Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and Fall Attorney in Chicago
Slip and fall accidents are often downplayed, with property owners quick to blame victims for not watching their step. However, these incidents are frequently the direct result of property owners failing to meet their duty of care by keeping their premises safe. Whether it’s slippery floors, faulty handrails, or poorly lit walkways, dangerous conditions on a person’s property can lead to serious injuries, and those injured deserve justice.
At Susan E. Loggans & Associates P.C., our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of premises liability cases and fight aggressively to secure maximum compensation for fall injury victims. If you or a loved one has suffered a fall injury due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, our legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process and hold the negligent party accountable.
Common damages may include but are not limited to the following:
- medical expenses,
- emergency room expenses,
- future related medical costs,
- pain and suffering,
- lost wages,
- loss of future wages stemming from an inability to work,
- loss of a normal life,
- reconstructive surgery expenses,
- loss of consortium,
- wrongful death and
- other non-economic damages.
Why Choose Susan E. Loggans & Associates P.C. for Your Slip and Fall Case?
Dr. Susan E. Loggans is not just an experienced personal injury attorney; she has been a pioneer and relentless advocate for justice since 1974.
Loggans and her experienced team of personal injury lawyers believe in building a trustworthy attorney-client relationship. They don’t step back and let others handle your case; they personally manage and oversee every legal proceeding, ensuring you receive every penny owed to you, whether it’s through a settlement or taking your injury lawsuit to court.
Our fall accident lawyers have years of experience holding property owners and business owners accountable when they fail to maintain safe premises. We conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and build strong personal injury cases to secure justice for our clients. Call us at (312) 588-9773 to schedule a free case evaluation. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs or fees unless you receive a settlement or verdict.
Types of Slip and Fall Accidents and Causes
Without proper warning signs posted, slip and fall incidents can happen anywhere—whether in a grocery store, parking lot, hotel, or restaurant. Property hazards can range from temporary issues like wet floors to permanent risks like uneven walkways. Some common causes of fall incidents include:
- Spills and Slippery Floors: Liquids or other substances left on floors can create hazardous, slippery conditions.
- Snow and Ice: Property owners have a responsibility to clear parking lots and walkways, especially during winter months.
- Potholes and Uneven Surfaces: Sidewalks, parking lots, and walkways with holes or cracks are common causes of falls.
- Defective Handrails and Stairways: Inadequate handrails and faulty staircases can lead to serious falls.
- Loose Carpeting or Flooring: Unsecured or worn carpeting can easily catch a person’s foot, causing them to fall.
- Poor Lighting: Dimly lit areas prevent people from seeing hazards and increase the risk of slip and fall accidents.
If these items are not caught, it could be considered negligent security or negligent inspections. Contact us to learn more.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, taking the following steps can protect your rights and strengthen your personal injury claim:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Care:
Even if injuries don’t appear severe initially, visiting a professional for medical attention is essential. Medical records are critical for documenting the extent of your injuries and proving your accident case.
2. File a Report
Report the incident to the property owner or manager. If you fall in an apartment complex, file the report with the landlord. Keep a copy of any incident report for your records.
3. Take Photos and Gather Evidence:
Photograph the accident scene, including any visible hazards, such as slippery floors or faulty stairways, before the property owner makes changes.
4. Collect Witness Information:
If anyone saw the accident, get their names and contact information. Witnesses
5. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone:
The insurance company may contact you quickly after the accident. Refrain from giving recorded statements, as they may use your words to minimize your fall claim. Instead, consult with an experienced slip and fall attorney.
Serious Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries can be life-changing, particularly for children and the elderly. Some of the serious injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Severe Lacerations
- Internal Organ Damage
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Neck and Back Injuries
These injuries often require long-term medical treatment and can lead to significant medical expenses. Our fall accident attorneys fight to secure fair compensation for both economic damages, like lost income and medical bills, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Slip and Fall Resources in Chicago
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Falls in the Workplace
The CDC is the United States Department of Health and Human Services agency that is the nation’s public health institute, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a federal agency that is a part of the CDC and is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. On this section of the CDC website, you can find facts and information about falls in the workplace. Elsewhere on the site, you can find information about slip, trip, and fall prevention for healthcare workers, fall prevention for children, and older adult falls.
Murphy-Hylton v. Lieberman Management Services, Inc., 2016 IL 120394
Pamela Murphy-Hylton was an owner and resident of a condominium unit at the Klein Creek Condominium complex in Carol Stream. The common elements of the property were owned and controlled by Klein Creek, and the Klein Creek Condominium Association retained Lieberman Management Services, Inc. to manage the property. After Murphy-Hylton slipped while walking on the sidewalk outside her condominium and sustained personal injuries, she brought a negligence action in the circuit court of Cook County against Lieberman and Klein Creek. The trial court granted the defendants’ motion for summary judgment, finding that the Snow and Ice Removal Act (745 Illinois Compiled Statute 75/0.01) provided immunity to the defendants, but the appellate court reversed and remanded, ruling that the immunity under the Act did not bar Murphy-Hylton’s cause of action. On December 1, 2016, the Supreme Court of Illinois affirmed the appellate court’s decision and held that while “the general rule in Illinois historically has been that under the common law, a landowner owes no duty to remove natural accumulations of snow and ice,” “landowners do owe a duty of reasonable care to prevent unnatural accumulations of ice and snow on their premises where they have actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition.”
The Law Firm That Fights for You | Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall accident due to a property owner’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal advice. The statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Illinois limits the time you have to take action, so it’s important to contact a lawyer promptly after an accident—whether it’s a car accident, truck accident, or any other type of case.
At Susan E. Loggans & Associates P.C., we provide legal representation for clients in slip-and-fall lawsuits. Our personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to recover compensation for your losses and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.