Compensation After a Slip and Fall at a Business

Representing Victims Injured in Slips and Falls at Chicago Businesses

Businesses in Chicago are responsible for ensuring everyone who lawfully enters the premises is kept safe. When fall hazards exist, potential injuries could be the fault of the property or business owner. A slip and fall at a business can cause significant legal damages, allowing you to sue the at-fault party for financial compensation.

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can help victims injured in retail stores, offices, salons, gyms, banks, and other commercial spaces throughout Chicago. 

Verdicts & Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Our personal injury law firm has decades of experience securing compensation for victims when slip and fall accidents occur. 

Here are some of our past settlements:

• $1.2 million – Louisa slipped on a spill in a grocery store aisle near Fullerton Avenue and broke her arm in two places. Surveillance revealed the mess had been ignored by staff for over 30 minutes. The store’s negligence and her subsequent mobility issues significantly influenced the outcome.
• $1 million – Nick, a marketing executive, tripped over an unsecured extension cord in a River North office building. He fractured his hand and wrist, requiring multiple surgeries. Building staff failed to tape or mark the hazard, despite prior complaints.
• $710,868 – Erica, an office worker in the Loop, tripped on carpeting debris left in a hallway during renovations. She injured her ankle and lower back, missing several months of work. The contractor failed to block off or clean the area despite clear safety policies.

Why Choose Us for Your Case in Chicago

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers has some of the top attorneys in Chicago available for your case. Our team is recognized as one of the top 5% of attorneys by Super Lawyers, while maintaining a five-star rating from AVVO. 

What Causes Slips and Falls at Businesses?

Legal liability in a slip and fall accident may be caused by:

• Spilled drinks or merchandise
• Recently mopped or waxed floors with no warning signs
• Wet entrywaysfrom rain or snow being tracked in
• Torn carpeting
• Unsecured rugs
• Uneven tiles
• Broken flooring
• Missing handrails
• Poor lighting in hallways or stairways
• Cluttered aisles
• Fallen displays

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

To hold a business owner accountable for legal liability, you must have suffered injuries as a result of the hazard. Even minor injuries may result in legal damages that are eligible for a settlement if negligence is involved. 

Here are some common injuries associated with slip and fall cases in Chicago businesses:

• Fractures (wrist, arm, shoulder, and hip)
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Knee injuries (meniscus tears and dislocations)
• Back and spinal cord injuries (herniated discs)
• Soft tissue injuries requiring physical therapy (sprains and strains)
• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Internal bleeding

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Establishing legal liability for a dangerous condition is crucial to securing compensation for your suffering. 

Here are some potentially liable parties in slip and fall cases. 

• Business owner or operator for failing to hire sufficient cleaning staff
• Landlord or commercial property owner for failing to maintain common areas
• Cleaning contractors for completing low-quality repairs
• Property management companies for failing to implement inspections
• Multiple parties can share fault depending on the lease agreements and areas of control

When Are Business Owners Not Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents?

Business owners are not liable for all accidents that lead to injuries. If the person fulfilled their legal duty of reasonable care to prevent harm, then they will most likely not be legally responsible for the victim’s injuries. 

What Laws Govern Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

The primary personal injury law that affects slip and fall cases is the Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/). This statute requires property or business owners to take reasonable care to prevent dangerous conditions on their premises that could cause injuries. 

Another relevant statute comes from the outcome of Ward v. Kmart Corp., which established that the “open and obvious” doctrine does not always apply in commercial spaces. 

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

In Illinois, you have two years to seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional suffering, and other legal damages after a slip and fall accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). If you wait too long, you may not be able to hold the business owner accountable for failing to uphold their legal duty.

Additionally, the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to preserve evidence that supports your claim, such as medical records, surveillance footage, witness statements, and photos of the hazard. 

What to Do to Strengthen Your Case After a Slip and Fall Accident at a Business

Following the proper steps after your slip and fall accident can make all the difference in establishing legal liability. 

One misstep could undermine your entire case, so here is what you should do immediately after the slip and fall:

• Report the fall to the business staff members of management immediately
• Request a written incident report and ask for a copy
• Note the employee names involved in the incident report
• Take photos of the accident scene, especially the hazard that caused your fall
• Preserve physical evidence, such as clothing and shoes
• Seek medical attention immediately and keep all medical records
• Avoid posting on social media or giving statements to insurance companies
• Consult an expert attorney from Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers before surveillance footage is destroyed (which can happen in a matter of days)

Why You Need a Lawyer

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial if you want a better chance of securing fair compensation. 

Some of the challenges you will face if you pursue the lawsuit alone include:

• The business denies responsibility or blames you for the accident
• Commercial insurers use aggressive negotiation tactics to minimize payouts
• Defense lawyers argue that the hazard was “open and obvious,” so the victim must have been behaving recklessly

Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, obtain video footage, work with safety experts, research maintenance logs, and negotiate for the maximum settlement. Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers knows how to handle multi-defendant cases that involve landlords, contractors, and business tenants. 

FAQs 

What if the business says it was my fault?

In Illinois, there is a comparative fault statute. State law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 allows injured victims to pursue lawsuits as long as they are no more than 50% responsible for their injuries. 

However, if you are partially at fault for the incident, your potential payout will be reduced by a similar factor. 

What damages can I recover?

The two primary types of damages you can recover for a slip and fall are economic and non-economic. 

Economic damages include lost income, medical expenses, future medical bills, and property damage. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

How much does an attorney cost?

At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless we win your case, and payment is then deducted from the final settlement amount. 

Book a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a slip and fall at a Chicago business, our law firm is ready to fight for full compensation on your behalf. We know what it takes to hold property and business owners accountable for failing to maintain safe premises. Whether you were injured in a boutique shop, a bank, a grocery store, or a restaurant, our team can gather evidence to prove your claim. 

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers does not charge any upfront fees for legal services. We also offer a free case evaluation, allowing you to ask questions about your claim and the legal process. Contact us today to consult an experienced slip and fall attorney.