Falls from the bed, ladder, downstairs, in the bath are the leading types of falls to cause traumatic brain injury. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Trip and fall also occur because of loose carpet edges, missing floor tiles, uneven floors, and steps,
Spilled oil or slippery liquid that is left on the floor for longer than need to clean up
Insufficient lighting to see hazards or obstructions
No handrails in stairways or handicapped bathrooms
Unsalted parking lots covered with ice
Potholes in the parking lot
Home hazards or dangerous conditions such as no handrails and broken or uneven steps
Who Can Be Liable For Falls?
1. Liability for a fall walking on snow and Ice in IL
Illinois’ Natural Accumulation Rule, says you cannot sue a residential or commercial property owner if you suffer a fall because of a natural accumulation of snow, ice or melted snow or ice or because a property owner fails to:
Warn about a natural accumulation of snow, ice, or water
Remove snow, ice, or water tracked-in by visitors
provide mats or rugs for visitors to wipe their feet.
But, there are exceptions to this general rule that will allow you to file a premises liability claim against the owner or occupier of the property after a slip and fall due to ice, water, or snow on the property. These exceptions are discussed below.
2. Exceptions to Natural Accumulation Rule
Residential property owner’s willful and wanton misconduct
Commercial Real Estate Owner’s Negligent Removal (e.g., piles of snow in the parking lot met during daylight hours causing black ice patches at night.)
Unnatural accumulation of snow or ice caused by placing the building’s gutters, down-spots, and or gutters.
Building Code Violations (e.g., defective stairways, no handrails) or Violation of Illinois Snow Removal Laws
Contract or lease may create a duty of a property occupier or owner to remove ice and snow and they know or should know they should warn or take care of the hazard but don’t they may be liable
What should do after Slip and Fall Accidents in Illinois
Seek medical attention!
Report the accident
Take photos
Save shoes and clothes-wearing
Call an attorney
Cullotta Law Offices, in Glenview in Chicago Illinois, provides free consultation for any slip and fall accident in Illinois. Do not delay.Call our Slip & Fall Accident Attorney at Cullotta Law Offices right now at 847-651-7191 to schedule your free case review. You pay nothing unless we win.