Visit Chicago’s Top-Rated
Slip & Fall Law Firm
Contact Info
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Address5764 South Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638 -
Telephone 855‑468‑7626
Recent Chicago Slip & Fall
Settlements Won:
The following examples are fall accident injury cases we’ve recently won in the Chicago metro area:
- Slip and Fall: In the West Loop, a shopper slipped on a recently mopped floor in a grocery store without any warning signs and sustained serious injuries. The case resulted in a $275,000 settlement.
- Trip and Fall: In Logan Square, a resident tripped over an uneven sidewalk outside a local cafe, leading to significant injuries. This case settled for $325,000.
- Slip and Fall: In River North, a diner slipped on a spilled drink in a dimly lit restaurant and suffered a fractured hip, resulting in a $400,000 settlement.
- Trip and Fall: In Lincoln Park, a visitor tripped over a loose tile in an apartment complex’s hallway, leading to a $350,000 settlement.
- Slip and Fall: In Hyde Park, a guest slipped on an icy driveway at a private residence, securing a $300,000 settlement.
Disclaimer: The above examples are for illustrative purposes only, and do not guarantee similar outcomes. Names and events have been changed for our clients’ privacy.
How Our Chicago Slip & Fall
Lawyers Help You Win
Here’s how we help you win your case:
Thorough Investigation
We conduct a comprehensive investigation of the accident scene, gathering crucial evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage, and witness statements to build a strong case.
Detailed Documentation
Our team meticulously documents your injuries and medical treatments, ensuring all relevant medical records, bills, and reports are collected to support your claim.
Expert Analysis
We collaborate with medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts to provide expert analysis and testimony, reinforcing the validity of your case.
Skillful Negotiation
Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who deal directly with insurance companies, advocating for the maximum settlement possible and ensuring your rights are protected.
Litigation Readiness
While we strive to settle cases out of court, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our lawyers are seasoned litigators with a proven track record in the courtroom.
Client Support
We offer continuous support and clear communication throughout the legal process, keeping you informed and addressing any concerns you may have.
Personalized Strategy
Every case is unique, and we develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your accident to maximize your chances of success.
By leveraging our experience, local knowledge, and dedicated client service, Sobo & Sobo’s Chicago slip and fall lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Eligibility for Chicago
Slip/Trip & Fall Injury Claims
Many slip and fall clients who were initially told they were not eligible for compensation have found successful outcomes with the help of our dedicated team of slip and fall attorneys. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our experienced lawyers can evaluate your case and often find ways to make it eligible for compensation.
To be eligible for a slip or trip and fall injury lawsuit in Chicago, several criteria must typically be met:
- Injury: The individual must have sustained an injury due to the fall.
- Negligence: The fall must have been caused by hazardous conditions that the property owner knew or should have known about and failed to address.
- Documentation: There must be evidence of the hazardous condition and the resulting injury, such as photos, medical records, and witness statements.
- Timeliness: The lawsuit must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is two years from the discovery of the injury in Illinois.
Types of Fall Injury Claims
Represented in Chicago
Slip and fall accidents can occur in various settings, often caused by hazardous conditions that property owners or managers should have addressed.
The team of slip and trip and fall injury attorneys in Chicago handle slip and fall injury claims in places such as:
Retail Stores
Retail establishments, including grocery stores, department stores, and malls, can be frequent locations for slip and fall accidents. Common causes include wet floors, spilled liquids, and poorly maintained walkways.
Restaurants and Bars
Dining establishments can also pose slip and fall hazards, especially in areas where food and drinks are served. Spilled beverages, greasy floors, and inadequate lighting can contribute to accidents.
Public Sidewalks
Municipalities and property owners are responsible for maintaining safe public sidewalks. Uneven pavement, cracks, and other hazards can lead to slip and fall incidents.
Apartment Complexes
Property owners and managers of apartment complexes must ensure common areas are safe for residents and visitors. Failure to maintain stairwells, hallways, and parking lots can result in slip and fall accidents.
Private Residences
Even in private homes, property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for guests. Hazards like cluttered walkways, loose rugs, and uneven flooring can lead to slip and fall accidents.
Regardless of the location or circumstances of an accident, if it resulted from negligence, clients may be eligible to seek compensation. Residents are invited to learn the value and validity of their case in a free consultation before filing their claim.
Speak with a Chicago
Slip & Fall Lawyer
Chicago Statute of Limitations for
Slip and Trip & Fall Claims
Clients have two years from the discovery of their injury to file a slip or trip and fall claim. Claims filed after this two-year limit may be rejected. It’s essential to consult with an attorney who can advise on any potential exceptions or extensions to this limitation.
Proving Property Owner
Negligence in Chicago
Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises for visitors and guests. When they fail to do so, and this negligence leads to slip and fall accidents, victims may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Here are some common examples of property owner negligence that our slip and fall lawyers help prove on a daily basis:
- Failure to Address Hazards: Property owners must promptly address and rectify any hazardous conditions on their premises. This includes repairing uneven walkways, fixing broken stairs or handrails, and promptly cleaning up spills or wet surfaces.
- Inadequate Lighting: Inadequate lighting can contribute to slip and fall accidents, particularly in areas like parking lots, stairwells, or dimly lit hallways. Property owners must ensure that all areas are adequately illuminated.
- Lack of Warning Signs: In some cases, property owners may be aware of hazards but fail to warn visitors or guests about them. For instance, if a floor has recently been cleaned and is still wet, it should be marked with warning signs.
- Neglected Snow and Ice Removal: In colder climates like Chicago, snow and ice can create significant fall hazards. Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from walkways and parking areas to prevent slip and fall accidents.
- Failure to Maintain Handrails: Stairways with missing or poorly maintained handrails can pose significant dangers. Property owners should ensure that handrails are secure and in good condition.
- Neglecting Repairs: Property owners must address maintenance and repair issues promptly. This includes fixing broken or loose tiles, floorboards, or any other hazards that may cause someone to trip and fall.
- Cluttered Walkways: Cluttered walkways in homes or businesses can lead to slip and fall accidents. Property owners must keep walkways clear of obstacles and debris.
Who is Held Liable For Fall
Injury Cases in Chicago?
Liability in a fall injury accident typically falls on the party responsible for maintaining the safety of the property.
Here are five examples of who could be held liable in different situations:
- Retail Store Owner: If a customer slips on a wet floor without warning signs in a store, the store owner may be liable for failing to provide a safe environment.
- Restaurant Operator: If a patron trips over a loose tile in a poorly lit restaurant, the operator could be held responsible for not maintaining the premises.
- Municipality: If a pedestrian trips over a cracked sidewalk in a public area, the local government could be liable for not repairing the sidewalk.
- Landlord: If a tenant slips on an icy stairwell in an apartment complex, the landlord could be held accountable for not clearing the ice.
- Homeowner: If a guest trips over clutter in a private home, the homeowner might be liable for not keeping walkways clear.
Each case requires a thorough investigation to determine liability, and having an experienced attorney can help establish who is at fault and secure the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Lawsuits are
Trip/Slip & Fall Cases?
Fall accident lawsuits typically involve a combination of premises liability and personal injury claims.
This dual approach is necessary because:
- Premises Liability: This aspect focuses on the responsibility of property owners or managers to maintain safe conditions on their premises. If they fail to address hazards such as wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or poor lighting, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. Premises liability claims aim to prove that the property owner’s negligence directly caused the unsafe condition that led to the slip and fall accident.
- Personal Injury: This component addresses the harm suffered by the victim as a result of the accident. Personal injury claims seek compensation for the physical and emotional damages sustained, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. By combining personal injury with premises liability, the lawsuit aims to fully address both the cause of the accident and the impact on the victim’s life.
That’s why it’s important to hire an injury law firm that provides comprehensive service. At Sobo & Sobo, we have premises liability and personal injury lawyers working together to ensure you receive the best outcomes possible.
Contact a Chicago Slip and Fall Attorney
Clients seeking justice and compensation for their slip and fall injuries can contact a Chicago slip and fall attorney by calling 855-GOT-SOBO or scheduling an appointment online. At Sobo & Sobo, experienced attorneys have decades of experience and success in securing the highest possible compensation for clients injured in premises liability cases, guiding them through the legal process, and tirelessly advocating for their rights.
Factors That Affect Tip & Fall
Settlement Amounts
The final settlement amount is the result of negotiations between the injured party’s attorney and the at-fault party’s insurance company. In many cases, insurance companies prefer to settle rather than go to trial, as it can be more cost-effective and reduce their risk. However, having a skilled attorney who is willing to take the case to court if necessary can be a powerful negotiating tool and may lead to more favorable settlements.
Several factors play a significant role in determining the settlement amount for slip and fall injury cases:
- Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of the injuries sustained in the slip and fall incident significantly impact the compensation amount. More severe injuries often lead to higher settlements.
- Liability: Establishing who is at fault for the accident is crucial. If liability is clear and uncontested, it may lead to a more straightforward settlement process.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The at-fault party’s insurance policy may have limits on how much they will pay. In some cases, this can impact the negotiation process, as settlements cannot exceed these policy limits.
- Modified Comparative Negligence: Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence system. If the injured party is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally to their level of fault.
- Medical Evidence: Strong medical documentation of injuries, treatment, and prognosis can significantly strengthen the case and potentially lead to higher compensation.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts and statements can provide valuable evidence to support the claim.
- Legal Representation: Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side can significantly impact the negotiation process, as they can skillfully advocate for your rights and work toward maximizing your compensation.
It’s important to note that each slip and fall case is unique, and the outcome will depend on the specific details and circumstances surrounding the incident. Consulting with an experienced slip and fall attorney is the best way for injured parties to understand the potential value of their case and pursue fair compensation.
Slip vs. Trip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents and trip and fall accidents are both common causes of injury but differ in their mechanisms:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These occur when there is a lack of friction between a person’s footwear and the walking surface. This lack of friction can cause the person to lose their balance and fall. Common causes include wet or greasy floors, icy surfaces, or loose rugs.
- Trip and Fall Accidents: These happen when a person’s foot strikes an object or uneven surface, causing them to stumble and fall. Common causes include cluttered walkways, uneven sidewalks, and poorly maintained floors.
Chicago Fall Injury Statistics
- High Incidence Rates: Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in Chicago. Each year, thousands of residents and visitors suffer from falls due to hazardous conditions on public and private properties.
- Age and Vulnerability: Older adults are particularly vulnerable to fall injuries. In Chicago, fall-related injuries are a leading cause of emergency room visits among seniors, often resulting in serious consequences such as hip fractures and head injuries.
- Location-Specific Data: Many fall injuries occur in high-traffic areas such as downtown Chicago, shopping centers, and public sidewalks. Residential areas, especially those with older buildings, also report a significant number of fall incidents due to poorly maintained staircases and walkways.
- Seasonal Variations: Chicago’s harsh winters contribute to a spike in fall injuries, with icy and snowy conditions leading to increased slip and fall accidents. Public and private property owners must take extra precautions during these months to prevent such incidents.
- Economic Impact: Fall injuries have a substantial economic impact, resulting in millions of dollars in medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses each year in Chicago. Victims often face long recovery periods and significant financial burdens.
Most Common Causes of Fall Injuries in Chicago
Based on the thousands of cases we’ve represented, the most common causes of fall injuries in Chicago include:
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Often due to spills, cleaning activities, or weather conditions like rain and snow.
- Uneven or Damaged Walkways: Includes cracked sidewalks, loose tiles, and uneven flooring.
- Obstructions in Walkways: Such as clutter, cables, or debris that create tripping hazards.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting in areas like stairwells, parking lots, and hallways can contribute to falls.
- Poor Maintenance: Failure to repair or maintain property features like handrails, stairs, and flooring.