Slip and Fall

Experienced Attorneys Handling Slip and Fall Lawsuits in Chicago

A Chicago slip and fall attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers helps people injured on someone else’s property due to an owner’s negligence. Our team handles cases in Chicago from start to finish—investigating the cause, proving liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation on your behalf.

With decades of experience, we can handle any type of slip and fall claim. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Slip and Fall Injury Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve recovered significant compensation for fall victims across Chicago and beyond. Below are some examples of our recent settlements:

• $4,000,000 – Wrongful death case of a Chicago man who fell during a hospital stay for hip replacement surgery, resulting in a subdural hematoma.
• $2,600,000 – Construction worker’s knee injury requiring surgery after falling at an active Chicago worksite.
• $2,000,000 – Policy limit settlement for a young woman who fractured her pelvis slipping on ice at a Chicago church that failed to salt.
• $1,500,000 – Settlement for an elderly man who fell on stairs at an apartment building with stairways and railings not up to Chicago codes.
• $1,200,000 – Recovery for a client who broke her arm slipping on food debris at a large chain store in Chicago.

This list is not exhaustive, and our Chicago personal injury lawyers continue to secure significant results for those hurt in slip and fall accidents.

Your Legal Rights If You Slip and Fall on Someone Else’s Property in Chicago

Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130), property owners and occupiers have a duty to keep their premises safe for all visitors. Recent developments have abolished the distinction between “invitees” and “licensees” like some states do.

This law establishes a basic rule of reasonable care, meaning owners must address hazards or warn guests about them to prevent injuries. If someone violates this duty of care and you’re injured as a result, you could be entitled to compensation for any injuries resulting from your slip and fall accident.

Common Injuries Sustained in Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can lead to a surprising range of serious injuries, sometimes with long-lasting effects on a victim’s health, mobility, and day-to-day life. Common slip and fall injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A severe impact during a slip and fall can cause a serious brain injury. It’s also possible for a piece of the skull to actually shatter and pierce the brain tissue. These traumatic brain injuries can potentially cause life-threatening injuries, such as:

• Coma or minimally conscious state
• Learning and memory difficulties
• Seizures and blood vessel damage
• Problems with multitasking and organizing thoughts
• Serious emotional changes, including anxiety, depression, or sudden mood swings

Spinal Cord Injuries

Falls can place tremendous force on the spine, possibly fracturing vertebrae or damaging nerves. Some spinal cord injuries can cause permanent disability, including:

• Loss of sensation or movement
• Chronic pain or muscle spasms
• Bowel and bladder control issues
• Worsening paralysis if the fall injury continues to get worse

Bruises

Bruising occurs when underlying tissue is injured, causing discoloration and swelling. While minor bruises fade with time, they can sometimes lead to:

• Infection if the skin breaks
• Prolonged tenderness or limited mobility
• Hidden soft tissue injuries
• Pain that interferes with daily activities

Lacerations

A slip and fall can lead to cuts that may bleed heavily. Serious lacerations might need stitches and can often lead to:

• Infections
• Scarring and skin discoloration
• Nerve damage
• Limited function

Broken Bones

Elderly individuals, young children, or those with weaker bones are especially prone to broken bones or fractures from a sudden fall. That can lead to lasting effects on mobility and strength, including:

• Permanent stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Blood clots from prolonged inactivity
• Secondary injuries from altered movement patterns
• Infection after surgery

Sprains

A sprain happens when ligaments stretch or tear, often in the wrists, ankles, or knees. This usually causes pain and swelling, as well as:

• Chronic joint instability
• Recurring sprains
• Tendonitis
• Ongoing pain and inflammation

Herniated Discs

Slipping or twisting during a fall can jolt a disc out of place, allowing the soft, gel-like center to push against spinal nerves. This results in:

• Chronic pain
• Nerve damage
• Significant loss of mobility or function
• Surgery

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries often require physical therapy or medication to manage inflammation and restore motion, and are often associated with:

• Prolonged stiffness or limited range of motion
• Weakness in the affected muscles
• Inflammation spreading to additional joints or tissues
• Development of chronic pain

Damages Available to Slip and Fall Injury Victims

There are primarily two kinds of damages you can recover in a slip and fall case – economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages related to tangible financial expenses you incurred as a result of the serious injuries you sustained in your fall. Economic damages can include:

• Past and current medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation costs
• Skilled nursing care
• Property damage

Non-economic damages aren’t related to financial losses. Instead, non-economic damages relate to subjective factors such as pain and trauma. This often includes:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Disability
• Scarring
• Loss of life enjoyment

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1115.05, punitive damages in slip and fall accident cases are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly harmful behavior and to deter similar actions in the future.

They can only be given when the defendant acted with an evil motive or showed reckless and outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm.

The Value of Your Slip and Fall Case

Slip and fall settlements depend on individual factors, but reviewing similar past cases can offer some insight. These accidents may allow you to recover monetary and non-monetary damages, with settlements typically higher for catastrophic or permanent injuries. To better understand your potential damages, consult our attorneys or use our slip and fall settlement calculator.

Common Causes of Slips and Falls

While slips and falls can happen almost anywhere in Chicago, certain conditions make them far more likely to occur. Below are frequent causes of slip and fall accidents, which may lead to claims against property or business owners.

• Weather-Related Hazards – Ice buildup near L stations or on Lake Shore Drive, as well as snow accumulation at busy locations like the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, can create a dangerous condition. Slick sidewalks at spots like Union Station or the Riverwalk also pose a high risk, often requiring victims to seek damages for medical expenses following a slip and fall injury.
• Poorly Maintained Public Areas – Cracked sidewalks in neighborhoods such as Wicker Park or Logan Square, along with pothole-filled parking lots in retail areas like Water Tower Place, can lead to slip and fall injuries.
• Slippery Floors in Businesses – Spilled liquids at grocery stores like Jewel-Osco or Mariano’s and freshly mopped surfaces in hospitals such as Northwestern Memorial or Rush University Medical Center without proper warning signs, can lead to serious injuries.
• Inadequate Lighting in Public and Private Spaces – Dimly lit stairwells at older apartments in Hyde Park or insufficient lighting around parking garages like Millennium Park often hide wet spots and uneven steps. This increases the chance of slip and fall accidents.
• Construction Zones and Public Transit Risks – Uneven surfaces or obstructed walkways at CTA stations, such as Roosevelt or Belmont, and sidewalk closures near The Loop or West Loop construction sites frequently contribute to slip and fall injuries.

Chicago Property Owners’ Duties to Prevent Slips and Falls

Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, property owners must take reasonable steps to ensure visitor safety, whether it’s a business on Michigan Avenue or an apartment in Hyde Park. While they aren’t liable for obvious dangers or unknown risks, they must address hazards that could harm people on their property.

• Maintaining a Safe Environment – A “reasonable person” standard determines how owners should act. For example, a River North restaurant manager needs to quickly clean spills and place wet floor signs, while a landlord should inspect hallways and sidewalks for cracks or debris to prevent accidents.
• Clear Signage and Warnings – If a hazard can’t be fixed immediately—for example, a wet floor at a busy CTA station—property owners should post signs or barriers to warn people.
• Prompt Removal of Ice and Snow – During Chicago’s winters, icy sidewalks and entrances pose significant risks. Property owners along Lake Shore Drive or in the Loop should consistently shovel and salt to prevent slips and falls.

Liability in Slip and Fall Accident Cases

Liability for a slip and fall accident can rest on different parties, depending on the circumstances and location of the accident. Below are examples of who might be held responsible:

• The Property Owner – If Downtown Chicago landlords or property owners fail to address issues like water leaks or poorly maintained common areas, they could be held liable for injuries. This includes landlords who fail to maintain common areas in apartment buildings.
• Employees or Contractors – Cleaning staff, construction workers, or restaurant employees may be responsible if their negligence leads to accidents.
• The Manufacturer – Defective products, like poorly designed ladders, can make manufacturers liable if the product causes a fall.
• Maintenance Personnel – Property managers or groundskeepers who neglect hazards like ice, snow, or sidewalk cracks may be at fault for accidents.
• Government Agencies – If public property is unsafe, government entities might be liable, but victims must meet specific notice deadlines to file claims.

Our Chicago premises liability attorneys can help identify the liable parties and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Establishing Whether You Have a Slip and Fall Case

If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, the law requires that you prove you were legally on the property and that the owner was negligent. The following are the elements required to prove and win a slip and fall case:

• The property owner knew about the issue
• They failed to correct it
• The hazard existed so long that the owner should have discovered and fixed it before you got hurt

To determine liability and reasonableness, the court examines if the defendant knew or should have known about the hazard and whether they acted to fix it or warn others. Factors include property type, hazard severity, how long it existed, and the owner’s response.

When you hire our fall lawyers, slip and fall evidence will be recovered to help you prove negligence.

Victims’ Fault and the Success of Their Slip and Fall Claims

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence model in personal injury cases, including slip and fall incidents. Under this rule, victims can only obtain compensation if they are less than 50% at fault.

For instance, if a facility addresses a spill by marking and cleaning the area, but you ignore warnings or fail to exercise caution, a court may find you more than 50% responsible, barring compensation.

Common Places Where Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Chicago

According to slip and fall statistics, these incidents are the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Anyone can suffer injuries from a fall, regardless of gender or age. Some common places where slips and falls accidents occur are:

• The workplace – Slips and falls are the number one cause of workers’ compensation claims;
• Nursing homes – Nursing home falls can be especially dangerous, as seniors are much more likely to die as a result of their injuries.
• Private property – If you fall on someone’s private property, the homeowner can be held responsible.
• Chicago Retail Stores & Supermarkets – Slippery floors from spilled liquids or items that have been knocked off shelves can pose serious risks in places like HomeGoods, IKEA, Costco, and 7-Eleven.
• Restaurants and Cafés in Chicago – Fast-paced service and messy eating areas can lead to spills that aren’t cleaned up fast enough. Examples include Baskin-Robbins, Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, and Wendy’s.
• Airports and Stadiums – Busy hallways and concourses often become congested, and wet floors from tracked-in rain or snow add to the danger. For example, slips and falls may occur at Guaranteed Rate Field, Midway International Airport, O’Hare International Airport, United Center, and Wrigley Field.
• Popular Chicago Attractions – Large crowds and frequent visitors can mean more wear and tear on facilities, creating hidden slip hazards at places like Willis Tower, Grant Park, and Soldier Field.
• Malls, Construction Sites, & Nursing Homes – Malls, like Woodfield Mall in Chicago, often have slick floors and tight corners, and construction zones can leave debris or uneven surfaces, all leading to slips and falls.
• Commercial property – A commercial property owner or the tenant currently occupying the space can be held liable for falls.

The Time You Have to File an Illinois Slip and Fall Claim

Per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Chicago is two years from the date of the accident. You will not be able to file a personal injury claim after this time elapses unless your case falls into an exception that extends the deadline.

Also, the sooner you reach out for help, the easier it will be for your personal injury lawyer to find the evidence they need.

Chicago Slip and Fall FAQs

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Incident?

After a slip and fall, prioritize getting medical attention to address your injuries. If possible, report the incident to the police to document the event and request medical help if needed. Once treated, consult a slip and fall lawyer promptly. Your Chicago slip and fall injury attorney can investigate the site, gather witness statements, and obtain medical and first responder reports.

What Should I Do If I Fell in My Apartment?

Document the dangerous condition that caused your slip, such as a broken step or slippery floor from a leaky pipe. If the landlord or property manager neglected to fix the hazard, you might recover compensation for medical expenses or lost wages. Keep records of communication with your landlord about the issue. Consult a Chicago slip and fall law firm as well.

How Do I Pay Medical Bills Following a Slip and Fall?

Your health insurance may initially cover some costs, but you might still be left with significant expenses after the accident occured. A personal injury lawyer can pursue a premises liability case to seek compensation for treatments. If you secure a fair settlement or court award, that money can pay your outstanding medical bills.

How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?

Every case is different, and the complexity of your claim can affect how long it takes. Chicago courts often have busy dockets as well, so the availability of judges is a factor. Additionally, the willingness of the property owner’s insurance company to negotiate will play a part. A slip and fall case can sometimes settle in months or stretch beyond a year.

Can I File a Slip and Fall Injury Lawsuit if the Incident Happened at Work?

If you fell at work due to negligence, you might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical costs and some lost wages. Additionally, if a third party caused the fall, you could file a premises liability claim to seek damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Consult an experienced Chicago slip and fall lawyer to identify the best course of action.

Can I Sue the Government if I Fell on Public Property?

Yes, but suing a government entity often involves strict guidelines for filing notices and meeting legal deadlines. If government entities fail to maintain sidewalks or buildings under their care, you may hold them accountable for your injuries. Because those claims can be complex, it’s always a good idea to consult a Chicago slip and fall accident attorney.

Is a Property Owner Liable for Injuries to Trespassers?

Generally, property owners in Chicago owe no duty of care to adult trespassers unless they acted recklessly or intended to cause harm. However, defendants could be liable for foreseeable risks if a child trespasser is involved.

Do I Have to Go to the Doctor After I Fall?

Even if you feel okay, seeing a doctor is important because injuries like head trauma or spinal cord injuries might not show symptoms right away. Documentation from a medical exam can also support your premises liability case against the responsible party. Quick treatment helps protect your health and your legal claim.

Do I Need an Attorney to File a Premises Liability Claim?

While it’s possible to file on your own, hiring a slip and fall lawyer can make it easier to gather evidence of someone else’s negligence and negotiate with insurance companies. A slip and fall lawyer understands how to prove liability and can protect your rights during the legal process.

Insurance companies tend to take you more seriously the moment you start working with a Chicago slip and fall lawyer, leading to a better settlement offer.

Are Chicago Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers Expensive?

The Chicago slip and fall lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t need to pay anything upfront for our help filing your claim. Instead, we take a small portion of the settlement that we help you win. If we are unable to recover compensation for your legal claim, you won’t owe us anything for our help.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

We know the challenges you face after an accident caused by unsafe premises. Our team investigates your personal injury claim, gathers the necessary evidence, and challenges unreasonable insurers. We work to calculate your damages and secure the compensation you deserve. If you need a dedicated fall accident lawyer, we’re here to help. Reach out for a free initial consultation.

Consult a Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer Near You!

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, consult with a Chicago slip and fall accident lawyer as soon as possible to see what your options are regarding the legal process. Our personal injury law firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We work on a contingency basis, so you do not need to spend any money out of your pocket for legal fees.

Contact the Chicago slip and fall attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757. We’re available 24/7 to answer your call.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895

We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Elgin, Peoria, Schaumburg and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.