Are Slip and Fall Injuries Catastrophic?

 Posted on May 22, 2024 in Premises Liability

Slip and fall injuries may not commonly be thought of as the most harmful injuries out there, though slip and fall accidents can be very serious. Sometimes, a victim of a slip and fall may sustain injuries that result in life-long effects, causing his or her injuries to be considered catastrophic. In the case of severe slip and fall injuries, you may be able to pursue a compensation claim against the responsible party.

An experienced Illinois slip and fall attorney can help you understand your legal rights.

Catastrophic Effects of a Slip and Fall

In Illinois, a catastrophic injury permanently affects a person’s life and impacts how that person can live it in the future. After experiencing a catastrophic injury, a person may be permanently disabled and unable to work, enjoy life as he or she used to, or provide for his or her family.

Slip and fall accidents may result in catastrophic injuries, and common examples of serious slip and fall injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Neck and back injuries that result in nerve damage or permanent pain
• Traumatic brain injuries or head injuries
• Severe broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue or joint damage
• Wrongful death

After suffering from a catastrophic injury due to a slip and fall incident, victims may also find themselves dealing with extensive medical bills and faced with the cost of ongoing medication, therapy, and rehabilitation treatments, in addition to the cost of adaptive equipment.

Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Injury?

While slip and fall incidents are sometimes unavoidable, when these injuries occur around a property or business in Illinois where you expect conditions to be safe, the business or owner of the business may be responsible. The law that governs responsibility for slip and fall injuries is the Illinois Premises Liability Act.

Under this act, businesses or owners that act in a negligent or reckless way, such as failing to maintain stair railings or leaving out tripping hazards in public, and cause a person’s injury through a slip and fall accident are liable for that person’s injury.

This means that if you have suffered an injury due to a slip and fall accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against the party responsible in order to recover damages.

Contact a Chicago, IL Slip and Fall Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a slip and fall incident can be traumatic, especially when catastrophic injuries are sustained due to a slip and fall. If you have suffered injuries due to a slip and fall at a business or as a guest on someone’s property, you may be able to pursue a case against them.

Contact one of our seasoned Chicago, IL slip and fall attorneys at Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC as soon as possible after your injury to explore your legal options. Our team has a strong record of success with cases such as these, and we will advocate strongly for you to receive the compensation you are entitled to. Call 312-236-6324 for a free consultation.