When visiting a restaurant or bar, you expect to have a good time and not get carried out on a stretcher bound for the ER. Every day, avoidable accidents happen when property owners fail to take their responsibilities seriously. Perhaps a server forgot to clean up spilled ice, or a manager failed to put up a “wet floor” sign.

If their mistake leaves you with injuries, medical bills, and other expenses, you should not have to carry the burden. Slip and fall accidents can inflict painful physical injuries, emotional distress, and steep financial costs. Working with an experienced Belleville, IL slip and fall attorney can maximize your compensation.

Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers has your back. Contact us today to discover your legal options in a free case review.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

Not every fall is automatically a legal case. However, you could be entitled to damages if you fall due to a hazard on another’s property.

Slip and fall accidents can practically happen anywhere in Belleville, including in apartment complexes, restaurants, shopping centers, and even public parking lots and sidewalks. Common hazards causing slips and falls include:

  • Poor lighting
  • Wet and slippery floors
  • Potholes and cracks in sidewalks
  • Uneven floors
  • Bulging or torn carpets
  • Loose mats

If you or a loved one got hurt due to these or other dangerous conditions, our Belleville, IL slip and fall lawyers could help you get justice. Bradley Law can assist you with recovering the full value of your claim so you can get your life and health back on track.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in Belleville

It’s more than a bad start to your day when a large pothole in the sidewalk turns into an urgent care appointment for a broken ankle. Now, x-rays, MRIs, and doctor’s appointments occupy your time instead of work and family obligations. Diagnostic tests and treatments amount to a stack of medical bills. You may wonder what to do next and who should pay for your expenses. Here’s what to do:

Seek Medical Help

Your health is priceless. If you didn’t receive medical attention immediately after your fall, see your doctor as soon as possible. Even if you’re not in pain, you may have an underlying injury that demands a quick diagnosis and treatment, such as a concussion. By creating a record of your injuries, you’re also protecting your legal rights.

File an Accident Report

Inform the property owner or manager immediately of your fall and insist on filing an incident report. This is critical documentation if you later decide to take legal action. Ensure the report includes every detail of the incident, including the date, time, precise location, and the reason for your fall. Don’t forget to request a copy of the report for your records.

Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Evidence can include photographs of the cause of your tumble, such as crooked floors or missing steps. Are there any witnesses who saw your fall? Ask them for their contact details, as witness statements could be crucial evidence in a compensation claim.

Contact a Belleville, IL Slip and Fall Lawyer

Going it alone with a slip-and-fall case or lawsuit may not only be stressful and overwhelming but could also be unsuccessful. Your best step is to promptly consult a personal injury lawyer specializing in slip and fall accidents, particularly if you suffer a severe or permanent injury. Our attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and leave no stone unturned in pursuing what you deserve.

Why Hire a Belleville, IL Slip and Fall Lawyer for your case?

Personal injury victims are not required to hire an attorney for a lawsuit. However, even a small error in court filing documents or missing a deadline could sink your case. Moreover, insurers and property owners will try to pay as little as possible in damages, which could leave you out of pocket. Here are some additional reasons why you should hire a lawyer for your slip and fall:

  • Level the playing field: Your lawyer can be a crucial asset and level the playing field when a big business or a government agency is the defendant in your slip-and-fall case. They can protect your rights and negotiate hard for a fair settlement.
  • Handle the legal paperwork: With a skilled Belleville, IL slip and fall lawyer in your corner, you can focus on healing while they tackle the legal paperwork and processes for you.
  • Build a strong case: Our lawyers know how to best approach your case. We can investigate your slip and fall, collect crucial evidence, and build a strong case against the defendant.
  • Deal with insurance companies: When in recovery, you don’t want to endlessly haggle with an insurance company. A lawyer knows how insurers tick and can negotiate aggressively for what you deserve. If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we’ll see them in court.
  • Represent You at Trial: While most cases are settled out of court, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), some go to trial. When this happens, we can argue your case powerfully to give you the best chance of recovering maximum compensation.

When weighing up whether to work with a lawyer, remember that we work on contingency. When hiring Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, you don’t have to worry about any upfront legal expenses or attorney’s fees. You only pay us if we win and you recover compensation.

FAQs

What is the average settlement for a slip and fall?

No two slips and falls are the same, which means there is no average settlement amount. Generally, those suffering permanent health consequences and high monetary damages recover larger settlements and verdicts than victims with minor or moderate injuries. Here are some factors that come into play when determining a settlement amount:

  • The severity and scope of your injuries: Permanent or severe injuries can lead to astronomical medical expenses and income losses. The higher your damages, the higher your settlement amount will likely be.
  • The extent of non-economic damages: If you are significantly injured, you probably have to endure much physical pain and emotional distress. Personal injury law recognizes this, meaning you could qualify for considerable pain and suffering compensation.
  • The responsible party’s degree of liability: A victim may be partially responsible for their fall. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence law, your compensation may be reduced according to your degree of fault. On the other hand, your compensation will likely be higher if a property owner is entirely responsible.
  • Available insurance coverage: Your settlement may also depend on the property owner’s insurance policy and any coverage limits.

The best way to determine the worth of your case is to work with a Belleville, IL slip and fall lawyer. Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can determine the full impact of your slip and fall on your health, home life, and career and calculate a fair settlement amount.

Which types of compensation could I receive with a slip and fall lawsuit?

Compensation will depend on the specifics of your case. However, typical awards for slip and fall victims can include:

  • Medical costs
  • Medical devices
  • Future healthcare expenses
  • Lost income
  • Future lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Transportation expenses

In addition to such special damages, you could also qualify for general damages, which refer to your intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment, and others.

Can I sue the local government for my slip and fall in Belleville?

There are many circumstances in which slip and fall victims could have a claim against a local government agency. For example, if you got hurt due to negligent maintenance of sidewalks or parking lots owned by the city, you could have a compensation claim. Likewise, if you fall due to a hazardous condition in a government building, you could also have a case.

That said, filing a claim against a government agency can be challenging and usually involves additional administrative and legal hurdles. Moreover, in Illinois, you must file a notice of claim or a lawsuit against the government within one short year or risk having your case thrown out. When you’re injured on government property, consult an attorney promptly to determine your best course of action.

Never Accept Less Than You Deserve

Our Belleville, IL slip and fall lawyers don’t want you to settle for less when someone else is responsible for your injuries. We have recovered over $70 million for our injured clients and know what it takes to hold negligent property owners accountable.

We have seen the effects of serious falls on victims’ lives and understand the challenges you face when severely injured. This is why we will come to you if you can’t come to us. Let Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers help you get back on your feet physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact us today to find out more in a free and confidential consultation.