Liability in Chicago Slip and Fall Cases

In Chicago, slip and fall accidents are commonly caused by snow and ice. Other causes for slip-and-falls are escalators and moving walkways; additionally, spills and debris left on the floor in a store. They can happen in a variety of ways.  When presented, injured individuals must prove their injuries caused by the negligence of another. Determining liability in a Chicago slip and fall case can be complex, and many may not believe an individual’s claim.

To have the best chance in your case, you should contact a skilled slip and fall lawyer in Chicago right away for help determining liability and protecting your rights during the process of your case.

Common Injuries

Chicago attorneys see a variety of injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents. They have had several cases that result in severe injury to people’s heads or in broken bones. They see injuries affecting the lower back, knees, elbows, and wrists often as well.

The issues that arise include a person starting to slip, twisting in unexpected ways can sometimes cause whiplash-type injuries.

Duty of Care

When determining liability in Chicago slip and fall cases, it is important to recognize that owners have a duty owed of reasonable care under the circumstances regarding the state of the premises or the acts done or omitted on them.

The duty of care is owed by the owner or the occupier of the land. It can be different in many different circumstances. Often times, there are tenants or lessees that are occupying the land and are under control of the conditions on a land. Depending on the circumstances, both the person operating on the land as well as the actual or title owner to the land receive liability as well.

Chicago Slip and Fall Cases Involving Multiple Defendants

A slip-and-fall accident can create liability for multiple defendants. A person could have the owner of the land as well as the lessor; if the land owned by one entity and leased out as a retail store.

Additionally, maintenance companies required and contracted; they can be liable as well if they fail to maintain the property in a safe condition.

If an accident happens in a ‘common area’, multiple parties could be responsible for maintenance of that area. They would therefore would be liable if an unsafe condition existed.

Safety Requirements

The requirements that determine liability in Chicago slip and fall cases are created by the duties imposed under the owner’s Premises Liability Act. The duty imposed under the Premises Liability Act is that of reasonable care under the certain circumstances regarding the state of the premises or acts done or omitted on them.

The possibility exists where the party responsible for maintaining the safe condition on a land or the premises requires that multiple actions taken. If the failure to complete any one of those actions renders the property unsafe and in violation of the landowner’s duty of reasonable care under the circumstances, then the owner or occupier of the land will be liable. An attorney is essential help in the process of this determination. So, don’t wait! We look forward to hearing from you.