Chicago Slip and Falls & Premises Accidents

Each year people get hurt when they slip and fall on someone's property. Most people believe that if they are injured, they can receive compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, suffering and more. Many are surprised to learn that the general rule in Illinois is quite the opposite.

Property owners are not liable just because someone is injured on their property. Instead, they are only liable when they cause a hazardous or defective condition on their property, or permit that condition to exist when they know or should know the hazard or defect is present.

One common occurrence, especially during the winter, is an injury due to a slip and fall on snow or ice. Under Illinois law, the issue is whether or not the snow or ice is a natural or unnatural accumulation. If the snow or ice accumulates naturally, then the owner is not liable. But if the snow or ice accumulates because of an unnatural reason, such as a hole in the sidewalk or a leaking gutter or drainpipe, then the owner becomes liable for the hazard—and the expenses and disability of the injured person.

Another common occurrence is an injury inside a building, due to a slip and fall on liquid or debris, a worn carpet, or a damaged step on a stairway. Property owners are liable when they or their employees cause a hazardous condition. For example, if they spill liquid or drop debris and fail to clean it up, property owners may be held liable. They may also be liable when they did not directly cause the hazardous condition—if it can be shown that the unsafe condition was there long enough for the property owner to reasonably know it creates a hazard.

Under all circumstances, the injured person also has responsibility to be cautious. It is always important to know why the hazard or defect could not be recognized and avoided.

What to do If You Are Injured in a Fall

When you fall, it is important that you follow these steps at the scene:

1. Immediately Determine What Caused You to Fall—Observe the area around you when you are down or after you have stood up and determine exactly what made you fall. You must be able to state exactly what caused you to fall. Look at it closely so you can describe its shape, color and substance.

2. Report Your Fall to the Property Owner or Store Manager—Falling in the middle of a store in front of strangers can be embarrassing. But be sure to let the owner know you did. Even if the manager discourages you from filing an accident report, do so. Major retailers all have accident forms. Fill one out and get a copy of the form for yourself, along with the name of who you spoke to.

3. Medical Attention—If you need immediate medical attention, have the property owner call an ambulance for you or see your own doctor promptly. Be sure to give your doctor a complete history of how you fell.

4. Call your attorney at Adler & Adler, P.C.—With more than 40 years of combined experience in personal injury matters, we can help determine whether or not a property owner is responsible for your injury and help you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Why Choose Adler & Adler?

When you hire Adler & Adler, P.C., you can rest assured that you have hired an aggressive, seasoned professional—a lawyer who is highly experienced in the art of negotiation but not afraid to take cases to trial. Senior partners Valerie Harris Adler and Mark Adler know that successful results come from strategy, knowledge, and hard work. They also understand that in addition to coping with the anxiety of legal action, you and your family must handle the lasting effects of an injury—or even death—and deal with the uncertain future. To this end, we treat each of our clients with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

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If you or a friend or family member are injured by a faulty or hazardous product, maximize your claim by contacting us immediately through our 24-Hour Hotline: (312) 443-1488

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