Illinois Wintertime Slip and Fall Accidents

 Posted on December 31, 2024 in Slip and Fall

At any time of year, people can sustain injuries from a slip or trip and fall on someone else’s property. Illinois premises liability laws allow eligible victims to collect compensation for their damages. During the winter months, there are increased risks of slip-and-fall accidents, both indoors and outside.

Proving that someone else’s negligence caused your accident can be challenging, but you must do so if you hope to receive compensation. A skilled Schaumburg, IL personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident and preserve the necessary evidence to support your claim.

Why Do Slip and Fall Risks Increase During the Winter?

Wintertime often brings snow and ice to Chicagoland, coating roads, sidewalks, bridges, parking lots, and yards with frozen precipitation. When walking outdoors, pedestrians are more likely to slip and fall during the winter months because:

• Snow, ice, and sleet can build up on walking surfaces.

• Days are shorter so more people are out walking after dark.

• Insufficient lighting, particularly after dark, can make it hard to see slick spots.

• Footwear may not have enough traction to keep someone from sliding.

• Cooling temperatures can cause snow or ice to refreeze, with ruts and chunks of ice causing uneven surfaces.

• Several inches of snow can hide objects in yards or on other walking surfaces, causing people to trip and fall over them.

In retail stores, office buildings, and other public spaces, patrons may track snow and ice through the entryway, causing slippery floors. While property owners or other responsible parties are legally obligated to keep their premises safe, winter weather sometimes makes that difficult to do.

What Damages Could I Receive After a Slip-and-Fall?

A slip-and-fall accident can cause several injuries, such as:

• Head or brain injuries

• Injuries to the knees, wrists, or hips

• Spinal cord injuries

• Fractures

• Bruises and cuts

Because of those injuries, you likely have multiple financial losses, including property damage, medical care costs, and lost income. You may also experience intangible losses, such as disability, disfigurement, and pain and suffering. In personal injury cases, damages are meant to reimburse you for your financial losses and compensate for your intangible losses.

Although you may qualify to collect various damages, that does not mean the responsible party’s insurance company wants to pay you. Securing the full amount you deserve without an attorney is unlikely.

How Can a Lawyer Help After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Finding the evidence needed to prove negligence in premises liability cases is usually difficult. Even with supporting evidence, you can face other complications with your case that could affect the amount of damages you receive. When you need to recover from injuries, you do not have time or energy to deal with investigating your accident and pursuing your compensation claim. Your attorney can perform all the necessary tasks to build your case. We will:

• Accurately evaluate and calculate your damages

• Handle insurer communications on your behalf

• Attempt to reach a favorable settlement offer through aggressive negotiations

• Take your case to court if necessary

Our actions are guided by our dedication to protecting your best interests. We always seek the maximum available amount of compensation for you.

Call a Skilled Arlington Heights, IL Slip and Fall Accident Attorney

When someone else’s negligence is responsible for your slip-and-fall injuries, Newland & Newland, LLP can help you hold them accountable. Call us at 847-797-8000 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our exceptional Palatine, IL premises liability lawyers.