Chicago Slip and Fall Injury Attorney
Lawyers Helping Recover Damages from Negligent Property Owners in Chicago, Illinois
Slipping on a wet surface, tripping on an unseen hazard, or falling down a damaged stairwell are dangerous situations that affect a wide variety of people, and while many cases only involve minor bumps and bruises, others can result in severe injuries. While everyone is likely to fall down at times for a variety of reasons, when these incidents occur because of a property owner's negligence, a victim has the right to pursue compensation that addresses the harm done to them.
The premises liability attorneys of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC understand how serious slip and fall injuries can be, and we are dedicated to helping our clients recover full and fair compensation. We have the resources to investigate these cases and obtain evidence of negligence, ensuring that victims can achieve justice and that the negligent parties are held responsible.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners or tenants are required to take the proper steps to address hazards that exist on their property, and if they fail to correct hazards or provide proper warnings, they may be liable for injuries that occur as a result. Some common reasons slip and fall injuries occur include:
- Snowy or icy surfaces - A business owner or other property owner is typically required to clear pathways of ice and snow, ensuring that walking surfaces are safe for pedestrians and customers to use. In Illinois, a property owner may be liable for injuries which occurred due to an unnatural accumulation of ice or snow, such as a sidewalk which had iced over because of improper drainage.
- Slippery floors - Floors can become very slick after they are cleaned or in rainy weather, leading to serious hazards. Business owners should be sure wet floors are clearly marked.
- Uneven surfaces - Tripping hazards can be caused by a variety of issues, such as uneven pavement, broken sidewalks, potholes, loose or missing floor tiles, or damaged carpets. Failure to perform proper maintenance to address these hazards may be considered negligence on the part of a property owner.
- Dangerous stairwells - Falls that occur when a person is going up or down stairs can cause especially serious injuries. These types of accidents may occur when stairs are broken, slippery, or otherwise dangerous to navigate, and a property owner may be held responsible for their failure to provide a safe environment.
- Missing or damaged handrails - If proper handrails are not provided on raised walkways, platforms, balconies, or stairs, or if rails break while they are being used, this can result in a fall to a lower level, leading to severe, life-threatening injuries.
- Improper lighting - Stairs, curbs, and tripping hazards can be difficult to see if lighting is dim. A property owner's failure to replace broken light bulbs or provide adequate light may be considered negligence.
Contact a Cook County Fall Injury Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, sprains, dislocated joints, and even disability or death. If you have suffered this type of injury due to the negligence of a property or business owner, you deserve to receive compensation that will fully address the harm that was done to you and your family. To learn more about how we can help you recover damages for a slip and fall injury, contact our Chicago law office at 312-605-8800 to arrange a free consultation.