Example Slip and Fall Cases & Settlement Amounts in Chicago

In Chicago, injured victims may have preconceived notions about slip and fall cases & settlement amounts. Being hurt on someone else’s property, whether it belongs to a business owner, resident, or government entity, can result in numerous challenges. Often, the physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial toll of the accident are difficult to overcome. 

Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers can help you pursue a slip and fall settlement if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. We know what it takes to hold the at-fault party accountable and secure maximum compensation. Your chances of a successful lawsuit are much stronger with an experienced attorney on your side. 

What Is the Average Settlement Amount in Chicago Slip and Fall Cases?

Using data from Law.com’s VerdictSearch, we can see that the average slip and fall settlement in Chicago is approximately $417,200. The minimum recovery amount in this city was as low as $5,750, but the highest settlement amount was $3,288,805. If we examine the median settlement of $181,250, it means that half of all payouts were less than this amount. 

In contrast, the average slip and fall recovery amount for our Chicago firm is $1,730,746. This means an experienced law firm can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve after a fall incident in the Windy City. 

Chicago Slip and Fall Settlement Examples

Our team boasts a 98% success rate with personal injury claims. Many Chicago residents have become victims of a property owner’s negligence, resulting in serious injuries. These injuries can result in numerous legal damages, which directly impact the maximum settlement amount. Here are some cases our slip and fall attorneys have handled in the past:

• $4 million for wrongful death – Eugene checked into the hospital for what was meant to be a routine hip replacement. Days later, he suffered a catastrophic fall from his hospital bed, resulting in a fatal injury. His family turned to us for justice. We uncovered lapses in basic fall precautions and secured a $4 million settlement in the resulting wrongful death suit.
• $2.6 million for a construction site injury – Luis, a skilled concrete worker, was navigating a busy construction site when he fell from improperly secured scaffolding. A shattered knee and three surgeries later, he faced months of recovery and missed wages. Our team proved the site’s safety violations and secured a $2.6 million settlement for him.
• $2 million for an icy sidewalk case – Natalie was leaving a community event when she slipped on an untreated patch of ice outside a church entrance. The fall left her with a fractured pelvis and months of painful rehab. Our team proved the property had failed to salt the walkway, resulting in a $2 million settlement for Natalie’s injuries and suffering.
• $835,100 for a stairway fall – Marcia fell down a dimly lit stairwell in her apartment building, where a loose handrail and crumbling steps had long gone unrepaired. The fall left her with lasting injuries. We built a case around the landlord’s negligence and secured $835,100 to support her recovery.

Which Factors Influence Slip and Fall Settlement Amounts?

Your slip and fall settlement amount will depend on several factors. Even if your claim seems straightforward, it is always better to work with an experienced attorney to increase your chances of success. Let’s examine some elements that will impact your potential settlement after a slip and fall in Chicago. 

Severe vs Minor Injuries 

The extent of your injuries is the primary factor in determining the potential payout. Cases involving severe injuries tend to end in higher payouts because the legal damages are more substantial. For example, victims with traumatic brain injuries are more likely to earn higher compensation than someone with a few lacerations from their fall. 

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Potential

More serious injuries can result in workers missing out on earnings. The longer their recovery takes, the more likely they are to struggle due to lost income. This type of compensation can include both current lost wages and lost income based on an individual’s earning potential. 

Pain and Suffering Damages

Even if a physical wound heals completely, the pain from the experience falls under the category of non-economic damages. Physical pain and suffering damages can increase the size of your settlement, especially if they have affected your quality of life. 

Insurance Policy Limits

The insurance company of the at-fault party will have policy limits that affect the amount of compensation injured victims can obtain. Sometimes, insurance coverage is insufficient to cover all your losses, which is why hiring an expert lawyer is necessary to ensure fair compensation. 

Comparative Negligence

Some slip and fall accidents are not just the fault of the property owners. If you played a role in your injury, your maximum settlement will be reduced by a similar factor of fault under state law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. However, as long as you are no more than 50% responsible, you can still pursue damages. 

Punitive Damages

In some slip and fall accident cases, the defendant may be found guilty of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Punitive damages may be awarded to further punish the defendant and provide additional compensation if the victim suffered because of their actions. 

For example, if a coworker kicked a ladder you were using on a construction site near Millennium Park, they could be held liable for punitive damages due to intentional misconduct. 

How to Maximize Your Slip and Fall Injury Settlement

What you do immediately after a slip and fall accident is crucial if you hope to take legal action. The slightest mistake could jeopardize your chances of compensation or significantly reduce the slip and fall settlement. Here is what you should do to prepare for a successful slip and fall case. 

Immediate Steps to Take After the Slip and Fall Accident

First, seek medical treatment for your injuries. Not only is your health the priority, but any treatment you receive will help establish a paper trail of your suffering. This ensures that you are collecting evidence for potential negligence as soon as you get hurt. If necessary, call 911 and report the incident to the relevant property or business owner. 

Gather Evidence

Evidence will make or break your slip and fall settlement. You will need information that proves the at-fault party was negligent and that you suffered legal damages because of the severe injuries. Obtain witness statements and contact information, take photos of the scene, seek out surveillance footage of the incident, retain all medical records, and request a copy of the police report. 

Consult an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney

This step is essential if you want to secure fair compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, future medical bills, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other legal damages. Our top personal injury lawyers have worked with many slip and fall victims in Chicago, helping them recover compensation at a 98% success rate. 

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

You have a limited amount of time to pursue damages for injuries suffered because of a property owner’s negligence in Illinois. State law 735 ILCS 5/13-202 allows injured victims two years to file civil claims against defendants for personal injury. If you wait too long, you may not get the opportunity to recover compensation. 

What Makes Us the Best Slip and Fall Lawyers for Your Case in Chicago

The best slip and fall lawyer in Chicago can give your case the push it needs to end in a fair settlement. Our firm has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating by AVVO. 

Our team also has extensive knowledge of Illinois liability laws, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the claims process. Whether you need help to gather evidence or during settlement negotiations, we have the track record necessary to secure compensation from the defendant and their insurance company. 

FAQs About Slip and Fall Settlements in Chicago

Who is liable for slip and fall accidents in Chicago?

In many cases, the property owner is liable for slip and fall accidents that occur on their property. The owner could be a private resident, a business, or even a government entity. For example, suppose you were to slip on an uneven sidewalk near Lincoln Park. In that case, the city may be liable for economic damages and non-economic losses for failing to address the repair. 

Can I sue a homeowner for a fall?

If you are lawfully on a homeowner’s property when you get hurt, it is possible to sue the homeowner for your injuries. A reasonable settlement for a private residence slip and fall claim is typically lower because of insurance company limits. 

What responsibilities do Chicago property owners have?

Property owners are expected to take reasonable care to prevent injuries to those who visit their properties lawfully. Whether it is a guest in a home, a customer in a restaurant, or a delivery employee in a government building, the owner must take reasonable actions to create a safe environment for all. 

How do I prove negligence in a slip and fall claim?

Proving negligence is the most difficult aspect of a slip and fall lawsuit. If you want to recover lost wages or medical expenses from the insurance company, you must prove four elements with evidence:

• Duty of care – The defendant had a level of responsibility to prevent injuries
• Breach of duty – The defendant violated their duty of care
• Causation – There is a causal link between their actions and your injuries
• Legal damages – You suffered economic and/or non-economic damages because of the incident

How long does the slip and fall settlement process last in Chicago?

The timeline of your case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the injury severity, the investigation phase, and the amount of evidence available. More complex cases can take several months or even years to resolve, while a straightforward claim may be resolved within a month or two. 

What should I tell the insurance company?

One of the most important steps after a slip and fall accident is to avoid speaking to the defendant’s insurance company about the case. You should always consult a lawyer before doing so to avoid apologizing, admitting fault, or undermining your claim. You can report the incident to the insurance company, but be careful how you describe the event and avoid all language that implies you are at fault. 

Book a Free Consultation!

The Slip & Fall Lawyers in Chicago know what it takes to investigate claims, gather evidence, assess legal damages, negotiate for compensation, and even represent injured victims in court. We have recovered over $490 million in damages for our past clients and can help you understand how much compensation is available for your claim. 

Our top-rated attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we successfully resolve your case. Additionally, you can ask any questions you have about the legal process during a free consultation. 

If you believe you have a premises liability case in Chicago and require legal representation, contact us to request a free case evaluation.