A sudden slip or fall can leave you with much more than a sore spot or bruised body. A wet floor, damaged walkway, poor lighting, loose flooring, or another unsafe condition can result in injuries that affect your work, finances, and everyday activities. When a property-related hazard contributes to your fall, it is important to understand what happened and what options may be available.
An Aurora, IL slip and fall lawyer can review the circumstances of the incident, examine available evidence, and help you understand whether you may have a claim.
What Can Cause a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall accidents can happen in many settings, including stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking areas, offices, and other properties. Common hazards may include spilled liquids, uneven surfaces, broken steps, missing handrails, poor lighting, loose mats, or snow and ice.
The important question is not simply whether a dangerous condition existed. The circumstances surrounding the hazard can matter, including how long it was present, whether someone responsible for the property knew about it, and whether reasonable steps were taken to address it.
Photographs, witness information, incident reports, maintenance records, and other documentation may help establish what occurred. Preserving evidence from the accident scene can therefore be important when the condition may later change.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?
Your immediate health should come first. Seek medical attention for any injury and follow the treatment recommended by your healthcare provider. Keep copies of medical records and bills because they may help document the effects of the accident.
If possible, take photographs of the location and the condition that contributed to the fall. Write down what you remember while the details are still clear and collect contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident.
You should also be careful when speaking with a property owner or insurance representative. Avoid guessing about what caused the accident or making statements that could be misunderstood later.
Who May Be Responsible for a Slip and Fall?
Illinois law generally requires property owners or occupiers to use reasonable care regarding the condition of their premises. The Illinois Premises Liability Act addresses the duty owed to people entering property and also includes limitations involving conditions that are known, open, or obvious.
Responsibility depends on the facts of each accident. A claim may involve a business, property owner, landlord, maintenance company, or another party depending on who controlled the area and what caused the hazardous condition.
Illinois also uses a modified comparative-fault rule. If an injured person is found to be more than 50% responsible for the injury, recovery is barred under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. If the person’s fault is 50% or less, damages are reduced according to that percentage of fault.
What Compensation May Be Available?
A slip and fall claim may involve several types of losses. Depending on the circumstances, these can include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, disability, and other financial or personal losses. Illinois statutes distinguish between economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering and disability.
The amount and type of compensation available depend on the evidence, the nature of the injury, and the specific facts of the claim.
How Adam Jacobson Handles Injury Claims
Attorney Adam Jacobson represents people in personal injury matters and takes a direct approach to handling claims. His involvement can help clients understand the legal process, review the available evidence, and determine what steps may be appropriate for their circumstances.
Jacobson Injury Firm represents clients in Illinois and other states and focuses on personal attention throughout the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a slip and fall accident?
Can I sue if I slipped on someone else’s property?
Can I get compensation if I was partly at fault?
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Illinois?
What evidence can help with a slip and fall claim?
Discuss Your Slip and Fall Claim
If you were injured because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, understanding your legal options can help you decide what to do next. An Aurora, IL Slip And Fall Lawyer can review the circumstances of your accident and explain the potential claim process.
Jacobson Injury Firm can help you understand your options and determine what steps may be appropriate for your situation.
