Compensation After a Slip and Fall in a Restaurant in Chicago

Fair Compensation for Slip and Fall Accidents at Chicago Restaurants

After a slip and fall in a restaurant in Chicago, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and other damages. At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we help clients across the city pursue compensation after fall accidents caused by unsafe conditions like spilled food, wet floors, or poor lighting. Whether the incident happened at a neighborhood diner or a downtown eatery, our team understands how to hold restaurant owners accountable.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

At Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers, we’ve secured millions in compensation for clients injured due to unsafe conditions in restaurants, apartment buildings, retail stores, and commercial properties across Chicago.

• $1,500,000 Settlement – For Harold, an elderly man who fell down a stairwell in a North Side apartment building. We proved the handrails and stairs violated local building codes and had a long history of tenant complaints.
• $1,200,000 Recovery – For Denise, who slipped on spilled produce at a grocery chain in River North. Surveillance footage showed staff members walking past the spill multiple times without cleaning it or posting any signs.
• $1,000,000 Settlement – For Miguel, who tripped on a loose extension cord at a downtown office building and fractured his wrist and hand. Our investigation revealed the cord had been left unmarked for several hours, violating internal maintenance protocols.

Why Choose Us for Your Restaurant Slip and Fall Case in Chicago

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers is a top-rated law firm committed to helping victims of fall accidents across Chicago recover fair compensation. With decades of experience in premises liability cases, our trial attorneys know how to build strong claims against negligent property owners. 

We’ve recovered millions for clients who suffered serious injuries in restaurants, cafes, fast food chains, and bars. Recognized by Super Lawyers and maintaining a 10/10 rating on Avvo, our team offers every client personalized attention, thorough case evaluation, and dedicated representation from start to finish.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Restaurant Slip and Fall Incidents in Chicago?

Restaurant slip and fall accidents in Chicago often stem from spilled drinks, dropped food, or tracked-in water that isn’t cleaned up quickly. Unmarked wet floors are common in fast food chains like McDonald’s and Popeyes. Leaking kitchen equipment, soda machines, or HVAC systems can also create slipping hazards. 

In winter, snow and ice at entrances—especially in neighborhoods like Logan Square or Pilsen—can lead to severe injuries. Poor lighting, broken steps, and uneven floors are risks at sit-down restaurants and buffets. When a restaurant’s negligence leads to these hazardous conditions, injured guests may have grounds to seek compensation under Illinois law.

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

A slip and fall in a restaurant can lead to serious injuries and often require immediate medical attention and follow-up treatment. Broken hips, wrists, and ankles are frequent, especially when patrons try to brace themselves during a fall. Head injury, including concussions, may occur if someone hits the floor or nearby furniture. 

Back injuries like herniated discs or lumbar strains are also frequent. Rotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuries can result from awkward landings. Many victims also suffer sprains, strains, or cuts—particularly in crowded dining areas with sharp edges or broken dishes. These common injuries can lead to high medical costs, lost income, and lasting pain.

What Is the Average Slip and Fall Settlement in Illinois?

According to Law.com‘s VerdictSearch, the average slip and fall settlement in Illinois is $249,571, with a median of $80,286. Reported settlements range from $15,000 to $1,075,000, depending on the severity of the injuries and other case-specific factors.

Several elements can influence how much a slip and fall settles for, including:

• The seriousness of the injuries (e.g., broken bones vs. soft tissue injuries)
• Whether surgery or long-term care was required
• The strength of the evidence proving the property owner’s negligence
• Medical bills, lost income, and the long-term impact on daily life
• Video footage, witness statements, and medical records
• Whether the fall occurred in a high-traffic business like a restaurant or store

An experienced personal injury attorney can help assess these factors and pursue fair compensation that reflects the full extent of your damages.

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

Hip Replacement After Fall at Revolution Brewing – $525,000 Settlement

Gail Orlick, 62, fell during a wedding reception at Revolution Brewing in Chicago after slipping on a slick kitchen floor. Plaintiffs claimed residue from bread baking created a dangerous surface and that the restaurant failed to provide mats or increase cleaning. Orlick sustained a compound femoral head fracture and underwent a hip replacement. She continues to experience pain and reduced mobility. Defense disputed the severity of her injuries. The case settled before trial for $525,000.

Rotator Cuff Surgery After Alley Fall Behind Buffalo Joe’s – $175,000 Settlement

Dr. Peter Monaghan, 59, slipped in a pool of grease behind Buffalo Joe’s restaurant in Evanston while picking up lunch. The grease had spilled from a collection dumpster maintained by Mahoney Environmental. Monaghan tore his rotator cuff and underwent arthroscopic reconstruction, followed by months of physical therapy. He missed work and sought compensation for medical costs and pain. The case settled for $175,000, with both defendants contributing.

Achilles Tendon Surgery After Casino Night Fall – $85,000 Settlement

Brent Hillyer slipped on a lemon wedge during a charity event at Alhambra Palace Restaurant in Chicago. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and underwent surgery followed by months of rehab. Hillyer claimed $30,000 in medical expenses and $10,000 in lost wages. He also alleged that the fall eventually led to job loss. Defense denied liability and disputed the damages. The parties reached an $85,000 settlement.

Why You Need a Restaurant Slip and Fall Attorney

Slips and falls in restaurants often involve disputes over liability, missing footage, or delays in filing accident reports. Insurance companies for restaurant chains are aggressive and deny claims quickly. Our experienced personal injury attorneys:

• Send preservation letters to protect surveillance footage
• Interview staff and witnesses
• Gather maintenance logs and cleaning schedules
• Work with medical experts to prove damages
• Handle negotiations and litigation in Cook County Circuit Court

How Common Are Restaurant Slip and Falls?

Restaurant slip and fall accidents are more common—and costly—than many realize. According to AmTrust Financial, over 4 million people, including foodservice workers and patrons, are injured annually due to slips and falls in restaurants. These incidents cost the industry more than $2 billion each year, with costs rising by 10% annually. 

Cintas Corporation conducted a survey, which revealed that one-third of diners would be unlikely to return to a restaurant where they knew someone had recently fallen—especially at family-focused establishments.

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

Slip and fall accidents in Chicago restaurants commonly happen in high-traffic areas where moisture, spills, or poor maintenance create hazards. Entryways and parking lots constitute a significant risk zone—especially during winter months—when snow or rain is tracked in and not cleaned promptly. Slippery floors near drink stations or soda fountains are another frequent problem. 

Restrooms without proper signage or maintenance also lead to such an accident. Outdoor dining areas and sidewalks, especially at local cafes and fast-casual spots, can become slick with ice or debris. Greasy kitchen floors and crowded buffet lines add to the danger, especially without warning signs or routine cleaning by restaurant staff.

What Laws Govern Restaurant Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) holds property owners—including restaurant owners—liable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions if they knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn patrons. It applies to customers who are legally on the premises, such as diners.

Under Illinois Comparative Negligence Law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), injury victims can recover compensation even if they were partially at fault—so long as they were less than 51% responsible. If a victim is found 20% at fault for a fall, their total award would be reduced by that percentage.

In the case of Reed v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the court reaffirmed that property owners can raise the “open and obvious” defense, arguing a hazard was so visible a reasonable person would have avoided it. However, courts also consider whether the owner should have anticipated harm despite the condition being obvious, especially in high-traffic areas like restaurants.

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

Under the Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you generally have two years from the date of your restaurant slip and fall incident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s critical to speak with a trial attorney early.

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

Liability for a restaurant slip and fall accident in Chicago often depends on who was responsible for maintaining the area where the fall occurred. The restaurant owner or operator is typically the primary party, but others may share fault. A property management company may be liable if it controlled the premises. 

In chain restaurants, the corporate parent—such as McDonald’s Corp.—might bear responsibility if it dictated safety policies. Third-party contractors, like cleaning services or snow removal companies, may also be at fault if their failure to maintain safe conditions contributed to the fall. Identifying control and negligence is key to assigning legal liability.

Common Defenses in Chicago Restaurant Slip and Fall Cases

In restaurant slip and fall cases, defendants often claim the customer was at fault for not watching where they were going. We respond by showing that poor lighting, visual obstructions, or unclear flooring made it challenging to see the hazard. Another common defense is that the hazard was open and obvious, but we counter that with evidence of distractions or layout issues. 

Some restaurants deny knowing about the hazard or claim they didn’t have time to fix it. We often find maintenance records or employee testimony showing otherwise. If a slippery floor sign was used, we examine whether it was placed correctly and in time to be effective.

How to Strengthen Your Restaurant Slip and Fall Case in Chicago

1. Report the fall to restaurant management immediately
2. Ask for a copy of the accident report
3. Take photos of the floor, lighting, and surroundings
4. Keep the clothes and shoes worn
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers
6. Seek medical attention and follow up as advised
7. Call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to preserve video and witnesses

How a Chicago Restaurant Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help

Our team handles every step of your claim:

• Collecting surveillance footage before it’s erased
• Interviewing staff and preserving testimony
• Analyzing medical records and recovery needs
• Calculating full damages—costs related to medical care and lost income
• Negotiating with insurers and taking the case to trial if needed

What Damages Are Awarded in Restaurant Slip and Fall Settlements?

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses

Covers all costs related to emergency care, hospitalization, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, and any future medical procedures tied to the restaurant slip and fall.

Lost Earnings

Provides compensation for missed work, reduced hours, or long-term inability to earn income due to the injuries from the incident.

Other Financial Losses

Includes out-of-pocket costs like parking for doctor visits, transportation to therapy, over-the-counter supplies, or necessary home medical equipment.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering

Compensates for physical pain and discomfort caused by the fall, including long-term limitations or chronic conditions.

Emotional distress

Addresses psychological effects of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, interfering with daily life.

Disability or disfigurement

Applies when visible scars, reduced mobility, or permanent injury significantly alter the victim’s appearance or lifestyle.

FAQs

What do I need to prove the dangerous condition was there due to negligence?

You must show the restaurant had a legal duty to maintain safe premises, failed in that duty, and that failure directly caused your injury and resulting damages, like medical treatment bills, lost wages, or long-term complications.

Do I need to gather evidence to support a restaurant slip and fall claim?

Yes. Key evidence includes surveillance footage, photos of the hazard, witness statements, maintenance logs, and medical professional records linking your injuries to the fall. This helps establish both liability and the extent of your damages.

Do all restaurant slip and fall cases go to court?

Most are resolved through settlement, but our firm prepares every case for trial. That preparation gives us leverage during negotiations and ensures you’re ready if the case goes before a jury.

What does a restaurant slip and fall lawyer cost in Chicago?

You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we recover compensation through a settlement or verdict.

Book a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a slip and fall at a restaurant, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our personal injury attorneys know how to hold negligent businesses accountable, whether it’s a local diner or a major chain. We charge no fees unless we win. Call us today for a free case evaluation.