SLIP AND FALL ATTORNEYS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

A slip-and-fall accident can happen out of the blue, and it can be life-altering. In an instant, you may find yourself dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills. We understand how overwhelming this can be. The uncertainty of what lies ahead can be daunting, but please know that you're not alone. 

At Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, we're more than just legal professionals - we're your allies, your advocates, and your partners through this challenging journey. Based in the heart of Chicago, we serve clients throughout Cook County and the surrounding communities, offering comprehensive legal services tailored to your unique needs. 

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. They're often caused by hazardous conditions on someone else's property - a slippery supermarket floor, uneven sidewalks, poorly lit staircases, or debris-strewn pathways. It's crucial to understand that these aren't mere accidents - they're often the result of someone's negligence. 

As experienced attorneys, we've seen the impact these accidents can have on individuals and families. Injuries can range from minor bruises to severe fractures, spinal cord injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries. The aftermath often includes exorbitant medical bills, loss of income, and emotional turmoil. 

Establishing Liability

To successfully pursue a slip and fall claim, we must establish that the property owner was negligent. This means proving that they failed to maintain a safe environment, leading to your accident. Establishing liability isn't easy, but our team is well-versed in the intricacies of these cases. Steps for establishing liability include: 

• Identifying the property owner or occupier. 

• Proving that the defendant was negligent in maintaining the property. 

• Demonstrating that the negligence directly resulted in your injury. 

• Showing that the injury has caused damages such as medical expenses or loss of income. 

We meticulously investigate each case, collecting essential evidence such as photographs of the scene, witness statements, and surveillance footage. These elements can be instrumental in demonstrating the property owner's negligence and securing the compensation you deserve. 

Proving Negligence

Proving negligence in a slip and fall case requires establishing four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Property owners are required to maintain a safe environment for visitors. If they fail to do so and you're injured as a result, they could be held liable. Here's how we go about proving these four elements: 

• Duty of Care: We establish that the property owner had a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. 

• Breach of Duty: We provide evidence showing that the property owner failed to uphold this responsibility. 

• Causation: We demonstrate a clear link between the property owner's negligence and your injury. 

• Damages: We document the extent of your injuries and other losses to quantify the damages owed to you. 

Our attorneys are skilled in gathering the necessary evidence and crafting compelling arguments to prove negligence. We understand that this process can feel overwhelming, but rest assured, we'll be with you every step of the way. 

Types of Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

The injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents can vary greatly in severity. These injuries can have long-lasting impacts on your life, affecting your ability to work, enjoy recreational activities, and even perform daily tasks. Some common injuries include: 

• Head Injuries 

• Orthopedic Injuries (knee, hip, ankle, etc.)

• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

• Soft Tissue Injuries (sprains, strains, bruises)

• Broken Bones

We empathize with the physical and emotional toll these injuries can take. Our firm is committed to fighting for you, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Seeking Compensation in Slip and Fall Cases

If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation. This can include economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Illinois

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of your slip and fall accident to file a personal injury claim. However, there can be exceptions to this rule, particularly in cases involving government entities or medical malpractice. It's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss this deadline.