How Much Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries in Chicago?

Compensation for slip and fall injuries in Chicago can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Payouts can vary widely based on the severity of injuries, cost of medical bills, lost wages, whether you share fault for the fall, and the quality and quantity of evidence supporting your claim. Understanding these factors will help you get a clearer picture of the value of your case and make an informed decision on how to pursue the case.

Call DePaolo & Zadeikis slip and fall attorneys at 312-263-7560 for a free consultation on how much you can expect from your slip and fall claim in Chicago.

Factors That Determine Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries in Chicago

Falls account for more than 8 million hospital emergency room visits yearly. In 2020, healthcare costs for non-fatal falls totaled $80 billion. According to the National Safety Council, falls were the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in Illinois in 2023.

Slip and fall accidents occur when someone sustains injuries due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. Illinois law allows you to pursue compensation for your economic and non-economic losses when you or a loved one is injured in a slip and fall accident. Several key factors influence the amount of compensation you may receive in a Chicago slip-and-fall case. These factors include:

Severity of Your Injuries

More severe injuries generally result in higher compensation. Severe injuries take longer to heal, are usually more painful, and can cause long-term disability and more negative effects on the victim’s quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering is typically proportional to the severity of injuries.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are a significant factor in determining compensation for slip and fall injuries. The higher the medical expenses, the greater the compensation. The kind of treatment needed for your injuries will impact the value of your claim. Some injuries will require extensive and more invasive treatments. The bills associated with such injuries will be higher than those of injuries requiring less medical treatment.

Falls are a leading cause of brain injuries and damage to the spinal cord. These injuries will likely require ongoing medical care. Payouts for such injuries can be substantial, accounting for the costs of both current and future treatment.

Lost Wages

If your injuries force you to miss work during your recovery, the wages you lost should be calculated into your settlement. Some injuries could affect your ability to return to work in the future. In that case, you would also need to pursue compensation for your lost earning potential. The compensation you recover should include the wages lost and any future earnings you’ll be unable to obtain due to the injuries sustained.

Comparative Fault

The liable party can use the concept of comparative fault in Chicago to reduce your compensation based on your contribution to the slip and fall incident. Under the Illinois modified comparative fault system, the liable party and victim can both be at fault for injuries. You can claim damages only if you’re assigned less than 50% fault for your injuries, and your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault.

Suppose you had a slip-and-fall accident and didn’t notice the hazard that caused the fall because you were texting. As a result, you’re found to be 25% at fault for the accident. If you suffered $50,000 in damages, your compensation would be reduced by 25%. You would be entitled to receive only $37,500 compensation.

Insurance Policy Limits

Property owners usually have some level of liability insurance. The insurance typically pays the settlements and jury awards in slip and fall cases. The defendant’s insurance policy limits can restrict the total compensation available to you.

Strength of Evidence

The strength of the collected evidence also plays a role in how much compensation you can receive for your slip and fall claim. Compelling evidence of the property owner’s negligence can result in significant settlement amounts. Limited evidence of the owner’s liability could lower your compensation. Even if your injuries are severe, you could receive a lower settlement in the absence of clear evidence of the other party’s negligence and the connection to your injuries.

What to Expect From a Slip and Fall Settlement

Most slip and fall cases are resolved through a settlement. Settlements typically follow the filing of a claim or lawsuit. The compensation you receive from an out-of-court settlement is what the other side has agreed to pay you to resolve your case. It’s usually paid by the property owner’s insurer.

Insurance companies frequently offer a quick settlement to settle slip and fall cases early. It’s best to avoid settling your case too early by accepting quick settlement offers, as they’re often lowball offers. Remember, insurers make more profits by minimizing payouts. What’s more, when an insurance company proposes an early settlement, you’re unlikely to have known the compensation you’ll need to cover your past, current, and future expenses, such as future medical expenses in a slip and fall case. The early settlement will likely only cover basic expenses.

Receiving a settlement offer that adequately compensates you for your slip and fall injuries usually takes a bit of time. Such a settlement is reached through several rounds of offers and counter-offers, evidence preparation to build a strong case, and strategic negotiations with the other party. A deep knowledge of how to win a slip and fall case is needed.

Slip and fall settlements can fall anywhere from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars for the most severe cases. According to estimates, many slip and fall cases settle for tens of thousands. Cases involving severe injuries, extensive treatments, or a greater impact on a victim’s life can exceed $100,000 and even settle in the millions.

The circumstances of each slip and fall case are different. Each of the previously mentioned factors will impact your total settlement value. As a result, compensation for slip and fall injuries can vary widely. Establishing how much compensation for a slip and fall you should expect is best done individually after thoroughly reviewing your case.

Why You Should Consult a Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents often mark only the beginning of what may be a lengthy and arduous journey. You may be left with physical pain, medical bills, and lost wages. Navigating the legal process to secure fair compensation can be a daunting task. You’ll have to deal with insurance companies that aren’t easy to secure compensation from, and any mistakes you make can lead to a denied claim or significantly reduced compensation. Consulting an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer can make a big difference in your case.

Determine the Strength of Your Claim

A slip and fall lawyer will help you determine the strength of your claim and chances of success. He or she will help you understand the best legal options available based on your situation.

Legal Experience

An experienced Chicago slip and fall lawyer will have knowledge of Illinois personal injury laws. The lawyer will help you understand legal terms, draft and file settlement paperwork and other legal documents correctly, and meet the applicable deadlines. A legal professional’s experience helps you avoid delays and other mistakes that could jeopardize your right to full compensation.

Accurate Valuation of Damages

A slip and fall lawyer will ensure you know the full value of your case, not just the immediate expenses like medical bills. A lawyer will assess the full scope of both your economic and non-economic damages to ensure the compensation you pursue reflects the full amount of damages you’re entitled to in your case. Working with a lawyer is crucial before accepting a settlement offer. Without consulting with a lawyer, you risk accepting a settlement offer that doesn’t adequately cover your damages and future expenses.

Build a Strong Case

A slip and fall attorney can help you build a strong case that maximizes your chances of getting fair settlement offers. Your attorney will meticulously collect evidence like medical records, accident scene photos, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to support your claim. Slip and fall attorneys often consult safety experts, medical professionals, economists, and other professionals to provide testimony and strengthen your case.

Negotiation Skills

Slip and fall lawyers bring professional negotiation skills to the table to get the best outcome for your slip and fall claim. They use their skills to counter tactics that insurance companies commonly use to deny or undervalue claims, such as delaying their response, disputing liability, and offering quick cash settlements.

At DePaolo & Zadeikis, we have over 30 years of local experience in fighting for the rights of Chicago victims and securing compensation that helps them get back on their feet. Contact us today to learn more about how we’ll help you get the compensation you’re entitled to for your slip and fall injuries.