If you or someone you love has been involved in an indoor Illinois slip and fall accident, you may be wondering what your legal rights are. An Illinois slip and fall lawyer can help you understand how to determine liability and what recourses you may have to recover compensation. Since slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death, it is important that you contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer to discuss these options.
Property owners can be held liable if their failure to take necessary precautions resulted in a slip and fall injury. In addition, if a property owner failed to correct a problem that led to a slip and fall accident, then the owner may also be held liable.
Conditions That Can Lead to Indoor Slip and Fall Accidents
Most slip and fall accidents occur due to the condition of the flooring. Although property owners are expected to take care of their floors, if a wet floor leads to a slip and fall injury, then the owner may be held liable. If a property owner does any of the following, they may also be liable for injuries sustained in a Chicago slip and fall accident:
- Fails to provide adequate warnings that a floor is being cleaned or is wet;
- Fails to close off an area that is wet;
- Uses too much polish or wax on a floor;
- Unevenly applies polish or wax on floor;
- Treats only some parts of the floor which causes a change in conditions when walking across it;
- Treats flooring that is inclined or slopes; and
- If required, a failure to use non-skid ingredients when treating a floor.
If you are involved in an indoor slip and fall in Chicago due to any of the above reasons, then you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you determine eligibility.
Floors that are carpeted or have mats and rugs can also lead to an indoor slip and fall accident in Chicago. Indoor conditions that can lead to slip and fall accidents involving carpets and rugs include:
- Areas of carpet are torn or bulging;
- Mats or rugs that have edges which are curled or stand up;
- Spots in the carpeting, rug or mat that are worn; and
- Object in the material that causes your foot to catch.
Slip and fall accidents can also occur on stairs. If a property owner is aware of a condition on the stairs that could lead to an injury or if there is a failure to fix a problem, then they may be liable for any injuries sustained. Some of the conditions on stairs that could lead to a Chicago slip and fall accident include:
- Stairs are worn;
- Stairs are rounded, leading to a person slipping;
- Stairs are littered or contain objects;
- Stairs have been treated with wax or polish and there is not a non-skid surface, adequate warnings or area is not barricaded; and
- Missing or broken handrail.
A slip and fall injury can also occur on an elevator or escalator. Property owners are especially held responsible for these modes of transporting people. They must ensure that the equipment is safe and maintained properly. Some of the conditions that could lead to an indoor slip and fall on an escalator or elevator include:
- Sudden and unexpected movement in the machinery;
- Clothing or body parts get caught in a part of the elevator/escalator; and
- Malfunctioning equipment.
No matter how minor an indoor slip and fall accident may appear, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment and consult with a Chicago personal injury lawyer. Damage from injuries may not always appear immediately. A Chicago injury lawyer can guide you regarding the right steps to protect your rights.
Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury LawyerWhen you have the help of a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your family’s long term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080
