Hospital Slip and Fall Cases in Chicago

Hospital Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Chicago

If you were injured after slipping, tripping, or falling in a hospital, you may be entitled to compensation under Illinois premises liability law. A skilled hospital slip and fall lawyer Chicago residents trust can investigate the cause of your accident, identify negligent parties, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Whether your fall was caused by wet floors, poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, or unsafe walkways, legal representation can help protect your rights and hold the responsible hospital accountable. 

Hospital slip and fall cases can lead to serious injuries and even death. While major hospitals like Northwestern Memorial and UChicago Medicine provide top-notch medical care, they can also lead to further injuries caused by falls, and our attorneys can ensure that negligent staff are held responsible for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights.

How Our Chicago Law Firm Can Help

As experienced hospital slip and fall lawyers in Chicago, our firm is committed to protecting the rights of injury victims and their families. With a perfect 10/10 AVVO rating and recognition from Super Lawyers, our attorneys have the knowledge and resources needed to handle complex hospital slip and fall accident claims throughout Chicago and Cook County.

Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, determine liability, preserve critical evidence, and identify all responsible parties, including hospitals, healthcare providers, maintenance companies, and other negligent entities. From filing your claim and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, our Chicago hospital slip and fall attorneys will guide you through every stage of the legal process while aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve.

We have recovered more than $490 million in settlements and verdicts for injured clients. Among our notable results, we secured $4,000,000 for the family of Brian, who suffered a fatal brain injury after a preventable fall during a hospital admission for hip replacement surgery. The case revealed dangerous conditions and inadequate staffing, allowing us to hold the responsible parties accountable.

When you hire our hospital slip and fall lawyer Chicago residents trust, you gain a dedicated advocate focused on maximizing compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other damages arising from your injuries.

What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago Hospitals?

Medical facilities can be dangerous places due to busy hospital staff and inadequate supervision. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet floors
• Staff failing to respond to calls in a timely manner
• Cracked or uneven flooring
• Unsecured rugs or carpets
• Inadequate lighting
• Cluttered floors
• A lack of snow or ice removal
• Hazardous conditions during construction
• Medical conditions like sedative use or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which may cause patients to faint

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Hospital Slip and Fall Accidents?

A hospital slip and fall accident is far from a minor incident and can result in severe, life-changing injuries. These accidents can cause severe injuries. Common injuries include: 

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Nerve damage
• Sprains and strains
• Back and neck injuries

Can I Sue a Hospital if I Slip and Fall?

Yes, you can pursue a civil lawsuit against the medical facility for a slip and fall accident. The type of case we will file depends on the specific circumstances of the accident, including who was involved. Typically, these cases fall under the categories of malpractice or premises liability.

Medical Malpractice vs Premises Liability

The Illinois Medical Malpractice Act allows patients to sue if a medical professional failed to provide timely or appropriate medical care (735 ILCS 5/2-1701).

To file this type of lawsuit, it must be against a licensed medical professional with whom you had an established professional relationship, such as a charge nurse on your ward. You must prove that the responsible party failed to uphold their primary duty of caring for you, such as helping you use the restroom if you are immobile, and that caused your accident.

Another option is a lawsuit against the property owner, like the hospital or clinic. For these, you must prove that there were known hazards on the premises and that the owner did not fix these dangerous conditions, leading to your accident (740 ILCS 130/2).

For example, Chicago requires that all rooms have adequate lighting to prevent fall injuries or other hazards (1204.3). If the hospital failed to do so and you fell, then they can be liable.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit Against a Chicago Hospital?

In general, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Contact our slip and fall lawyers as soon as possible to ensure we have adequate time to prepare your case.

Common Defenses in Hospital Slip and Fall Accident Cases

Our experienced slip and fall law firm will effectively counter these common defenses to ensure you have the best possible chance at compensation.

• Open and Obvious Hazard: The hospital may argue that the dangerous condition should have been apparent. We will prove that due to your condition, you may not have been able to identify the danger.
• Comparative Negligence: Illinois allows you to claim damages as long as you were not more than 50% responsible, but the hospital will claim you were more negligent. We will argue that the hospital is liable for any injuries to patients or guests.
• Lack of Notice: A defendant is only liable for dangers they knew about but did not fix. Our firm will prove that they should have been aware of the risk but failed to act.
• Trivial Defect: In some cases, the slip and fall accident happened due to a minor elevation change or a wet patch. We can demonstrate that due to your condition, such as using a mobility aid or being distracted by a loved one’s illness, you would not have noticed the issue.

How to Strengthen Your Hospital Slip and Fall Injury Case

Your actions after a slip and fall injury can make a significant difference in whether you secure compensation. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Get medical treatment immediately, moving hospitals if necessary.
• Alert hospital staff to the accident and how it happened.
• Get copies of your medical records and any medical bills associated with the fall injury.
• Gather evidence, such as photos and videos, and collect witness contact information.
• Keep your shoes and clothing worn at the time of the accident so we can prove that they were not the cause of your slip and fall injuries.
• Do not speak to hospital administrators or insurance companies without an attorney present.
• Call a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible for a free consultation.

What Damages Can Victims Recover After a Hospital Slip and Fall Accident?

You may receive both economic and non-economic damages, and our team will ensure that you receive a reasonable amount based on your expenses.

Economic damages compensate you for the financial losses from your slip and fall accident. These can include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Future lost income
• Property damage
• Burial and funeral expenses for wrongful death

Non-economic damages consider how this accident has changed your life and the pain you’ve suffered. This includes:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Inconvenience
• Loss of companionship for wrongful death

Illinois does not impose a limit on non-economic damages as per the Illinois Supreme Court case Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, meaning that a jury can issue whatever sum they believe is fair in your case.

Why Choose Our Hospital Slip and Fall Lawyers in Chicago?

Decades of Experience Handling Hospital Slip and Fall Claims

Hospital accident cases are often more complex than ordinary premises liability claims. Our experienced hospital slip and fall lawyers in Chicago understand how to investigate unsafe conditions, identify negligent parties, and build strong cases for maximum compensation.

Over $490 Million Recovered for Injury Victims

Our law firm has recovered more than $490 million for clients throughout Chicago and Illinois. We have successfully represented victims suffering from traumatic brain injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death caused by preventable falls.

Recognized by Super Lawyers and Rated 10/10 by AVVO

When choosing a hospital slip and fall attorney in Chicago, reputation matters. Our attorneys have earned a perfect 10/10 AVVO rating and recognition from Super Lawyers for providing exceptional legal representation and outstanding client service.

We Conduct Thorough Investigations

Winning a hospital slip and fall case requires evidence. Our legal team works quickly to secure surveillance footage, maintenance records, incident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony needed to prove negligence and establish liability.

We Fight Insurance Companies and Large Hospital Systems

Hospitals and their insurers have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. Our Chicago premises liability attorneys know their tactics and aggressively negotiate for full compensation while preparing every case for trial if necessary.

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

You should not have to worry about legal fees after suffering an injury. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.

Personalized Representation Every Step of the Way

From your free consultation through settlement or trial, you will work directly with experienced attorneys who prioritize communication, answer your questions, and provide the individualized attention your case deserves.

Consult a Chicago Hospital Slip and Fall Lawyer Near You!

Our award-winning attorneys have successfully earned compensation for over 5,000 clients over the past 25 years. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. Through meticulous investigation and aggressive negotiation, we give you the best chance of a successful personal injury claim. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights.

FAQs

What does a hospital slip and fall lawyer in Chicago do?

A hospital slip and fall lawyer investigates the accident, gathers evidence, identifies liable parties, negotiates with insurance companies, and pursues compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Can I sue a hospital for a slip and fall accident?

Yes. If the hospital failed to maintain safe premises or correct dangerous conditions that caused your injuries, you may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit against the responsible parties.

How much is a hospital slip and fall case worth?

The value of a hospital slip and fall claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical bills, lost income, future treatment costs, and pain and suffering. Cases involving catastrophic injuries generally result in higher settlements.

What are the most common causes of hospital slip and fall accidents?

Hospital slip and fall accidents are commonly caused by wet floors, spills, inadequate lighting, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, defective flooring, and negligent maintenance.

How long do I have to file a hospital slip and fall lawsuit in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, most victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, so it is important to speak with a Chicago hospital slip and fall attorney as soon as possible.

What evidence is needed to prove a hospital slip and fall case?

Important evidence may include incident reports, photographs of the hazardous condition, surveillance footage, medical records, witness statements, and maintenance records demonstrating the hospital’s negligence.

Who can be held liable for a hospital slip and fall accident?

Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include the hospital, medical staff, property owners, cleaning companies, maintenance contractors, or other entities responsible for maintaining safe conditions.

Do I need a lawyer for a hospital slip and fall claim?

Although you are not required to hire an attorney, having an experienced hospital slip and fall lawyer in Chicago can significantly increase your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve.