How do Chicago slip and fall accidents usually occur?
It is a common question and unfortunately, one that gets asked too often.
Causes of Chicago slip and fall accidents vary, but some of the most common include:
Wet surfaces
One of the most common causes of Chicago slip and falls, wet surfaces account for a large majority of the reported slip and fall accidents.
Wet surfaces can include anything from a recently mopped bathroom floor to an unproperly maintained pool deck.
If you suffer a slip and fall accident on another person’s property due to a wet floor or other hazards, you may be eligible to file a Chicago premises liability lawsuit.
Winter weather
Snow and ice pose a particular danger to people because it creates slick, uneven, and dangerous conditions.
A property owner has a certain duty to protect its customers, which means in the case of winter weather, they must shovel the walkways and apply salt to eliminate slick conditions.
Chicago is known for its winter weather, with ice, snow and other slick debris coating the ground for nearly half of the year.
If you take a spill outside of a business, on a sidewalk, in a parking lot, or anywhere else where the surfaces are expected to be maintained, you may be able to file a Chicago slip and fall lawsuit to cover the costs of your injuries.
Surface conditions
This can include an array of things, but often, includes any objects that can obstruct the walking path or uneven surfaces such as in the instance of cracks on a sidewalk or a pothole in the street.
If you trip over something impeding the way on a walking surface in Chicago and injure yourself, you may be able to file a Chicago slip and fall accident lawsuit.
Defective equipment
Things like defective escalators, poor lighting or lack thereof, or broken or missing handrails can cause Chicago slip and falls.
All of the above should be properly maintained to keep individuals safe.
These Chicago slip and fall accidents can also be filed as a defective product lawsuit.
Occupational hazards
Unsafe construction zones or working zones can greatly contribute to Chicago slip and falls.
While many of these claims fall under the umbrella of Chicago workers compensation lawsuits, occasionally they will also classify as Chicago slip and fall lawsuits.
The distinction is often hard to determine which is where your lawyer can be of help.
The Industrial Safety & Occupational Health Markets attributes 85% of worker’s compensation claims to employees slipping on slick floors.
It is best to discuss your options with a Chicago slip and fall lawyer before deciding which legal action to take.
Nursing home neglect
A great cause for concern, Chicago nursing home neglect can lead to slip and fall accidents because of a worker’s failure to assist patients or ensure their safety at all times.
Alarmingly, over 60% of nursing home residents will fall each year according to the National Floor Safety Institute.
Fraudulent Slip and Fall Claims
While surprising, fraudulent Chicago slip and fall accidents are commonplace.
Essentially, an individual stages the accident.
An example of this would be if a person purposely spilled something on the floor of a star then “slipped.”
The most common fractures that occur from slip and fall accidents are fractures are of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.
