What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries in Illinois

A slip and fall injury can have a significant impact on your life. Slip and fall injuries can occur anywhere to anyone, and they can be very frightening because they are so unexpected. Slip and fall injuries can lead to a great deal of pain and life-altering consequences, such as high medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

If you have suffered a slip and fall injury, you need experienced Chicago slip and fall lawyers and to talk to a personal injury lawyer who can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. You need experienced Chicago slip and fall lawyers by your side to ensure you receive the fair recovery you deserve.

Call us today at (312) 236-2900 to find out how we can help you.

The Dangers of Slip & Fall Accidents in Chicago

These accidents can cause more damage than just skinned palms or bruised knees. Cases are unique, and there can be significant differences depending on the victim and the cause of their fall.

The Height of the Fall Affects Your Injuries

When you trip, you are subject to the forces of gravity. That sounds like common sense, but that means that you could be falling from varying heights. In the best case scenario, you are falling a few feet.

However, in some circumstances, you could fall much further. Even short falls can put forces on your body that you aren’t prepared for. Other falls, like down a faulty flight of stairs, could mean you suffer significantly.

Some People Are More Prone to Falls & Injuries

The statistics show that there are some people more likely to trip and get hurt in those incidents. Our bodies change as we age, which means they are more fragile. Coordination can be reduced, leading to more chances of slipping and falling.

Children are less careful than adults. We might expect them to bounce back after an injury, it’s likely that they’d get hurt because of their recklessness. However, if someone’s negligence contributed to their accident, you can pursue a premises liability claim.

Falls Can Cause Long-Term Health Complications

Slip and fall accidents can disrupt your life. There can be long-lasting impacts after an injury. Even minor falls could cause tissue damage. Left untreated, these injuries can worsen, affecting your day-to-day life.

Some injuries can change your way of life. If you were paralyzed by your fall, you will likely need help moving around, and you may have to change your habits to accommodate these changes.

Falls Happen in Hazardous Environments

While there can be small chances of your foot catching as your walking down the sidewalk, there are some places where a fall is far more likely than in other spots.

There could be loose carpet, wet floors, defective or cluttered stairs, uneven surfaces, or even poor lighting.

A landlord or manager has a duty to correct such hazards. If they don’t and you get hurt, you could be able to pursue damages.

Dealing With the Aftermath of a Fall Accident in Chicago

As stated, these accidents can cause significant injuries and you could be paying steep bills for treatment for an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence.

Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall injuries range in severity and may occur on commercial properties that are unsafe due to slippery or unstable surfaces, torn carpeting, potholes in parking lots, recently waxed or mopped floors, defective sidewalks, and loose floorboards. Here is a brief list of the types of slip and fall injuries that are widely seen in Chicago:

• Broken Bones: Broken bones can be minor or more serious injuries that demand a number of surgeries. They can also spark tissue damage which may necessitate therapy to prevent chronic pain.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: When the spinal cord is compressed or severed, spinal cord injuries arise. In many cases, spinal cord injuries are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention and long-term treatment plans that are very costly.
• Head Injuries: A head injury, especially when it causes bleeding, swelling, and a loss of consciousness, demands immediate medical care. While minor concussions typically improve on their own, traumatic brain injuries can lead to memory, mobility, and behavioral issues.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries may not become apparent until days or weeks following a fall. They can range from ankle sprains to ligament and tendon tears. When they are ignored, chronic pain and subsequent injuries become likely.

Costs Created By Slip & Fall Accidents

When you’re hurt in Chicago, the financial impact of a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming.

Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments, can quickly add up. If the injuries are severe, you might not be able to work, resulting in lost wages and a reduced ability to earn in the future.

The emotional and psychological toll, including stress and anxiety, can further affect your ability to work and enjoy life.

What is Negligence in a Slip and Fall?

Many slip and fall accidents happen because of hazardous conditions that could have been prevented. Wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways are common culprits.

Property owners in Illinois have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors.

Proving negligence involves showing that the property owner failed to address these hazards, leading to your accident and injuries.

Tips to Avoid Slip & Falls

When visiting someone else’s property in Chicago, it’s important to stay vigilant and take precautions to avoid slip and fall accidents. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. Use Handrails: When using stairs, always hold onto handrails for extra support and stability. This is especially important if the stairs are steep or poorly lit.
2. Watch for Wet Floors: Be cautious in areas where spills are likely, such as kitchens or bathrooms. If you see a spill, try to avoid the area and inform the property owner.
3. Take Care on Entryways: Entrance areas can be particularly hazardous, especially during rainy or snowy weather. Wipe your feet thoroughly to avoid bringing in water or snow, and step carefully.
4. Avoid Distracted Walking: Try not to use your phone or be otherwise distracted while walking. Staying focused on where you are going can help you notice and avoid hazards.
5. Ask for Assistance: If you encounter a hazard or feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to ask the property owner or manager for assistance. They may be able to address the issue or help you navigate safely.

Hurt in a Slip & Fall? Call the Staver Team Now

If you have sustained an injury in a slip and fall accident caused by a hazard on someone else’s property, Chicago slip and fall attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can hold the property owner liable for their negligence.

We will work to prove that an unsafe condition on the property led to your slip, trip, or fall, the property owner should have been aware of the unsafe condition, and there was adequate time for the condition to be repaired or warnings to be displayed, yet neither was done.

Call us today at (312) 236-2900 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We will not charge you unless you recover compensation for your losses.