Compensation Following a Slip and Fall on Concrete in Chicago

Helping Victims of Concrete Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago Recover Maximum Compensation

Slip and fall accidents in Chicago can be extremely dangerous when concrete surfaces are involved. Landing on this type of surface from any height can cause serious injuries, whether it happens on a sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, or building entrance. A slip and fall on concrete could happen because of someone else’s negligence, giving you the chance to seek compensation for legal damages. 

At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we can guide you through the claims process to help you obtain the maximum settlement for your injury-related expenses. A slip and fall attorney from our team has experience serving clients who have fallen on concrete in public, private, and commercial settings. 

Slip and Fall Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

An experienced slip and fall attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. Here are some past settlements we have secured for injured victims. 

• $4 million – While admitted to a North Side hospital for hip surgery, Harold, 67, fell onto a hard concrete floor during a transfer. He suffered a fatal subdural hematoma. The hospital failed to follow fall prevention protocols, and the severity of the head trauma led to a substantial wrongful death settlement.
• $2.6 million – Marcus, a flooring contractor, fell onto exposed concrete at a high-rise project in the West Loop after stepping into an unmarked hole. He tore multiple ligaments in his knee, requiring surgery. Unsafe site conditions and long-term impact on his career boosted the case value.
• $2 million – Emily, a 29-year-old teacher, slipped on ice outside a Logan Square church and landed hard on the concrete sidewalk, fracturing her pelvis. We proved that the area hadn’t been salted, despite the icy conditions. Her extended recovery and medical care costs were factored into the settlement.
• $1.5 million – While descending a stairwell in his Rogers Park apartment building, Frank, 82, fell and struck the concrete landing below. He sustained multiple fractures and a concussion. The property’s code violations and poor lighting were critical in securing the settlement.
• $835,100 – Teresa, 40, fell down a neglected stairwell in her South Shore apartment and landed on a bare concrete basement floor. She suffered a shoulder tear and lower back injury. Prior tenant complaints and poor maintenance provided support for the case.
• $710,868 – While walking to his office in Streeterville, Martin tripped over carpet debris left by a renovation crew and fell on the concrete hallway floor. He injured his lower back, requiring extended physical therapy. The contractor’s negligence played a major role in the outcome.

Why Choose Us for Your Concrete Slip and Fall Case

Winning an injury claim is easier with a law firm that is experienced in slip and fall accidents. Our team is a top-rated law firm in Chicago, led by a contributing author to the National Law Review, with a proven track record. The firm is also recognized as one of the top 5% of injury attorneys by Super Lawyers. 

Some slip and fall cases we have worked on include sidewalk slip injuries, municipal code violations, and negligent maintenance of commercial spaces. 

What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents on Concrete Surfaces in Chicago?

Slip and fall accidents on concrete can be very serious. Even a minor fall could lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Here are some of the leading causes of fall accidents in Chicago:

• Cracked or broken sidewalks or driveways
• Slick concrete during rain, snow, or sleet
• Wet concrete after mopping
• Ice and snow accumulation on private and commercial properties
• Lack of non-slip coating or textures on slippery surfaces
• Uneven expansion joints 
• Pavement gaps
• Poorly repaired concrete patches
• Leaking pipes, HVAC units, or cleaning fluids that create puddles
• Lack of proper signage on pool decks

What Are Common Injuries When Slipping on Concrete?

A slip and fall on concrete can cause severe injuries due to the material’s hardness. Even if you only fall from a standing height, the physical consequences could be serious. Here are some common injuries associated with these types of falls:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractured vertebrae
• Broken bones (wrists, ankles, arms, legs)
• Dental or facial fractures
• Deep lacerations and abrasions
• Contusions
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Fatal injuries from backward falls

What Damages Can Victims Recover?

The purpose of a personal injury claim is to recover compensation for legal damages. These are losses directly caused by the injuries you suffered after falling on concrete. The two types of losses are economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity (due to permanent injury effects)
• Medical bills (rehabilitation, treatment, medication, therapy, hospital visits, assistive devices)
• Future medical care costs
• Property damage
• Funeral expenses and lost financial support for surviving family members (wrongful death claims)

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• PTSD
• Disability (home renovation costs)
• Disfigurement
• Physical pain and suffering (ongoing physical limitations)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship or consortium for surviving family members (wrongful death claims)

What Is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall on Concrete in Chicago?

Numerous premises liability cases and other injury claims have involved falls on concrete in Chicago. Between 2003 and 2018, the average settlement for a fall involving concrete was $3.64 million. The median settlement during that period was $137,500, which means half of all settlements were higher. 

Multiple factors influence the size of these payouts, including the severity of the injury, the amount of legal damages, the availability of evidence, and the insurance policy limits. 

Example Slip and Fall Cases Filed in Cook County

Edna lived in a first-floor condo in La Grange Park. She had been living there for three months when she stepped out onto her concrete stoop and slipped on ice, breaking her right leg. She sued the condo association for failing to address the issue of water building up on the second floor, a problem that she claimed had been mentioned by other tenants. The condo association settled with Edna for $900,000.

In 2013, Michaelle was walking in a parking garage on West Randolph Street when she stepped in a pothole and fell, injuring her hip. She accused the property owner of being negligent in maintaining the premises. The pothole consisted of broken concrete, but the defense tried to argue that the dangerous condition was open and obvious. Michaelle was awarded $675,000. 

Why You Need a Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer

Successfully suing negligent parties comes with significant legal challenges. You must prove that there was no notice of the hazard or that the condition violated safety standards. You must determine if the city, a private property owner, or a business owns the surface. Dealing with municipal defendants can be extremely difficult without legal experience. You’ll also need to document your injuries and damages accurately. 

These tasks are much easier with an experienced slip and fall attorney on your side. Our team can obtain surveillance footage, city inspection records, and witness statements to strengthen your case and increase your chances of earning fair compensation. 

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents on Concrete Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Although slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere in the Windy City, certain locations pose a higher risk:

• City sidewalks, especially in the North Side, South Loop, and Garfield Park
• Private driveways and apartment building entrances
• Commercial loading docks for Michigan Avenue businesses
• Retail plazas, such as The Shops at North Bridge
• School and hospital walkways
• Gas station courts
• Car wash areas
• Outdoor seating and patio areas at restaurants

What Laws Govern Concrete Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

If you are suing a property owner or another negligent party for causing your slip and fall, some Illinois laws will affect the outcome of your case. 

For premises liability law, 740 ILCS 130/ states that a property owner has a legal duty to take reasonable care to prevent injuries to guests. Chicago municipal code section 10-8-180 regulates snow and ice removal standards for property owners, so violations of this premises liability law could play a role in your slip and fall claim. Another relevant code is section 10-28-540, which outlines the legal duty to maintain sidewalks. 

Another premises liability law that may affect your claim came out of the ruling in Bubb v. Springfield School District 186. In this case, a school was deemed to be a dual-purpose property, which protected it from legal action when a student was injured while biking on the nearby sidewalk. 

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

In Illinois, you have two years to seek compensation for a personal injury lawsuit under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202. However, please note that this timeline may vary for government entities and employees, both of which have additional protections under state law, 745 ILCS 10/. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Injury on Concrete?

If you suffer from a slip and fall on concrete, several parties may be liable for your legal damages:

• A residential property owner who failed to maintain their entryway steps
• A commercial landlord who did not invest in maintenance on stair railings
• A snow removal contractor who did not adequately address the slippery conditions
• A municipal government for failing to repair broken sidewalks
• A construction company for completing the insufficient repairs

Common Defenses in Concrete Fall Cases in Chicago

The defendant in your claim will likely rely on lawyers to counter your arguments. Here are some examples of common defenses in these cases and how a slip and fall attorney would respond to them:

• Defense: The hazard was open and obvious – Response: We demonstrate distraction, poor lighting, or urgency
• Defense: The victim was behaving recklessly – Response: We speak to witnesses and document surface conditions
• Defense: There was no notice of the hazard – Response: We seek prior complaints and weather data

How to Strengthen Your Case 

Slip and fall cases often fail because the victims made poor decisions immediately following their falls. Here is what you should do right after the concrete slip and fall incident:

• Report the fall to the property owner or manager
• Take photos of the surface and surroundings
• Record the names of witnesses
• Seek medical care and retain all records of your treatment
• Preserve physical evidence, such as shoes and clothing
• Consult our top injury firm for legal guidance before evidence can be obscured

How a Chicago Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help

When slip and fall accidents occur, victims need legal assistance to navigate the claims process successfully. Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers will investigate the concrete surface defects, analyze prior complaints, gather maintenance records, work with slip resistance experts, and calculate full damages. If litigation is necessary, we can assist you in seeking compensation from public or private property owners. 

FAQs

How much does a concrete slip and fall lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.

Can I sue if I slipped on city-owned sidewalk?

Possibly. The City of Chicago may be liable under certain conditions; however, special notice rules apply, and government employees have specific protections.

Is it my fault if I slipped on ice or rainwater on concrete?

Not necessarily. Property owners must address foreseeable hazards and maintain surfaces reasonably.

What if I fell outside a store or restaurant on concrete?

You may have a premises liability claim against the business or property owner responsible for the area.

Will my case go to court?

Although many slip and fall accidents are settled outside of court, your case may be litigated in the Cook County Circuit Court or another local entity. 

How long will my case take to settle?

The length of your concrete slip and fall claim depends on numerous factors, so it could take a couple of months or several years to resolve. 

Book a Free Consultation

Our firm is ready to help you hold the property owner or other at-fault party accountable for causing your serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Slip and fall accidents on concrete can have devastating consequences, but a settlement can mitigate many of the financial challenges and medical care costs you face after the incident.

If you are not sure how to prove liability or build a strong claim, contact Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.