Springfield, IL Slip and Fall Attorneys
Sangamon County Law Firm Fighting for Slip and Fall Accident Victims
Slip and fall accidents can be unexpectedly dangerous, often resulting in serious injuries that significantly impact a victim's life. The physical pain is often accompanied by escalating medical bills and lost wages, adding financial stress to an already difficult situation.
If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property due to a safety hazard, you may have a personal injury claim. Under the state’s premises liability laws, property owners are obligated to maintain a safe environment, and if their failure to do so results in injury, they can be held liable for the resulting harm. At Haxel Law, we believe in holding negligent property owners accountable and can help you seek the full and fair compensation you deserve.
If you slipped and fell at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. We can assist with your workers’ compensation claim and fight to get you appropriate compensation for medical bills and lost income.
Discuss your case with our slip and fall lawyers in Springfield, IL, in a free consultation. Contact us online or call (217) 215-4166 today.
Where Do Slips & Falls Happen?
Slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere. At Haxel Law, we represent clients injured in locations such as:
- Grocery Stores & Retail Shops: Spills, dropped items, and cluttered aisles frequently lead to customer injuries.
- Restaurants & Bars: Food and drink spills, fast-paced staff, and dim lighting all contribute to hazardous conditions.
- Apartment Complexes: Tenants and guests rely on landlords to maintain safe common areas, stairways, and parking lots.
- Workplaces: Offices, warehouses, and industrial sites often contain wet floors, uneven surfaces, and other slip hazards.
- Hotels & Resorts: Pool areas, freshly cleaned lobbies, and cluttered hallways create risks for guests and staff.
- Public Sidewalks & Parking Lots: Municipalities and property owners may be responsible for maintaining walkways and pavement.
Whether your accident happened on public or private property, you should not navigate your claim alone. Our Springfield slip and fall attorneys will investigate the location, identify the liable party, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Proving Liability in a Slip & Fall Accident
Illinois law requires injury victims to prove negligence in order to recover compensation. In a slip and fall claim, you must show that the property owner or manager:
- Owned, occupied, or controlled the property
- Negligently created or failed to fix a dangerous condition
- Knew or should have known about the hazard
- Failed to warn you about the danger
- Caused your injuries as a result of their negligence
Our team gathers evidence such as:
- Surveillance footage
- Accident reports
- Photographs of the hazard
- Witness statements
- Maintenance and cleaning logs
- Weather records (in ice or snow cases)
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
Compensation Available in a Slip & Fall Claim
If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Severe fall injuries—such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and torn ligaments—often result in extensive long-term costs. Our Springfield slip and fall lawyers fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Not sure what to do next after suffering injuries in a slip and fall? Call (217) 215-4166 or contact us online to learn more about your rights and options.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Several types of unsafe property conditions can result in slips and falls, including:
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Wet or Slippery SurfacesWet floors due to spilled liquids, recent cleaning, or leaks are among the most common causes of falls. Inadequate warning signs or lack of mats in high-traffic areas like entrances can increase the risk.
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Uneven Flooring or Obstacles.Uneven surfaces, such as broken tiles, loose carpeting, or sudden changes in floor levels, can easily cause a person to trip. Corridors cluttered with objects or obstructed walkways, such as electrical cords across paths, also pose significant dangers.
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Inadequate LightingPoor lighting can obscure potential hazards, making it difficult for individuals to see obstacles or changes in floor level. This danger is particularly prevalent in staircases and parking lots.
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Weather ConditionsIce, snow, and rain can create hazardous surfaces outdoors and at building entrances. Leaving these areas untreated increases the likelihood of slipping. Property owners are expected to promptly salt icy walkways and facilitate drainage during rain to reduce slip risks.
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Inadequate SignageIf a property owner cannot immediately resolve an unsafe condition, the law allows them to, in some cases, avoid liability by placing adequate warning signs near the hazard. Failing to post visible warnings about unsafe conditions, such as wet floors or ongoing maintenance, leaves people unaware of potential dangers. Proper signage should be clear, visible, and placed well in advance of the hazard to alert individuals effectively.
We Stand Up to Insurance Companies That Try to Underpay Slip and Fall Claims
The property owner or their insurance company will likely try to settle your claim if they know you have a case. It is not in your best interest to accept a settlement before consulting a legal professional. The insurance company is likely looking to settle for as little as possible, and you could be entitled to more compensation than they are offering.
Our Springfield slip and fall lawyers understand how insurers usually handle such claims because we have experience defending them in these cases. We now exclusively represent personal injury victims and are ready to put our knowledge of their tactics to work for you. With over 40 years of experience and millions of dollars recovered for our clients, we are prepared to negotiate to get you as much as possible, and if we don’t think the insurance company is being unreasonable, we will go to trial to seek a just outcome.
Slip & Fall Accident FAQs
What are the common types of injuries?
Common slip and fall injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, sprains and strains, and cuts and lacerations.
What should I do after a slip and fall accident in Springfield?
Immediately seek medical attention, report the incident to the property owner or manager, document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Who can be held liable for a slip and fall accident?
Property owners, business operators, or landlords may be held liable if they failed to maintain safe conditions or failed to warn about known hazards.
How do I prove liability in a slip and fall case?
You must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, had time to fix it, and failed to take appropriate action.
Is there a time limit to file a slip and fall claim in Illinois?
Yes. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Illinois law.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I file a claim if the accident happened on government property?
Yes, but there are special rules and shorter deadlines for claims against government entities. You must act quickly and follow the correct procedures.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my slip and fall case?
While not legally required, having an experienced personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation and dealing with insurance companies effectively.
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.