common causes of slip and fall accidents in airports include:

• Slippery floors due to cleaning activities, especially without proper signage
• Waxed hard surfaces, including floors and railings
• Spilled beverages or food near restaurants and concessions
• Icy parking lots and outdoor walkways
• Slippery surfaces during inclement weather conditions, like jet bridges
• Tracked-in snow or ice in baggage claim areas, terminals, and lobbies
• Poor lighting, especially during the early morning and evening
• Uneven surfaces like ramps, loose tile, or carpeting
• Slick surfaces near escalators and moving walkways

Common Locations for Airport Slip and Fall Accidents

Airports are busy environments with thousands of travelers passing through each day. Certain areas present a higher risk of slips, trips, and falls. Common locations where airport accidents occur include:

Security Checkpoints

Passengers often remove shoes and carry belongings through crowded areas, increasing the risk of falls.

Baggage Claim Areas

Water, spilled liquids, damaged flooring, and congested walkways frequently contribute to accidents.

Airport Restaurants and Food Courts

Food spills, drink leaks, and slippery floors can create dangerous conditions.

Jet Bridges

Rain, snow, and moisture tracked onto jet bridges often create slippery walking surfaces.

Escalators and Moving Walkways

Mechanical issues, sudden stops, or slippery surfaces can cause serious injuries.

Airport Parking Garages

Poor lighting, uneven pavement, and icy conditions frequently contribute to falls.

Terminal Entrances and Exits

Travelers carrying luggage may not notice hazards such as wet floors or uneven surfaces.

Airport Restrooms

Wet floors and inadequate warning signs commonly lead to slip and fall injuries.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Slips and Falls at Airports?

Such cases often involve serious injuries that require extensive recovery time. Common injuries in an airport slip and fall accident include:

• Broken bones (hips, ankles, wrists especially)
• Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries
• herniated discs back injuries
• Torn ligaments (especially ACL and MCL)
• Facial injuries and dental trauma
• Rotator cuff tear and shoulder dislocation

What to Do After an Airport Slip and Fall Accident

Taking the right steps after an accident can significantly strengthen your claim.

Right after the Fall

• Report the accident to airport staff
• Order incident report
• Photograph the hazardous condition.
• Gather witness contact information

In 24 Hours

• Seek medical attention
• Follow all medical instructions.
• Retain the clothing and shoes worn during the accident

Within Days of the Accident

• Avoid discussing the case with insurance adjusters
• Keep records of all expenses and lost wages
• Contact an airport slip and fall lawyer Chicago injury victims rely on for legal guidance

Factors That Affect Airport Slip and Fall Settlement Amounts

Every airport injury case is different. An airport slip and fall lawyer in Chicago considers several factors to determine the value of a settlement.

These are:

• Injuries Severity
• Medical treatment costs
• Future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Permanent disabilities
• Pain and suffering
• Availability of surveillance footage
• Strength of liability evidence
• Comparative negligence issues
• Insurance policy limits

These types of cases usually result in larger settlements due to the serious effects on the victim’s lifestyle, such as in cases of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures or surgeries.

What Is the Average Airport Slip and Fall Accident Settlement in Illinois?

According to Law.com’s Verdict Search, the average payout for an Illinois airport slip and fall accident is $2,341,416, with a median settlement of $955,300. Your payout will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident, including available evidence, severity of injuries, cost of damages, available insurance, and whether you work with a trusted personal injury lawyer on your case. 

Example Cases

• Charles Stahlheber, a baggage handler, was using the bathroom when he slipped on a wet floor. He suffered from a torn rotator cuff and required physical therapy to recover some range of motion in his arm. He sued the maintenance company, which settled for $170,000.00. 
• Rhonda Zaring was an administrator for a telecommunications company when she boarded a bus at a satellite parking lot near Midway International Airport. She was securing her luggage when the bus suddenly jolted forward, causing her to lose her balance. Zaring fractured her coccyx and required months of rehabilitation to recover, but was left with pain for years after the accident. She settled with the transportation company for $65,000.00.

Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident at an Airport?

Our skilled attorneys will identify all potential defendants and ensure that they pay their fair share. Potentially liable parties can include the following.

• Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA): This agency owns and operates both O’Hare and Midway. As this is a government agency, pursuing compensation from it can be challenging, but our attorneys have years of experience litigating government claims.
• Private Contractors: Janitorial companies, property managers, restaurants, retail stores, and airline vendors may be held liable if they failed to maintain safe conditions in accordance with their contracts.
• Airlines: Airlines like JetBlue, United Airlines, Southwest, and American Airlines are responsible for maintaining their gates, waiting areas, and jet bridges. They can be responsible for any accidents that occur in these areas.
• Maintenance Providers: The Chicago Municipal Code requires that sidewalks, parking areas, and walkways be kept clear of ice and snow (4-4-310 & 10-8-180). This means that maintenance companies can be held responsible for slips and falls caused by ice, as well as for issues with slippery floors or malfunctioning escalators.

Part of the reason these cases are challenging is that multiple agencies may be liable, depending on where the accident occurred and which agency is responsible for managing that area. We will review your case and determine which company or agency should be held accountable. 

How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents at Airports?

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common injuries reported in airport environments, for both travelers and airport employees. Heavy foot traffic, wet floors, tracked-in snow and ice, moving walkways, escalators, and the baggage areas all present a number of hazards that can result in serious accidents. 

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine found that slip and fall accidents contributed to 40.3% of all injuries reported by airport personnel. At one airport, slip-and-fall incidents accounted for 22% of all workers’ compensation claims, according to a study in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health. These findings underscore the significant danger of dangerous conditions at airports and the importance of holding negligent parties accountable when preventable injuries occur. 

What Laws Govern Airport Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

The Illinois Premises Liability Act gives injury victims the right to pursue compensation if they were injured due to someone else’s negligence (740 ILCS 130/). This requires collecting evidence demonstrating that the liable party was aware of the problem but failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to others. 

However, airport cases are complicated by the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). This act generally prevents government agencies or their employees from being held liable for accidents in most cases. For example, the Illinois Supreme Court case Bruns v. City of Centralia found that a municipal government could not be held responsible for an open and obvious hazard like a cracked sidewalk.

Lastly, the Joint Tortfeasor Act allows victims to sue multiple parties for the same accident if they all contributed to the hazardous conditions (740 ILCS 100/2). This is a crucial element of an airport accident because government agencies, vendors, transportation companies, and even individuals may also share part of the blame. 

How Long Do I Have to File an Airport Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Illinois?

The statute of limitations depends on the liable party. If you are suing the Chicago Department of Aviation or the City of Chicago, you have only one year to file due to the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). You will also need to file a notice of claim before this deadline.

For other responsible parties, you have two years as per the Illinois Personal Injury Act (735 ILCS 5/13-202). It is crucial that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible so that we can determine liability and file a complaint within the timeline. 

What Damages Can Injured Victims Recover?

Our top-rated Chicago attorneys can help you secure a fair settlement that ensures your well-being throughout recovery. Your financial damages can include:

• Medical bills
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses like physical therapy 
• Lost wages and loss of future income
• Property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress 
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If your case goes to court, the jury might award punitive damages depending on the specifics of the case. However, these are not always guaranteed. 

How to Strengthen Your Airport Slip and Fall Case

The actions you take after an airport accident can play a critical role in the success of your claim. Preserving evidence, seeking prompt medical treatment, and documenting hazardous conditions can significantly improve your chances of recovering compensation. 

If you were injured at O’Hare Airport, Midway Airport, or another aviation facility, following the proper steps can help an airport slip and fall lawyer in Chicago build a strong case and prove liability against the responsible parties. Follow these important steps as soon as possible after the accident.

• Seek medical attention from first aid stations or visit the closest hospital.
• Document your injury with photos, and identify the exact area where you fell. 
• Report the incident to airport personnel and request a copy of the incident report.
• Take photos and videos of where the accident happened, including any potential fall hazards in the area. 
• Gather witness information from anyone who saw the incident, such as airport staff or other travelers. 
• Do not speak to insurance companies, airport authorities, or any other third parties involved in the case.
• Contact a personal injury attorney for a free consultation as soon as possible. 

Common Defenses in Airport Slip and Fall Cases

Companies and governments primarily try to diminish their responsibility and reduce your potential compensation. Our skilled airport slip and fall lawyer in Chicago can easily refute these common defenses using evidence and legal precedent.

• Open and Obvious Hazard: The open and obvious hazard defense claims that a reasonable person would have noticed and avoided the problem. We can use incident reports, accident photos, and witness testimony to prove the hazard was not evident.
• Lack of Notice: Defendants can only be held responsible if they had actual notice or constructive notice of problems, and we can demonstrate they did have notice through maintenance records.
• Preexisting Conditions: For certain injuries, like slipped discs, the defendant may state that you had an underlying medical condition that led to the incident. We can use your medical history to prove this was a new issue.
• Procedural Defense: Government agencies may state that you did not file within the one-year deadline. It’s crucial to work with an attorney who can file your claim quickly.

How Our Airport Slip and Fall Lawyers in Chicago Can Help

Working with an experienced airport slip and fall lawyer in Chicago can significantly improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation after an accident at O’Hare Airport, Midway Airport, or another aviation facility. At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we handle every aspect of your airport injury claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we protect your legal rights.

Our legal team can assist by:

• Sending preservation letters to secure critical evidence, including airport surveillance footage and maintenance records.
• Interviewing witnesses and obtaining statements that support your claim.
• Gathering medical records, incident reports, accident photographs, inspection reports, and other evidence.
• Identifying all liable parties, including the Chicago Department of Aviation, airlines, airport vendors, maintenance companies, and transportation providers.
• Calculating the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Filing the proper paperwork with the Circuit Court of Cook County or other courthouse.
• Consulting with medical experts, safety professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists when necessary.
• Handling all legal filings and court requirements within applicable deadlines.
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and defense attorneys to pursue a fair settlement.
• Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.

Our Chicago airport injury attorneys have the experience, resources, and dedication needed to handle complex airport slip and fall claims and fight for the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

Can I sue the airport for a slip and fall?

Yes, you can sue an airport for a slip and fall accident if it can be proven that the airport was negligent, such as failing to clean up spills in a timely manner. 

Can an airline be liable?

In some cases, the airline may be the responsible party, especially if the accident occurred on jetways or in waiting areas that are under the airline’s control. Multiple parties, including airlines, airports, and third-party vendors, may be liable depending on where the incident occurred. 

How much does an attorney cost?

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that our legal fees are deducted from your settlement. You owe us nothing out of pocket. 

Can airport security footage help my case?

Yes. Surveillance footage often provides valuable evidence showing how the accident occurred and how long the hazard existed.

Speak With a Chicago Airport Slip and Fall Attorney Today

If you were injured at Midway or O’Hare Airport terminals, our team is ready to provide the best possible legal assistance. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis, and have secured millions in settlements for our clients. Contact us today for a consultation about your legal rights. 

Content reviewed by Chicago slip and fall accident lawyer Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, who holds property owners and management companies accountable to obtain justice for injured visitors and tenants, and is a trial lawyer recognized by Super Lawyers, Lawyer Legion, and Distinguished Justice Advocates for premises liability litigation.