Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury in Illinois. In fact, they are one of the leading causes of serious injury, especially for workers and older adults. A single fall can result in broken bones, head trauma, or a spinal injury that changes a person’s life.
Many slip and fall accidents trace back to a property owner’s failure to keep their premises safe for guests or employees.Â
The most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
Wet and Slippery Surfaces
Wet floors are one of the leading causes of slip and fall injuries. Spills in grocery store aisles, freshly mopped floors without warning signs, and tracked-in rain or snow all create dangerous walking conditions. Property owners are expected to clean up spills promptly and warn visitors of slippery areas.
Ice and Snow
Illinois winters bring ice and snow that can create dangerous sidewalks and entryways. Property owners are not responsible for every patch of natural ice, but they may be liable when they fail to address excessive accumulation near walkways.
Uneven and Damaged Surfaces
Uneven sidewalks, torn carpeting, and loose floorboards create tripping hazards that can cause serious falls. These conditions often develop over time, which means a property owner had ample opportunity to make repairs.
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking lots, and walkways can hide hazards that a visitor would otherwise avoid.
Stairway and Handrail Hazards
Broken steps, missing handrails, and poorly maintained staircases contribute to many serious fall injuries.
Cluttered Walkways and Obstacles
Merchandise left in walkways and other obstructions can cause a visitor to fall to the ground. Businesses have a duty to keep walkways clear and to avoid creating obstacles that customers cannot reasonably anticipate.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Slip and Fall?
A slip and fall injury can leave victims with substantial injuries that linger long after the accident. Illinois law allows injured victims to recover compensation for the financial and personal toll of the fall, if a property owner’s negligence was responsible for the incident.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, recoverable damages may include:
- Emergency care and follow-up treatment
- Surgery and rehabilitation costs
- Future medical expenses for ongoing care
- Lost wages during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury and how the fall has affected your daily life. An experienced premises liability attorney can document the full extent of your losses and help you pursue full compensation after the incident.
Contact an Illinois Slip and Fall Lawyer for Help
Most slip and fall accidents are preventable, and when a property owner’s negligence causes one, the injured victim has the right to seek compensation. If you were hurt in a slip and fall in Illinois, contact an experienced Geneva premises liability attorney at Feagans Law Group for a free consultation.