What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries in Illinois?

 Posted on February 28,2020 in Personal Injury

A “slip and fall” injury may sound minor, but such an injury can be debilitating for the victim. A person can suffer a serious injury as a pedestrian, a patron at a store or restaurant, or even as a visitor in someone else’s home. In some cases, proving premises liability can be complicated. Illinois premises liability law only applies when an injury is due to an unsafe condition that the property owner or operator knew about or should have known about and corrected. It is important to understand the laws regarding this if you are ever hurt under these circumstances.  

The Premises Liability Act

Under Illinois law, the Premises Liability Act outlines what duty property owners have to individuals who enter their premises. If a property owner fails to take reasonable care to keep their land or structure safe, the state of Illinois may hold them accountable for damages that could occur to guests. This includes both individuals who are invited by a property owner (invitees) and people who are there for their own enjoyment (licensees). 

Besides an expectation that the premises will be properly maintained and clear of hazards, these entrants are also entitled to prior knowledge of any known defects or dangers. For example, a sign warning of a wet floor or areas that are under construction. One important facet of the premises liability law is that it does not apply to adult trespassers. That means property owners are not responsible for an injury that occurs as a result of trespassing. 

Typical Injuries from a Slip and Fall Accident

Falls are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits. A person’s overall health and age can affect the severity of their accident. A few of the most common injuries suffered after slipping and falling include the following:

• Broken hip
• Fractured wrist/hand/arm
• Head trauma (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Sprained ankles
• Broken knee cap
• Torn rotator cuff/shoulder dislocation
• Lacerations

Contact a Will County Personal Injury Lawyer

A slip and fall accident can cause a victim to sustain serious and even life-altering injuries. If you or your loved one was hurt as a result of falling, a negligent property owner may be held liable. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. The skilled legal team at McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC is well-versed in Illinois law pertaining to all kinds of personal injury claims. Our qualified Joliet premises liability attorneys will aggressively advocate on your behalf to secure a favorable outcome. Call us today at 815-727-0100 to schedule your free consultation.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57