Bloomington Slip & Fall Attorney
Injured in a Slip & Fall Accident in Bloomington, IL?
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen in an instant — a wet floor, uneven surface, or hidden hazard can lead to serious injuries that affect every part of your life. If you were hurt because of a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under Illinois premises liability law.
At Haxel Law, our Bloomington slip-and-fall lawyers help victims hold negligent property owners accountable and fight for the compensation they deserve. We understand how complex slip-and-fall claims can be and are dedicated to protecting your rights every step of the way.
Contact us today at (217) 215-4166 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get back on your feet.
Common Causes of Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur anywhere, at any time. In many cases, they happen because someone responsible for maintaining the property failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent hazards. Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors: Spilled liquids, mopped surfaces, or leaking equipment can create dangerous walking conditions.
- Uneven flooring: Loose tiles, torn carpeting, or broken floorboards often lead to trips and falls.
- Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or hallways can make it difficult to see obstacles or changes in elevation.
- Cluttered walkways: Boxes, cords, or debris left in walkways pose tripping hazards.
- Weather-related hazards: Ice, snow, or rain tracked into buildings or left uncleared on sidewalks can lead to dangerous slips.
- Defective stairways or handrails: Missing or broken steps and unstable railings are common causes of falls.
Property owners and managers are required to address these issues promptly or warn visitors about potential dangers. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Where Do Slips & Falls Occur?
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in a wide range of settings. Some of the most common locations include:
- Retail stores and supermarkets: Spills in aisles or entryways can create hazards for customers.
- Restaurants and bars: Liquid spills, food debris, and crowded spaces often contribute to slip-and-fall risks.
- Office buildings: Loose carpeting or cords stretched across walkways can endanger employees and visitors.
- Apartment complexes: Broken stairs, icy sidewalks, or poor lighting in common areas can lead to tenant injuries.
- Parking lots and garages: Cracked pavement, potholes, and unmarked curbs frequently cause falls.
- Public spaces: Parks, sidewalks, and government buildings are also common locations for slip-and-fall incidents.
Regardless of where your fall occurred, if a property owner or manager failed to maintain a safe environment, you may have grounds for a claim.
Proving Liability in a Slip & Fall Accident
To win a slip-and-fall case in Illinois, you must show that the property owner was negligent — meaning they failed to take reasonable care to prevent your injury. Your Bloomington slip-and-fall lawyer will help gather evidence and build a strong case to prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The property owner had a duty to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition.
- Breach of Duty: The owner or occupier knew (or should have known) about the hazard and failed to fix or warn about it.
- Causation: The unsafe condition directly caused your accident and injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Case
To prove liability, it’s important to collect as much evidence as possible, including:
- Photographs of the hazardous condition and your injuries
- Surveillance footage from the scene
- Witness statements
- Maintenance or inspection records
- Incident reports
- Medical records and expert testimony
At Haxel Law, we know what it takes to build a solid slip-and-fall claim. Our attorneys will investigate the scene, gather key evidence, and consult with experts to establish fault and maximize your compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Is My PI Claim Worth?
Determining the value of your claim can be complex. It can be easy to overlook many types of compensation available to you, especially without an in-depth understanding of Illinois law. Seeking legal representation is essential to identify liable parties and calculate the total damages in your claim.
While pinpointing the exact value of your claim requires a thorough case evaluation from our attorneys, you should know that you are entitled to compensation for all losses incurred in the accident, including future costs resulting from your injuries. Our firm can negotiate effectively on your behalf to pursue the full compensation available to you.
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How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?
It depends. The timeframe for settling a personal injury claim will vary based on unique factors, such as whether the insurance company is willing to make a fair offer, any potential liability disputes, and whether your case goes to trial. Many claims are settled out of court, but others can take more time to resolve. However, taking longer to settle isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While preparing for potential litigation may extend the duration of your case, it can also mean the difference between recovering maximum compensation and walking away with much less than you deserve. Our attorneys are familiar with insurance companies to pursue the fastest path to resolution without compromising the just settlement you need to focus on your recovery.
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Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?After an accident, you should avoid discussing the incident with any insurance representative without your lawyer present. Having your attorney speak directly with the insurance adjuster on your behalf is typically best to protect your rights. If you do end up talking with the insurance adjuster, you only need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, and so on. Don’t share any information that may be used against you, such as apologizing or admitting fault.
Compensation in a Slip & Fall Case
If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or performing the same duties.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy and assistive devices required during recovery.
Our legal team will evaluate the full extent of your damages to ensure you pursue the maximum amount available under Illinois law.
Slip & Fall Claim FAQs
How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims — including slip-and-fall cases — is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to recover compensation.
What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What should I do after a slip-and-fall accident?
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager.
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries.
- Collect witness contact information.
- Avoid signing any documents or giving recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.
How much is my slip-and-fall case worth?
The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact on your life. An experienced Bloomington slip-and-fall lawyer can assess your case and provide a realistic estimate.
Do I need a lawyer for my slip-and-fall case?
While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny liability. Having a skilled attorney on your side ensures your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
Contact a Bloomington Slip & Fall Lawyer Today
At Haxel Law, our Bloomington slip-and-fall attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process, prove negligence, and secure the justice you deserve. We handle every case with dedication and personal attention, and we don’t get paid unless you win.
Call (217) 215-4166 to learn how our slip-and-fall lawyer in Bloomington can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will definitely use Haxel Law again!"I’m so grateful for the legal assistance I received from Haxel Law. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and guided me throughout the process. I recommend Martin Haxel. He’s no nonsense and gets the job done. If needed I will definitely use Haxel Law again.- Sally B.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.