Chicago Apartment Complex Slip and Fall Cases

Maximum Compensation for Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago Apartment Buildings

Apartment complex slip and fall cases can result in serious injuries that require long-term care. If the property owner’s negligence caused your accident, the skilled attorneys at Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can help you file a premises liability case and secure fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation about taking legal action. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$1,900,000: Tyler passed away after falling down several flights of stairs in his Gold Coast apartment complex. We proved that the landlord knew about poor lighting conditions that contributed to the accident and secured a fair settlement for Tyler’s family.

$1,500,000: Ernest fell down the stairs in his Edgewater apartment. We demonstrated that the landlord had failed to address building code issues highlighted in routine inspections, resulting in hazards for his tenants.

$835,100: While carrying groceries into her rental home, Susan slipped on wet floors and fell down the stairs. Our attorneys held the landlord’s property management company and other parties liable for failing to rectify the hazardous conditions. 

Why Choose Us to File a Slip and Fall Claim

With over 100 combined years of legal experience, our attorneys have handled more than 5,000 cases and secured over $490 million in compensation for our clients. We have a flawless 10/10 AVVO rating, making us the best premises liability firm in the Chicagoland area. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Apartment Complex Slips and Falls in Chicago?

Common causes of accidents in rental properties include:

• Failure to remove ice or snow from walkways and parking lots in Logan Square
• Water leaks from plumbing in older Uptown complexes
• Spills in common areas for Edgewater condominiums
• Lack of warning signs after renovations or maintenance
• Unrepaired structural hazards like broken railings or cracked pavements
• Worn or damaged flooring in Humboldt Park lobbies or entryways

What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries at Apartments?

After an accident, note your symptoms immediately and seek proper medical attention, as slips and falls can result in serious injuries. Common injuries include:

• Hip and pelvic fractures, especially for older adults
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Back and neck injuries
• Broken wrists and arms from bracing a fall
• Ankle fractures and torn ligaments
• Torn rotator cuffs or ACL
• Facial injuries, abrasions, and contusions
• Dental trauma and broken teeth

What Is the Average Payout for an Apartment Complex Slip and Fall in Chicago?

According to Law.com, the average payout for these accidents is $202,370, with a median payout of $75,000. Your settlement will vary depending on the strength of the evidence, whether you reported in a timely manner, whether the insurance agency is willing to negotiate, and whether you hire a skilled attorney. 

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

Maria Garcia, a jewelry maker, fell down the stairs at North Seeley Building, fracturing her leg. She sued the building association for unsafe conditions, and a jury awarded her $1,178,636.89.

65-year-old Babette Zimmerman slipped and fell in an icy Elk Grove parking area after dropping her friend off at the Village Grove Apartments. She fractured her ankle and tibia, resulting in long-term physical therapy. The management company settled with her for $162,500.00. 

Why You Need a Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer

Tenants often struggle to prove the landlord’s liability, as the defendant may claim that the slip and fall accident was due to the tenant’s negligence or inclement weather. Through careful investigation of documents like inspection records and maintenance logs, we can demonstrate that the defendants were negligent and hold them accountable for these failures. 

What Are Common Areas Where Apartment Slip and Fall Accidents Most Often Occur in Chicago?

While an accident can occur anywhere, certain areas are more dangerous than others. These include:

• Exterior stairs and walkways in Bucktown apartments
• Downtown Loop lobbies with marble or tile flooring
• Shared laundry rooms, which may have spilled soap
• Hallways and elevators in Mag Mile high-rises
• Parking garages and lots along Sheridan Road
• Roof access and balconies, especially in Wrigleyville brownstones

What Laws Govern Apartment Slip and Fall Accident Claims in Chicago?

The Illinois Premises Liability Act requires property owners, landlords, and management companies to provide safe conditions for tenants (740 ILCS 130/). Their buildings must comply with all Chicago building codes, including keeping stairways and railings in good condition (13-196-570).

Thanks to Chicago’s climate, snow and ice removal is often a key point of contention in these cases. While the Illinois Snow and Ice Removal Act states that owners are not required to remove natural accumulation (745 ILCS 75/2), case law, such as Murphy-Hylton v. Lieberman Management Services, clarifies that unnatural accumulation may occur due to sidewalk defects or improper maintenance. Additionally, Chicago requires that owners clear snow and ice (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), meaning that local ordinances can also influence whether you can secure compensation. 

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

In most cases, you have two years to file a lawsuit under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, there are exceptions depending on who owns the property. If the property is owned by a public entity, such as the Chicago Housing Authority, you have only one year to file a notice of claim (745 ILCS 10/). 

Some individuals may live in federally managed housing, in which case the Federal Tort Claims Act applies. Under this law, you have only six months to file an administrative claim with the relevant authority, and a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the initial accident. 

Working with a skilled attorney ensures that you will be able to file on time, as we have the resources necessary to orchestrate your claim and meet all filing deadlines. 

Who Is Legally Responsible for Apartment Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago?

A variety of parties may be responsible for these cases, and the Joint Tort Malfeasor Act allows you to sue multiple parties if necessary. (740 ILCS 100/2).

Potential defendants include:

• Property owners
• Landlords
• Maintenance contractors
• Janitors
• Property management companies
• Snow and ice removal companies
• Landscaping companies
• Developers, for newly constructed buildings

To determine liability, we will review the lease agreement and identify who has direct control over the area. We will also examine the defendant’s history of violations to establish that they were aware of the problem. 

Common Defenses in Apartment Slip and Fall Accident Cases

We are highly skilled at countering common defenses to ensure you have a strong case. These can include:

• You were responsible for the accident, called comparative negligence.
• The conditions were open and obvious, meaning you should have avoided them.
• There was no notice of the hazardous conditions.
• You assumed risk by agreeing to the lease.
• The area was not under the defendant’s control, such as inside the apartment.
• You failed to report the problem prior to the slip and fall.
• Your injuries were caused by a preexisting condition or were not as bad as you claimed.

We can overcome these arguments by comparing the apartment’s habitability with building codes, interviewing other tenants and experts, reviewing previous complaints to prove notice, and analyzing inspection reports to understand the timeline of the defect. 

How to Strengthen Your Apartment Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Chicago

Your immediate steps after the accident can have a significant impact on whether you can receive compensation. Follow these steps as soon as possible to ensure your well-being.

• Seek medical care from the closest emergency room, like Rush University Medical Center.
• Report the incident to the landlord or property manager. Request a copy of the incident report for your records.
• Photograph the accident scene and your injuries. Focus specifically on conditions that may have contributed to the fall, like broken stairs or poor drainage. 
• Keep your clothing and shoes worn at the time of the fall, as insurance companies may claim your footwear and clothes contributed to the accident.
• Gather witness information and identify any documentation you have of dangerous conditions prior to the accident, like complaints to the apartment complex.
• Do not speak to the property owner or insurance company without an attorney present.
• Seek legal help from an experienced premises liability lawyer. 

How an Experienced Lawyer Can Help

Our firm will develop a strong case by:

• Scrutinizing maintenance logs, inspection reports, and lease terms.
• Interviewing witnesses, employees, and experts like doctors or building inspectors.
• Submitting preservation letters for surveillance footage and incident logs.
• Aggressively negotiating a fair settlement that covers all your medical needs.
• If necessary, filing a lawsuit and representing you in court.

Our comprehensive approach ensures you have the best possible chance at maximum compensation.

What Damages Are Awarded to Victims Injured in Apartment Complex Slips and Falls?

You may receive both economic and non-economic damages in cases like these, which can include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket medical treatment like physical therapy
• Lost wages
• Future lost income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages

FAQs

What must I prove to win an apartment slip and fall case?

To win your case, you must prove liability through four factors: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. These factors indicate that the landlord or property owner should have taken reasonable steps to prevent dangerous conditions but failed to do so, and this failure primarily contributed to the resulting injuries. 

When should I contact a lawyer?

You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident so that we can begin investigating your case. 

Is the landlord responsible for a slip and fall inside the apartment?

The landlord may not be liable for accidents inside individual apartments if the injuries were caused by factors such as cluttered floors, tenant-purchased rugs, or an overflowing kitchen sink. 

Is the landlord responsible for a slip and fall in common areas?

In most cases, the landlord can be held liable for accidents in common areas that they control, such as failing to clear snow in parking lots. 

Book a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a slip and fall at your apartment complex, don’t let a negligent landlord or property manager off the hook. We will fight to hold them accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we win. Call now to protect your rights.