Chicagoans are no strangers to snow, ice, and rain. Natural or man-made hazards can make floors, sidewalks, and walkways slippery and dangerous for pedestrians. Slip and fall accidents can occur with little warning and leave you or a loved one with agonizing injuries and expensive medical bills.
In Chicago, proprietors are required to keep their properties reasonably safe for others. When they neglect this, they may be responsible for paying compensation to you and others who are hurt as a result. Speak with Hale & Monico today about your legal rights and how we can help you assert them against a negligent property owner.
Negligence Leads to Wet Floor Accidents in Chicago
Business owners cannot control the weather. Nor can they prevent children or shoppers from spilling water, soda, or other liquids on the floor.
They must, however, take reasonable steps to locate and clean up any spills or slick spots on their property. Failing to do so allows a dangerous condition to continue and exposes the business to legal liability.
A court may order Chicago property owners or managers to compensate injured individuals if they are negligent in fulfilling the following obligations:
- Completing regular inspections of their properties
- Hiring sufficient staff
- Identifying and warning customers of a wet spill
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying a wet spill or hazard
The law requires proprietors to take reasonable measures to address slipping hazards. What constitutes reasonable action will vary from case to case. Consulting the skilled slip and fall accident team at Hale & Monico will help determine whether your slip and fall was due to another party’s carelessness.
Succeeding in Holding Chicago Proprietors Answerable
Four elements — duty of care, violation of the duty of care, causation, and resulting compensable harm — must be present before you are entitled to compensation. It is often necessary to interview witnesses and employees of the business, check maintenance records, and review video footage to prove these elements.
Unfortunately, without prompt action, some of this crucial evidence can disappear. Employees or witnesses may move away and be impossible to locate. Video footage may be overwritten or deleted after a few weeks. Records showing the frequency of property inspections and cleanings can become misplaced.
These occurrences jeopardize your chances of receiving the compensation you need for your injuries.
At Hale & Monico, we are experienced advocates who know the importance of properly documenting your case with evidence. We work quickly to preserve and collect the items necessary to give your case a greater chance of success.
What to Do Following a Wet Floor Slip and Fall Accident
The suddenness of a slip and fall can take you by surprise. It can be confusing to know what you should do and say. To protect your rights and ability to pursue a claim for damages, you should take the following actions after a fall:
- Ask for medical assistance, especially if you hit your head
- Make a note of the spill or hazard and its location
- Make a note of any warning signs or cones near the hazard
- If appropriate, take photos of the area
- Do not sign anything offered to you by the proprietor
- Seek legal counsel before speaking with an insurance company representative
Most businesses have insurance through companies that want to pay as little as possible after a slip and fall accident. As a result, they might attempt to coerce and pressure you into settling your case as quickly as possible.
The amount offered may be far below what you need to meet your bills, expenses, and losses. It is imperative, therefore, that you speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement from an insurance company.
How Much Your Wet Floor Slip and Fall Case Is Worth
It can be difficult to know just how much compensation you need and deserve after a slip and fall accident. You will certainly need to have medical bills and the cost of any hospital stays compensated.
Additionally, you may seek compensation for wages you could not earn because of being unable to work, along with any reduction in your future earning capacity.
You may be entitled to compensation for non-economic harm as well. This is true if you suffered mental trauma from the ordeal or if you are not able to enjoy life as fully as before your accident.
Reach Out for Help from Your Chicago Wet Floor Slip and Fall Legal Team
Illinois law only gives slip and fall victims a short window of time in which to file a claim for compensation. Call the office of Hale & Monico immediately if you or a loved one have slipped and fallen at a Chicago business.
We will tirelessly work to help you recover the compensation you require for your injuries. Schedule a free initial consultation with our competent and qualified personal injury attorneys today.