Hotel Slip and Fall Cases in Chicago

Helping Victims in Chicago Recover the Compensation They Deserve

Busy downtown hotels, such as those near McCormick Place or along the Chicago River, can turn a fun night out into an expensive medical emergency if a guest slips and falls, such as on slippery pool decks. Our top-rated attorneys have over 100 combined years of legal experience settling hotel slip and fall cases in Chicago, ensuring you have the best legal support. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. 

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$2,000,000: Cherish, a young woman, suffered a fractured pelvis after slipping on an icy sidewalk. We were able to prove the property owners had not properly salted the sidewalk.

$1,500,000: Bob fell down a flight of stairs, leading to massive injuries. We showed that the stairway and railings did not comply with the Chicago building code.

$1,000,000: Nancy slipped on an extension cord, fracturing her hand and wrist. Our attorneys ensured that her settlement negotiations included all future medical expenses, such as physical therapy. 

Why Choose Us for Your Hotel Slip and Fall Accident 

Our law firm is the top choice for slip and fall incidents thanks to our 98% success rate and 10/10 AVVO rating. As a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we have secured over $490 million in settlements and verdicts over the past 25 years. 

We’re dedicated to seamless legal proceedings, designed to ensure a fair settlement. Our team has successfully litigated cases with international hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton, as well as independent hotel chains. 

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

Wet Floors: Hotel staff may fail to put out warning signs after mopping.

Slippery Floors: Hotels near the Mag Mile often get significant foot traffic, which can track in ice and snow.

Spills: Lobby cafes and dining areas may have spilled food that could lead to accidents.

Loose Carpet or Broken Tiles: Some hotels, such as the Palmer Hotel, are quite old and may have loose tiles or carpet.

Inadequate Lighting: Chicago hotels, like Hotel Felix River North, are multiple stories. Dark stairwells with broken railings could lead to dangerous conditions. 

Ice Machines and Air Conditioning Units: Leaky machines may cause slippery patches on the floor, especially near tile.

Inadequate Snow Removal: Chicago gets approximately 28.1 inches of snow every year. If the hotel failed to salt the sidewalks, people may suffer slip-and-fall accidents. 

What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries Sustained at Hotels?

Injuries caused by slips and falls include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Back and neck injuries
• Broken teeth and facial disfigurement

What Damages Can Injured Hotel Guests Recover in Chicago?

Our top-rated attorneys will seek compensation for all your expenses, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Future loss of income
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket medical treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What Is the Average Payout for a Hotel Slip and Fall?

According to Law.com, the average payout for a hotel fall accident is $585,787, with a median payout of $307,979. Your specific compensation will depend on the extent of your damages, injuries, and the strength of the evidence. 

Example Slip and Fall Accident Cases Involving Hotels

Julie Dembitzky was born without a left leg and used a prosthetic. While visiting a hotel, she slipped and fell, injuring her right knee. She was diagnosed with a permanent articular cartilage injury to her right knee. She and the hotel settled for $4,750,000.00. 

Michael Bowman, a horse veterinarian, fell near an unloading area of a motel, fracturing his ankle in three places. He required extensive surgery and will likely need future ankle fusion surgery to stabilize the joint. The motel refused to pay, so he took the case to court and was awarded $2,042,948.00. 

Why You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer

Hotels and their insurance companies want to ensure that injured parties receive as little compensation as possible. They may shift blame, claim that potential hazards were obvious, or argue that the person did not seek medical attention fast enough. In some cases, they will refuse to cooperate with an investigation, such as failing to provide security footage or denying access to records.

Our top-rated attorneys are highly familiar with these tactics and have successfully sought compensation from national hotel chains. We have filed hundreds of cases with the Circuit Court of Cook County and are well-versed in all local laws, ensuring you have the strongest legal argument.

How Common Are Slip and Fall Incidents in Hotels?

According to Summit Holdings, falls from the same level are the second most common injuries in hotels, representing 21% of all claims. 

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

While these accidents can occur anywhere, high-traffic hotels are more likely to cause accidents due to understaffing, excessive foot traffic, and inadequate maintenance. Common places for accidents include:

• Hotels near O’Hare or Midway airports
• Downtown hotels, such as those near the Loop, Mag Mile, Millennium Park, or Grant Park
• Convention centers and hotels near McCormick Place
• Upscale boutique hotels in River North, the Loop, or the Gold Coast
• Hotel pools, lobbies, restaurants, cafes, conference rooms, and valet areas

What Laws Govern Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

The Illinois Premises Liability Act establishes that property owners can be held liable for accidents on their premises if they fail to address dangerous conditions (740 ILCS 130/). However, they must be aware of the issue, known as actual notice, or it must be proven that they would have known about the problem if staff had been paying attention, known as constructive notice. 

While Illinois as a whole does not require the removal of naturally accumulating ice (745 ILCS 75/2), Chicago does mandate that owners regularly shovel and de-ice walkways (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), meaning you can sue if you fall on an icy sidewalk. 

Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This means that everyone involved in a case will be assigned a portion of the blame. You can sue if you were not more than 50% liable. 

Hotels will often attempt to claim that you are more responsible, which can lead to a complicated legal process. For example, they may state that you weren’t paying attention and are therefore liable. However, cases like Dempsey-Vanderbilt Hotel v. Huismanshow that injured individuals can’t be held accountable for failing to notice something they would not expect to be present. 

In this case, the plaintiff tripped on a broken tile and fell down a stairway. Hotels cannot expect people to inspect every tile for damage before walking. 

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action Following a Slip and Fall Due to Hotel Negligence in Chicago?

The Illinois statute of limitations for a slip and fall case is two years (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that we have time to file your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago?

Our attorneys will carefully review your case to identify all potential defendants, which can include:

• Hotel owners, whether corporations or franchises
• Property management companies
• Maintenance and janitorial contractors
• Snow and ice removal companies
• On-site restaurants and cafes or third-party vendors

Common Defenses in Chicago Slip and Fall Claims Involving Hotels

• Open and Obvious Hazard: This means that the hazard should have been clear to anyone paying attention. Cases like Deibert v. Bauer Bros. Const. Co., Inc. demonstrates that companies can be held responsible for obvious dangers if they can reasonably assume a person would not notice the issue due to other factors, like looking up for falling debris.
• Distraction: They will claim you should have been paying closer attention, but in the Illinois court case Ward v. K Mart Corp., attorneys successfully argued that companies can be liable for hazards if guests would be distracted while entering or exiting an establishment.
• Lack of Notice: Hotels could claim that they weren’t aware of the issue, but we can use witness testimony, maintenance records, and surveillance footage to demonstrate that they should have known about the problem.
• Warning Signs: The hotel management may state that they provided adequate warning, but we can use cleaning logs or accident scene photos to show they did not.
• Improper Footwear or Clothing: Hotels often blame hotel guests for wearing slippery footwear like sandals, but we can demonstrate that this did not contribute to your fall using accident reports or eyewitness testimony.
• Procedural Delays: Insurance companies will delay investigations or refuse to respond to you. Our attorneys will push for prompt responses so we can file your claim on time. 

How to Strengthen Your Hotel Liability Slip and Fall Claim in Chicago

To ensure the best chance of compensation for a slip and fall incident, follow these steps immediately.

• Seek immediate medical attention from the closest hospital, like Northwestern Memorial.
• Photograph the hazardous conditions as soon as possible, before they are cleaned.
• Report the fall to hotel representatives and get a written copy of the incident report.
• Keep your medical records and document all expenses, including lost income. 
• Get names and contact details for witnesses, including staff.
• Preserve all clothing and shoes worn during the fall.
• Do not speak to hotel management or insurance companies about the accident.
• Consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. 

How a Chicago Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help You Recover Fair Compensation

Our world-class attorneys will guide you through the entire legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery. These are just a few of the many ways we can assist you with your case.

• Filing preservation letters, forcing the hotel to preserve and provide evidence.
• Gathering evidence like surveillance footage, photos, and witness statements.
• Investigating maintenance records, staff training manuals, and inspection reports.
• Demonstrating that the hotel breached premises liability law.
• Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement. 
• Filing a complaint with the Circuit Court of Cook County if negotiations fail.

FAQs

How much does a slip and fall attorney cost?

Our experienced personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Who can file a slip and fall claim in Chicago?

Hotel guests, patrons, visitors, and third-party contractors can all file a personal injury claim if they suffered serious injuries resulting from a hotel’s negligence. 

Can you sue a hotel if you fall on their property?

If you suffered an injury caused by the hotel’s failure to fix unsafe conditions, then you can file a personal injury lawsuit. 

How long does it take to settle a slip and fall case?

These cases can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle. Cases with severe injuries, complex liability, or unclear evidence will take longer. 

How do I know I have a case?

To file a lawsuit, you must prove negligence, which has four elements. 

• Duty of Care: The hotel management had a responsibility to provide a safe environment for you and others.
• Breach of Duty: The hotel failed to prevent hazardous conditions, such as wet or slippery floors. 
• Causation: Your injuries were caused by this breach of duty.
• Damages: You suffered financial losses because of the accident, such as medical expenses or lost wages. 

Book a Free Consultation!

Our experienced attorneys have secured over $490 million for clients over the past 25 years, and we’re ready to help you too. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay anything unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights.