Slip and Fall on Private Property in Chicago

Chicago Lawyers Representing Victims Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents on Private Premises

A slip and fall on private property can lead to complicated legal challenges that only an experienced personal injury attorney can solve. We will identify who can be held liable, prove negligence, and negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights. 

Settlements & Verdicts Secured by Our Chicago Law Firm

$4,000,000: Castro was in the hospital for a hip replacement when he fell due to negligent supervision. Our attorneys secured a wrongful death settlement for his family.

$2,000,000: Mia fractured her pelvis after a slip and fall accident at a church. We demonstrated that the property owner failed to properly salt the sidewalk, leading to her serious injuries. 

$1,500,000: Brian fell down the stairs at an apartment complex. We proved that the property owner did not fix dangerous conditions on the stairway.

Why Choose Us for Your Slip and Fall Case on Private Property

We are the top-rated premises liability attorneys in Chicago, having secured over $490 million on behalf of injury victims. With a 10/10 AVVO rating and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers is committed to securing maximum compensation for all clients. We have a 98% success rate across over 5,000 cases. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Slips and Falls on Private Property in Chicago?

• Wet or slippery floors
• Icy patches on sidewalks
• Loose carpeting and broken tiles
• Uneven walkways and stairs in apartment complexes
• Inadequate lighting, especially near stairs and porches
• Spilled liquids, such as in grocery stores or bars

What Are the Most Common Fall Accident Injuries?

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord damage
• Head trauma and brain injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Facial injuries and broken teeth

What Damages Can Fall Accident/Slip and Trip Victims Recover in Chicago?

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What Is the Average Slip and Fall Accident Settlement in Chicago?

According to Law.com, the average slip and fall accident settlement in Chicago is $417,194, while the median award is $181,250. Your specific compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries, the available evidence, and insurance policies. 

Why You Need a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Fall accidents on private premises are different than government property, as there may be multiple liable parties and less evidence. You must also prove negligence, which requires showing that the property owner should have known about the conditions and made changes to make the property safe. We will thoroughly investigate your case, work with medical experts, and aggressively negotiate with insurance to have your injuries compensated. 

Where Do Fall Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

• Grocery stores, like a Gold Coast supermarket
• Walkways, especially near Lake Michigan
• Stairways and steps in apartment complexes
• Shopping malls, such as the HIP or Water Tower Place
• Restaurants, like Pizzeria Uno or Lou Malnatti’s
• Entertainment complexes like Lucky Strike Chicago
• Warehouses and distribution centers 
• Factories like Ferrara Chocolate 

What Laws Govern Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

According to the Illinois Premises Liability Act, property owners have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for invited guests (740 ILCS 130/). They can only be accountable for known hazards. 

Local laws can make a significant difference in whether you secure compensation. For example, the Chicago Municipal Code § 10-8-180 requires homeowners and business owners to remove all snow from their property regularly. 

Illinois is a comparative negligence state (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This legal concept means that everyone in a personal injury suit is assigned a portion of blame. You can only sue if you are considered less than 50% responsible for the accident. 

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

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits (735 ILCS 5/13-202), making it crucial that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Who Is Legally Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents in Chicago?

We can hold the following parties liable:

• Homeowners and landlords
• Homeowners and condo associations
• Tenants, if they created the hazardous conditions
• Property management companies
• Airbnb or VRBO hosts
• Ice removal companies
• Landscapers

Common Defenses in Chicago Slip and Fall Claims

Open and Obvious Hazard: Premises liability court case Cope v. Doe clarified that property owners are not liable for obvious hazards like an open swimming pool. We will demonstrate that the average person wouldn’t have noticed the dangerous condition.

Trespassing: Trespassers are not provided the same legal protections as invited guests. We will show that the property owner accepted your presence. 

Lack of Notice: Property owners cannot be held liable if they were unaware of the dangerous conditions, so we will use maintenance logs to prove they were aware of these warning signs.

Intoxication: If you fell while drunk or high on someone else’s property, you could be held primarily responsible. We’ll use medical records and witness testimony to show you were not intoxicated.

Preexisting Conditions: It could be argued that you were hurt because of an underlying condition, but we’ll work with doctors to prove otherwise. 

How to Strengthen Your Slip and Fall Case in Chicago

After a fall accident, you can improve your chances of compensation by following these steps immediately.

• Go to the hospital immediately.
• Collect evidence, like photos and videos.
• Report the conditions to the property owner.
• Do not speak with insurance companies.
• Document your recovery.
• Consult with an attorney.

How a Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help

We will guide you through the entire legal process, including:

• Gathering evidence
• Evaluating damages
• Consulting with experts
• Negotiating with insurance
• Filing complaints and motions
• Representing you at trial

Book a Free Consultation!

Our award-winning accident lawyers will fight tirelessly for your legal rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Contact us for a complimentary consultation about your legal options.