Have you suffered injuries from a slip-and-fall accident in Monticello?
You’re not alone. Slip and fall accidents are all too common, often resulting in severe injuries and mounting medical bills.
You may be entitled to compensation when a property owner’s negligence harms you. That’s where our slip and fall accident lawyers at Onward Injury Law in Monticello can help.
What is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone trips or slips on another’s property, leading to injuries.
These accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores and restaurants to workplaces and private residences.
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents are prevalent in Illinois, with many people suffering life-altering consequences.
Some common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors.
- Negligent equipment maintenance.
- Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
- Poor lighting.
- Lack of handrails or safety features.
Property owners may be liable for the injuries caused by failing to maintain safe premises.
Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can cause several injuries, some of which may have long-lasting effects on your health and well-being.
These harms may include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
- Fractures, particularly in the skull, hips, and wrists.
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains.
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress.
Injuries range from minor to severe, but all require proper medical care. Unfortunately, this often leads to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for those injured.
Onward Injury Law seeks the compensation you need to cover these high costs and move forward with your life.
Why Prompt Medical Treatment is Necessary
You have to get medical attention promptly after a slip and fall accident, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe.
Some harm, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away but can have long-term effects on your health if left untreated.
Prioritizing your health and seeking emergency medical care after an accident:
- Ensures that you receive the necessary treatment for your injuries.
- Serves as valuable evidence in your slip and fall case.
- Helps establish the extent of your damages and supports your compensation claim.
Insurance companies or the property owner’s legal team may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or were caused by something else when you delay seeing a doctor.
Protect your health and your legal rights by getting immediate medical care.
Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Illinois no longer recognizes strict liability and uses negligence as the cause of action for premises liability claims.
This rule change means that you must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining a safe premise to pursue a slip and fall claim successfully.
Negligence involves establishing the following elements:
- The landowner owed you a duty of care to make his or her property safe for guests.
- The property owner breached that duty by failing to maintain safe conditions.
- The breach of duty actually and directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages because of the breach.
You should also note that gathering evidence is necessary for proving premises liability. This proof may include accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
An experienced slip and fall lawyer in Monticello can help you discover evidence, build strong negligence arguments, and fight for compensation to remedy your damages.
Compensation for Slip and Fall Accidents
You could potentially receive compensation for the following damages after a slip and fall accident:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment costs.
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering damages.
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
The compensation you receive depends on the specific circumstances of your case.
Onward Injury Law in Monticello evaluates your claim and fights for the maximum recovery your case allows.
Where Insurance Companies Stand in Slip and Fall Cases
Dealing with insurance companies after a slip and fall accident can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery.
You must never forget that insurance adjusters prioritize their company’s financial interests over your well-being.
While working on your claim, an insurance company may try to:
- Minimize the severity of your injuries.
- Shift blame onto you to reduce the compensation they have to pay.
- Take advantage of your vulnerability during this challenging time.
Having Onward Injury Law in your corner makes a big difference when settlement negotiations happen.
Your personal injury attorney will:
- Handle communication with the insurance companies.
- Reject lowball settlement offers.
- Protect your rights throughout the process.
- Fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Remember that insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. So, you deserve an experienced advocate in your corner fighting for yours.
Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace
Many slip and fall accidents happen in the workplace, resulting in severe injuries and lost wages.
Workers’ compensation benefits usually cover workplace harm.
However, filing a workers’ compensation claim can be frustrating, with employers and their insurance companies potentially trying to deny or minimize your claim.
Our Monticello slip and fall lawyers can:
- Help you understand your rights as an injured worker.
- Guide you through the process of seeking the benefits you deserve.
- Explore additional avenues for compensation, such as third-party liability claims, if someone other than your employer caused your accident.
Don’t let a workplace slip and fall accident derail your life. Seek our guidance, fight for your rights, and get back on your feet.
Choosing the Right Slip and Fall Lawyer in Monticello, IL
When selecting a slip and fall lawyer in Illinois, you must choose someone with the experience, and dedication needed to handle your case effectively.
Look for an attorney who:
- Has a successful history in litigating slip and fall claims.
- Is responsive and communicates well with clients.
- Offers a free consultation to discuss your case.
Onward Injury Law prides itself on going above and beyond for our clients. With years of experience handling slip and fall cases in Central Illinois, we have the knowledge and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Onward Injury Law Today
Don’t wait to file your slip and fall claim. Contact Onward Injury Law today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Your skilled attorney will protect your rights and work towards holding the negligent property owner accountable for your harm.