A property owner is liable when you slip and fall on their land. These injuries are common at work, grocery stores, private properties, or parking lots. Dangerous conditions, such as uneven flooring, puddles, ice, or poor lighting, frequently cause people to trip, slip, or fall. That said, property owners should often inspect their property for hazards to protect visitors.
When you get hurt after slipping on someone else’s property, you can pursue financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. You may require extensive medical care and you could be out of work for months. A successful personal injury settlement could reimburse you for the cost of your medical care and lost income. Speak with an Aurora slip and fall accident lawyer with over 30 years of experience to discuss your legal rights.
Common Slip and Fall Hazards
Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors, whether they own a home, store, or other public space. Common hazards that cause slip and fall accidents include the following:
- Unlocked pools
- Poor cleaning
- Broken stairs or uneven flooring
- Bad lighting
- Debris
- Ice, rain, or snow
- Inadequate signage
Slip and fall accidents are avoidable with proper precautions. Store owners should frequently inspect their aisles and parking lots for hazards. Moreover, homeowners should repair broken stairs, uneven flooring, or other hazards. A diligent attorney in Aurora could investigate your case to determine how your slip and fall accident occurred and file a claim against the responsible party.
Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents
You can suffer a range of injuries after a tripping incident. Compensation will depend on the severity of your harm. Frequent injuries sustained in slip and fall cases include:
- Traumatic brain injury or other head trauma
- Broken or fractured bones
- Spinal cord injury or paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Hip injuries
- Cuts or lacerations
These injuries can often require expensive medical treatment. Fortunately, an Aurora lawyer could file a claim to recover damages for your slip and fall injuries.
Premises Liability Laws in Illinois
Determining liability in slip and fall cases is complicated for many reasons. Premises liability law considers the property owner’s actions as well as the injured person’s actions. For example, the defendant could avoid liability entirely when you slip because you failed to avoid a hazard on their property. Other factors—including the type of property you fell on—can also impact who is responsible.
Under Illinois premises liability law, you must demonstrate that the property owner was negligent in order to collect compensation. Examples of negligence include failure to maintain the property or address a dangerous hazard or condition. In a premises liability case, the defendant will sometimes challenge their liability by arguing they were unaware of the hazardous condition. A hardworking attorney in Aurora can fight back against the defendant’s argument and prove they caused the tripping accident.
Speak With a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in Aurora Today
When you get hurt in a slip and fall accident in Aurora, speak with a personal injury attorney about filing a claim. Our experienced legal professionals at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. can help you investigate the cause of your slip and fall and determine who is legally responsible for your injuries. A successful personal injury settlement or lawsuit could reimburse the cost of your medical care and lost income so that you can focus on recovering.
In Illinois, personal injury victims have two years to pursue a claim for their injuries, so act quickly when you want to take legal action. Contact our office today for a consultation regarding your slip and fall case.