At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to victims of slip and fall accidents in Orland Park. Each experienced Orland Park slip and fall attorney in our law offices will work tirelessly to recover compensation you deserve. We are well-versed in Illinois law pertaining to personal injury cases and have a proven track record of success in defending the rights of our Orland Park clients. Trust us to turn your unfortunate incident into a case of justice served.
In this Article
When Is a Slip and Fall Accident a Valid Personal Injury Case?
Under Illinois law, a slip and fall accident is defined as a situation where an individual slips, trips, or falls, and gets injured on another person’s property due to some form of negligence or unsafe conditions. The liability of such cases generally lies with the negligent property owner accountable for the maintenance of the property. The victim must prove liability by demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition but did nothing to rectify it.
When is My Slip and Fall Injury Not a Valid Personal Injury Case?
In Illinois, not all slip and fall accidents constitute a valid personal injury lawsuit case. Specifically, if the hazard was open and obvious, or if the victim was trespassing or engaged in illegal activity at the time of the accident, the property owner may not be held liable. Furthermore, the doctrine of comparative negligence in Illinois can reduce the compensation if the victim is found to be partly responsible for the accident.
Common Places for Slip and Fall Accidents in Orland Park
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, but in Orland Park, they are most common slip and fall accidents occur in the following locations:
Grocery Stores: Busy, often cluttered spaces where spills or merchandise can cause slip and fall accidents.
Restaurants: With frequent food and drink spills, these establishments pose a high risk for slips and falls.
Private Homes: Uneven steps, clutter, or slippery surfaces can lead to serious injuries in private residences.
Public Parks: Poor maintenance can result in accidents on trails, playgrounds, or other facilities within public parks.
Malls and Retail Stores: Overcrowded aisles, unattended merchandise, or poor lighting can lead to hazardous conditions and accidents.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some minor bumps, and some which can be severe. These include broken bones, hip fractures, sprains and strains, head injuries and traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death in extreme cases. The severity of the injury can often depend on the victim’s age and general health, as well as the nature and circumstances of the accident.
Why Do Many Slip and Fall Accidents Involve Elderly People?
Elderly individuals are particularly susceptible to slip and fall accidents due to various factors. As we age, physical strength and balance naturally decline, increasing the risk of falls.
Additionally, elderly individuals often suffer from health conditions like osteoporosis which can make bones more fragile. Vision impairment, slow reaction times, and the use of certain medications can also increase their likelihood of experiencing a slip and fall accident.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Orland Park
If you or a family member has been involved in a slip and fall accident in Orland Park, here are the steps you should follow:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical help even if injuries seem minor at first, and retain your medical records.
Report the Accident: Notify the property owner or whoever was responsible for keeping the property safe.
Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any potential hazards that contributed to the fall.
Collect Witness Information: If there were any witnesses, gather their contact information for potential future use.
Don’t Provide Statements: Avoid making any statements to the property owner or their insurance company without consulting a lawyer.
Contact an Orland Park Slip and Fall Injury Attorney: Speak with an experienced lawyer who is adept at handling premises liability cases.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall?
Yes, hiring a lawyer for a slip and fall case can significantly improve your chances of receiving full compensation. A skilled slip and fall lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine the role negligence played, gather crucial evidence, and build a strong argument on your behalf to pursue compensation.
They will navigate the complexities of the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get a fair settlement.
Can an Injured Trespasser Sue a Property Owner after a Slip and Fall Accident?
Yes, in certain circumstances, a trespasser with a slip and fall injury may have grounds to sue a negligent property owner under the Illinois Premises Liability Act.
What Is the Illinois Premises Liability Act?
The Illinois Premises Liability Act is a law that outlines the responsibilities of property owners towards visitors.
It stipulates that property owners must ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for lawful visitors. This includes the duty to warn visitors of any known hazards, and to regularly inspect the property for potential hazards.
The Act also provides the guidelines for determining liability when a visitor suffers an injury due to unsafe conditions on a someone else’s property.
Types of Compensation for a Slip and Fall
Injury victims with slip and fall cases may be entitled to several types of financial compensation including economic and non-economic damages:
Medical Expenses: Covering medical bills and costs of treatment, both immediate and ongoing.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost and diminished earning capacity due to injury
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
Loss of Consortium: For loss of companionship or family support.
And more.
What Is My Case Worth?
The value of slip and fall injury cases depends on several factors including the severity of the injury and the degree of fault attributed to the owner of private or commercial property. Additional factors include the victim’s age and pre-accident health condition, the extent of pain and suffering experienced by the victim, and the quality of evidence presented.
Contact a Orland Park Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
When you need an experienced Orland Park slip and fall injury attorney, don’t hesitate to contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This allows you to work with your experienced slip and fall attorney without worrying about upfront legal costs and other expenses. During a free consultation, a personal injury attorney will discuss the specifics of your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide an initial assessment of the value of your potential claim.
Regain control of your life after an accident—call us today to begin your journey to the recovery of maximum compensation.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
Britt C.
Andrew Kryder went above and beyond to help me out with a case that I brought to him. He was prompt, attentive, and extremely thorough. It was a pleasure to work with him!