Slip and Fall Attorney in Chicago

A slip and fall accident occurs when someone is injured due to a dangerous or hazardous condition on another person’s property that causes them to slip, trip, or fall. These accidents can happen almost anywhere, including in grocery stores, on sidewalks, in office buildings, or even in private homes. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include wet floors, loose carpeting, ice or snow on walkways, potholes in parking lots, and uneven staircases. Property owners are required to maintain their property and keep the conditions reasonably safe for visitors, and if they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.

Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, soft tissue damage, or even death. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income due to missing work, and other damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

As anyone who has been the victim of a slip and fall accident can attest, they can be quite jarring—both physically and emotionally. Not only do you have to deal with the pain of your injuries, but you also have to navigate the legal system in order to get the compensation you deserve. To make things easier for you, we've put together a list of dos and don'ts after a slip and fall accident.

Do: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don't think your injuries are serious, it's always best to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a medical professional. There could be internal bleeding or other serious injuries that are not immediately apparent. In addition, getting prompt medical attention will create a paper trail that will be helpful should you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Don't: Wait to File a Claim

Personal injury lawsuits have a statute of limitations, which is the amount of time you have to file a claim. In Chicago, that deadline is two years from the date of the accident. So, if you wait too long, you could miss your opportunity to seek compensation.

Do: Hire an Experienced Attorney

There's no need to go through this difficult time alone. An experienced personal injury attorney will guide you through every step of the process and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Don't: Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not giving it away, so it's likely that the first settlement offer they give you will be far less than what you're actually entitled to. A good attorney will help you negotiate with insurance companies and get the settlement you deserve.

Do: Save Any Physical Evidence

Gather evidence from the accident scene, including clothing, shoes, photographs, etc. This evidence can be important in proving how the accident happened and who was at fault.

Don’t: Sign Any Documents From the Insurance Company

Always speak with a lawyer first. Insurance companies will often try to take advantage of accident victims by getting them to sign away their rights without realizing it. Never sign anything without first having an attorney review it.

Slip and fall accidents can be complex, and proving negligence on the part of the property owner can be difficult. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to investigate your claim, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Here are some ways a lawyer can help with your slip and fall claim:

Investigate the Accident

A personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident. This will include talking to witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and taking photos of the scene. All of this information will be used to build a strong case on your behalf.

Establish Negligence

The key element of any personal injury claim is proving that the other party was negligent. This means showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your fall, failed to take reasonable steps to fix it, and you were injured and suffered damages as a result of the hazardous condition.

Calculate damages

Another important aspect of a personal injury claim is calculating the damages you are entitled to. This includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable expenses like medical bills or lost income. Non-economic damages are more subjective, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. A lawyer will be able to help you calculate all the damages you have incurred as a result of your accident and advocate for the full value.

Negotiate With the Insurance Company

Once the investigation is complete, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for you. The insurance company will likely offer you less than you deserve, but a personal injury lawyer will fight to get you what you deserve.

Take Your Case to Court

If the insurance company refuses to give you a fair settlement, your personal injury lawyer will take them to court. A personal injury lawyer has experience litigating cases and knows what it takes to win in front of a judge or jury.

When you're hurt in a slip and fall, you may assume that the property owner is automatically liable for your injuries. However, premises liability law is actually quite complex, and there are many factors that can affect the outcome of your case. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

The Condition of the Property

If the property where your accident occurred was in disrepair or otherwise unsafe, you may have a strong case against the owner. However, if the condition of the property played no role in causing your accident, you will have a harder time proving liability.

Your Relationship to the Property Owner

In these types of cases, the courts will find that the property owner owes a higher duty of care to invitees than to trespassers. If you were invited onto the property for business or social purposes, you will have a stronger claim than if you were trespassing.

The Extent of Your Injuries/Cost of Medical Treatment

If you suffered serious injuries as a result of the accident, you will have a stronger case than if you only suffered minor injuries. Additionally, if you incurred significant medical expenses as a result of your accident, you will be entitled to more compensation.

Missed Work

If you missed a significant amount of time from work as a result of your accident, you will have a case for lost wages. The longer you’re out of work, the more you can recover.

The Strength of the Evidence Against the Property Owner

If there is strong evidence that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your accident and failed to take action to fix it, you will have a stronger case than if there is no such evidence. Evidence can include witness statements, photos of the scene, video footage, and more.

In Chicago, Illinois, the statute of limitations for a slip and fall accident is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within two years, you will be barred from recovery. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the person who owns the property where you were injured was a government entity, you may have a shorter time period in which to file a lawsuit. Speak with a lawyer right away to ensure you don’t miss your deadline.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be wondering if you have a case against the property owner. These types of accidents can be caused by a variety of hazards, including wet floors, loose carpeting, ice, and uneven pavement. If the property owner was aware of the hazard and did not take steps to remedy it, they may be held liable for your injuries. Slip and fall accident claims can be complex, so it’s important to consult with an experienced lawyer who can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have a team of experienced slip and fall attorneys in Chicago who are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.