Can I Sue if I Slip and Fall in a Parking Lot in Illinois?

 Posted on June 05, 2025 in Premises Liability

In short, yes, you may be able to file a personal injury claim under Illinois’ premises liability laws to recover damages if you were injured in a parking lot slip-and-fall accident. However, proving fault in these cases can be challenging, and without the evidence to support your claim of negligence, you will not be able to recover compensation for your losses. If you have questions about filing a claim or lawsuit for your fall, an experienced Chicago, IL premises liability attorney can answer them and help you build your case.

Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Parking Lots

There are many ways that the conditions of a parking lot can contribute to a nasty fall. Some common examples include: 

• Low lighting can make it difficult to see steps or hazardous debris, causing you to trip or slip.

• Oil leaks or other liquids that are not as visible can be dangerous when there is no signage present to warn someone.

• Broken wheel stops or cracks in the pavement can be hazardous.

• Stairs without railings or with broken steps can cause preventable accidents.

Injuries can range anywhere from minor bruises to severe brain trauma, and it is not uncommon for someone to end up with broken bones, torn ligaments, sprained wrists or ankles, shoulder dislocation, and more. These injuries can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences, and if the parking lot owner could have prevented the accident, you may be able to hold them accountable.

Understanding Illinois’s Premises Liability Laws

According to the Illinois Premises Liability Act, property owners and managers can be held liable for damages when a slip and fall occurs on their property. The law states that they have a duty to ensure that their property is maintained in a manner that makes it reasonably safe for anyone who lawfully visits it. If an accident occurs that results in an injury, it is the victim’s responsibility to prove that the property owner is responsible for the accident and resulting damages.

Proving Liability in a Parking Lot Slip-and-Fall Accident Case in Illinois

To prove that a property owner is responsible for your accident and liable for the losses you incurred as a result, the evidence you present must show the following:

• A hazardous condition existed in the parking lot.

• The parking lot owner was aware of the condition or should have been aware of it.

• The owner did not take reasonable steps to fix the hazard or properly warn people about it.

• The hazard caused your injuries.

Additionally, your accident must result in damages to be a valid premises liability claim. Slipping and falling without injury would not be enough to sue or file a claim. Talk to your attorney about your accident and injuries to find out what damages you could recover.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chicago, IL Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorney Today

The key to filing a slip-and-fall accident claim is proving that someone else was responsible for the dangerous condition that resulted in your injuries, and sometimes, that can be more complex than you would expect. Fortunately, the Chicago, IL premises liability lawyer at Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC will assess your accident to help you find evidence of negligence and search for recoverable damages available to you under Illinois law. Call 312-236-6324 to schedule a free consultation and get started on building your claim.