If you were injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. A slip and fall accident lawyer in Oak Lawn can help you build a strong claim and hold the responsible party accountable.
Our founding partner’s background in insurance defense means we understand how these claims are contested, and we use that knowledge to protect you. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we fight for injured people. Choose Charlie. Contact our Oak Lawn personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Oak Lawn
The steps you take immediately after a slip and fall can significantly affect the strength of your claim. Property owners and their insurers often begin investigating right away, and you should take steps to preserve evidence as quickly as possible.
If you are able, report the incident to the property owner or manager before leaving and ask for a written copy of any incident report. Do not assume the property owner will preserve surveillance footage or other evidence on your behalf.
Here are some important steps to take after a slip and fall accident:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a copy of the report
- Photograph the hazard, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, from grocery stores and restaurants to apartment buildings and parking lots. In many cases, the hazard that caused the fall was something the property owner knew about or should have known about and failed to fix.
Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting are among the most frequently reported causes of these accidents. In Illinois, winter weather creates additional hazards, including icy walkways and snow-covered parking lots that property owners are responsible for addressing.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors without adequate warning signs
- Uneven pavement, broken sidewalks, or damaged flooring
- Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking areas
- Snow and ice accumulation on walkways or entryways
- Loose rugs, mats, or flooring materials that create tripping hazards
Injuries That Commonly Result From Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries can range from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to serious injury from these accidents, but people of any age can suffer significant harm from an unexpected fall.
Broken bones, particularly wrist and hip fractures, are among the most common outcomes. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, can also result from falls, especially when the victim strikes their head on a hard surface.
Back and spinal injuries are another serious concern. A fall that causes a herniated disc or spinal cord damage can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and a long and difficult recovery that affects every aspect of daily life.
Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Case
One of the most challenging aspects of a slip and fall claim is establishing that the property owner was actually at fault. Illinois law requires you to show that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn visitors.
Property owners and their insurers often argue that the hazard was obvious, that the injured person was not paying attention, or that the condition had only just developed. These defenses can be difficult to counter without strong evidence gathered early in the process.
Our Oak Lawn slip and fall accident lawyer can help you investigate the circumstances of your fall, identify liable parties, and build the evidence needed to support your claim. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving the documentation that matters most.
What Compensation May Be Available to You
A successful slip and fall claim may allow you to recover damages for a range of losses. The specific amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the insurance coverage available from the responsible party.
Compensation may include current and future medical expenses, lost wages if your injuries kept you from working, and costs associated with ongoing rehabilitation or physical therapy. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also be factored into your claim.
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility. If your fault exceeds 50%, you may not be able to recover at all. However, don’t assume fault without speaking with our Oak Lawn slip and fall accident lawyers.
How Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Can Help
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have been standing up for injured people across the Chicago area since 2002. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and bring more than 75 years of combined legal experience to premises liability and slip and fall cases.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also have relationships with medical providers who accept liens, so you can access the care you need even if your claim is still being resolved.
Our client portal makes it easy to share documents and stay in touch with our team, and we offer Zoom consultations so you can speak with us from wherever you are most comfortable. When you work with us, you will always be treated as an individual, not a case number.
Speak With a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Oak Lawn Today
If you were hurt on someone else’s property, you should not have to bear the financial burden of your recovery alone. Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today to schedule your consultation with our Oak Lawn slip and fall accident attorneys.
