logo
Habla Español312.263.7560

Chicago Slip and Fall Attorneys

We Help Fall Victims Get Back on Their Feet 

Did a dangerous condition on someone else’s property cause you to suffer injuries in a fall? You may have a valuable slip and fall accident case. 

If the property owner or business knew about the hazardous conditions that caused your accident, and that party failed to warn you about the danger, or take measures to mitigate the risk, the owner or operator may be on the hook for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. 

Call DePaolo & Zadeikis Attorneys at Law to learn more about your legal options. Our Chicago slip and fall attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims like you get back on their feet. We offer:

  • Free Legal Advice During Your Initial Consultation
  • Over 30 Years of Local Experience
  • A 95% Success Rate
  • No Upfront Fees

Call DePaolo & Zadeikis today at 312-263-7560 for a free consultation.

What You Need to Know About Slip and Fall Accidents

Understanding more about slip and fall accidents, how they happen, who the victims are, and the impact they have on people’s lives, is important for people who are considering filing a premises liability claim or lawsuit. 

  • Each year, more than 3 million people visit an emergency room because of slip and fall accidents. 
  • About 800,000 people are hospitalized and another 28,000 are killed in fall accidents. 
  • Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and hip fractures, and the second-most common cause of non-fatal injuries for people ages 10 to 24
  • More than 25,000 older adults die from fall injuries each year.

Chicago Slip and Fall Attorneys See All Types of Victims

Nobody is immune to slip and fall accidents in Illinois. In fact, although people who are older than 55 and those between 10 and 24 are more susceptible to these types of accidents, slips and falls are a leading cause of injuries for all age groups. 

Where Do Falls Most Commonly Happen in Chicago?

Fall accidents can happen just about anywhere. For older people, falls in the home or in nursing home facilities are most common. Kids under the age of 14 frequently suffer fall injuries in accidents that occur at a friend’s house, on a playground, or in daycare. A significant percentage of slip and fall injuries occur at a place of business. 

  • In hotels, falls are a leading cause of injury. Approximately 70% of slips and falls happen on flat walking surfaces. 
  • About 90% of falls that happen at churches and worship centers occur on the stairs.
  • Restaurants typically see between 3 and 9 slip and fall incidents that cause injuries every year.
  • These types of accidents are the leading cause of injuries for both patrons and employees in grocery stores
  • About 16 % of workers’ compensation claims are from slip and fall accidents. 

Why Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur in Chicago?

Whether you or your loved one is visiting a community playground, working on a construction site, taking a walk, or doing a little shopping, there are certain factors that can increase the chances of a slip and fall accident. What causes significant injury in slip and fall accidents in Chicago?

  • Slippery surfaces
  • Clutter and excessive debris
  • Unlit or dimly lit hallways, stairways or walkways
  • Cracked or shifted pavement
  • Unmarked steps or slopes
  • Broken handrails, guardrails or defective safety equipment

How Can Fall Accidents Be Prevented?

Performing proper maintenance and repairs, exercising reasonable care, and adequately warning visitors of slip and fall hazards can help prevent these accidents from happening. When property owners fail to fulfill their duty of care to visitors, they can be held liable for the damages that occur. 

How We Can Help You Recover Damages in a Slip and Fall Case

You probably have a lot of worries after suffering injuries in a slip and fall accident. Maybe you’re thinking, “How am I going to pay for my medical care and make ends meet while I’m recovering?”, “How do I file a claim against the insurance company”, “Who do I sue for my injuries”, or “Should I wait until I’ve healed to take legal action?” 

Worrying about the hows, whens, and what ifs can put a significant damper on your physical and emotional recovery. Anxiety over mounting medical bills and navigating the legal process can impact your decision-making abilities. To make matters worse, the insurance company’s representatives are going to do everything they can think of to wear you down so you’ll accept a lowball offer, and they can move on.

Let our lawyers take it from here.

When you hire our slip and fall attorneys to handle your injury case, we’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through the legal process to make sure your rights are protected, and you receive full and fair compensation. Our lawyers know how to win slip and fall cases in Illinois.

  • Our lawyers will sit down and talk with you to learn more about your accident, what you’re going through, and how your injuries are impacting your life. 
  • We’ll investigate the accident to see if there are details that have yet to be uncovered, and we’ll gather evidence to demonstrate how negligence occurred.
  • Our team will communicate with the insurance company, business, or property owner to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. 
  • If necessary, our lawyers will bring your slip and fall case before the courts to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. 

Who Is Liable for Slip and Fall Injuries?

Determining liability in slip and fall cases often requires a thorough investigation and analysis of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Factors such as the condition of the premises, the presence of warning signs or safety measures, and the reasonableness of the actions taken by the responsible party can all play a role in establishing liability.

Defendants in a slip and fall injury case may include:

Property Owners and Occupiers: Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors and guests. This includes identifying and addressing hazards, such as wet floors, loose carpeting, or obstructions in walkways. If a property owner or occupier fails to address these hazards or provide adequate warning signs, that party may be held liable for any resulting slip and fall injuries.

Businesses: Businesses are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their clients and customers. This includes ensuring that floors are kept clean and dry, railings are not loose or missing, walkways are well-lit, and that any hazards are promptly addressed and appropriately marked. If a business fails to uphold this duty, and a customer or client sustains a slip and fall injury as a result, the company may be liable.

Contractors and Third Parties: In some cases, liability for slip and fall accidents may extend to contractors, vendors, or other third parties working on a property. For example, if a contractor fails to clean up a work area properly, creating a hazardous condition that leads to a slip and fall, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries. Likewise, if a cleaning company uses a product that causes floors to be slippery, the cleaner can be held accountable for injuries that result.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney at our law firm

We will gather and analyze the evidence to establish liability for your injuries, and help you pursue compensation from the liable parties for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

How to Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Injury Case

To prove negligence in a premises liability case involving a slip and fall, four basic elements must be proved. 

  • The property owner had a duty to make sure the property was reasonably safe.
  • That duty of care was breached.
  • The injuries sustained were a result of the owner’s actions or lack thereof.
  • The plaintiff suffered compensable losses.

The amount that may be recovered if your case is successful varies significantly depending on the type of injury sustained, the severity of the injury, and the impact the injury has on your abilities in the future. 

Common types of injuries suffered in a slip and fall accident include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Fractures
  • PTSD
  • Death

If you were injured or your loved one died in a fall accident on someone else’s property, call the Chicago slip and fall attorneys at DePaolo & Zadeikis at 312-263-7560 or contact us online for a free consultation.