Springfield, IL Slip and Fall Attorneys
Sangamon County Law Firm Fighting for Slip and Fall Accident Victims
Slip and fall accidents can be unexpectedly dangerous, often resulting in serious injuries that significantly impact a victim's life. The physical pain is often accompanied by escalating medical bills and lost wages, adding financial stress to an already difficult situation.
If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property due to a safety hazard, you may have a personal injury claim. Under the state’s premises liability laws, property owners are obligated to maintain a safe environment, and if their failure to do so results in injury, they can be held liable for the resulting harm. At Haxel Law, we believe in holding negligent property owners accountable and can help you seek the full and fair compensation you deserve.
If you slipped and fell at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. We can assist with your workers’ compensation claim and fight to get you appropriate compensation for medical bills and lost income.
We Stand Up to Insurance Companies That Try to Underpay Slip and Fall Claims
The property owner or their insurance company will likely try to settle your claim if they know you have a case. It is not in your best interest to accept a settlement before consulting a legal professional. The insurance company is likely looking to settle for as little as possible, and you could be entitled to more compensation than they are offering.
Our lawyers understand how insurers usually handle slip-and-fall claims because we have experience defending them in these cases. We now exclusively represent personal injury victims and are ready to put our knowledge of their tactics to work for you. Our attorneys are prepared to negotiate to get you as much as possible, and if we don’t think the insurance company is being unreasonable, we will go to trial to seek a just outcome.
Discuss your case with our slip and fall lawyers in Springfield, IL, in a free consultation. Contact us online or call (217) 215-4166 today.
Places Where Slips and Falls Frequently Occur
Although slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere. However, certain settings tend to be particularly prone to these incidents due to specific conditions or high foot traffic.
Slips and falls can happen in all kinds of places, including:
- Grocery stores. Spills from broken bottles or leaks from refrigeration units can create hazards that store employees might not notice if the location is understaffed or if regular maintenance procedures are not consistently followed. Furthermore, uneven tiles or rolled-up floor mats can also pose significant risks.
- Restaurants. These establishments often deal with liquid spills, dropped food, and cluttered walkways, which contribute to a higher risk of slips and falls. In busy mealtimes, staff may not be able to attend to floor messes promptly, increasing the danger for both restaurant employees and patrons.
- Sidewalks and parking lots. Outdoor areas like sidewalks and parking lots present unique hazards due to weather conditions that lead to icy or wet surfaces. Potholes or cracked pavement can also cause someone to stumble and fall.
- Workplaces. In office environments, loose cables or scattered office supplies may cause trips, while in industrial settings, oil spills or debris on the floor present serious fall risks.
- Residential buildings. Staircases, entryways, and poorly lit corridors in apartment complexes can be particularly dangerous. Property managers have an obligation to ensure that these areas are well-maintained, free of obstructions, and sufficiently lit to prevent accidents.
Slips and falls can happen in perfectly safe environments, especially if someone isn’t paying attention, is wearing improper footwear, or is running too quickly. You only have a personal injury case if a safety hazard the property owner knew about or reasonably should have known about caused your slip and fall. If your slip and fall occurred while you were on the clock, you do not have to prove negligence to get workers’ compensation benefits.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Several types of unsafe property conditions can result in slips and falls, including:
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Wet or Slippery SurfacesWet floors due to spilled liquids, recent cleaning, or leaks are among the most common causes of falls. Inadequate warning signs or lack of mats in high-traffic areas like entrances can increase the risk.
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Uneven Flooring or Obstacles.Uneven surfaces, such as broken tiles, loose carpeting, or sudden changes in floor levels, can easily cause a person to trip. Corridors cluttered with objects or obstructed walkways, such as electrical cords across paths, also pose significant dangers.
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Inadequate LightingPoor lighting can obscure potential hazards, making it difficult for individuals to see obstacles or changes in floor level. This danger is particularly prevalent in staircases and parking lots.
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Weather ConditionsIce, snow, and rain can create hazardous surfaces outdoors and at building entrances. Leaving these areas untreated increases the likelihood of slipping. Property owners are expected to promptly salt icy walkways and facilitate drainage during rain to reduce slip risks.
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Inadequate SignageIf a property owner cannot immediately resolve an unsafe condition, the law allows them to, in some cases, avoid liability by placing adequate warning signs near the hazard. Failing to post visible warnings about unsafe conditions, such as wet floors or ongoing maintenance, leaves people unaware of potential dangers. Proper signage should be clear, visible, and placed well in advance of the hazard to alert individuals effectively.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
While some falls may result in minor bruises, others can lead to catastrophic injuries. The suddenness of a fall means the body is unprepared to protect itself adequately, and the impact may be compounded by the environment in which the fall occurs, such as the presence of sharp or hard objects.
Our slip and fall attorneys in Springfield, IL, can help you understand your options for recovering compensation if you suffered any of the following common injuries:
- Sprains and strains. The abrupt pressure or twisting motion experienced during a fall can cause sprains and strains. Ankles and knees are frequently affected, leading to swelling, bruising, and significant pain. Recovery can involve physical therapy and ongoing medical consultations.
- Cuts and abrasions. Cuts and abrasions occur when the skin scrapes against a rough surface upon falling. While generally less severe, these injuries can become infected if not properly cared for.
Illinois Slip & Fall Accident Claims: Compensation and Statute of Limitations
Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries in Illinois
The purpose of compensation in a personal injury claim is to restore you to the position you would have been in had the slip and fall accident not occurred. You can generally seek compensation for both tangible and intangible losses when your slip and fall is the result of negligence.
Our slip and fall lawyers in Springfield, IL, are prepared to fight for maximum compensation for all damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
A workers’ compensation claim can help you secure money for your medical expenses and a percentage of your lost income. Workers’ compensation benefits do not include non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Claims in Illinois
As a general rule, you have two years from the date of your slip and fall accident to initiate a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not take legal action within this period, you will likely be unable to pursue compensation, no matter the strength of your case. Though two years can seem like a substantial amount of time, reaching out to our team at Haxel Law sooner rather than later can help us carry out a prompt investigation and preserve crucial evidence, such as security camera footage that may have captured the incident.
If you slipped and fell at work, you usually only have 45 days to report your injuries to your employer. After notifying your employer, you will have three years from the date you were injured or two years from the last payment of benefits – whichever is later – to submit your workers’ compensation claim.
Not sure what to do next after suffering injuries in a slip and fall? Call (217) 215-4166 or contact us online to learn more about your rights and options.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.
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"Thanks For All You Have Done!"Marty Haxel provided exceptional help with a complex work men's comp case, made our part seem small. Would refer him to anyone that needs help fighting the big guys!- David E.