When A Property Is Unsafe And You Suffer An Injury
Last updated on May 1, 2026
As a Chicago firm with a team focused on personal injury, we at Zane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd., can offer immediate legal representation after a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident. Not sure if the property owner was negligent? Call us for a free meeting with our team to talk about what happened at 312-245-0031.
What Is Premises Liability?
In short, every property owner has a duty to keep the premises or “area” safe to use. If a spill in a grocery store was not cleaned up and you slip and hit your head, you may have a premises liability case. Illinois property owners have a responsibility to maintain their property (store, restaurant, hotel, bar, apartment complex, etc.).
When a tenant, guest or visitor to a property is hurt due to a danger that the owner should have prevented, the owner’s insurance company has to pay for the injured person’s medical care. Other costs associated with the injury should also be paid by the insurance company. Damages mean the money or “compensation” that we, as your attorneys, go after.
Types Of Accidents Or Injuries That Are Involved With Premises Liability
In addition to trip-and-fall and slip-and-fall cases, we can represent you in other premises liability cases. These include:
- Dog bites and attacks
- Serious pool accidents including drownings
- Attractive nuisance injuries
- Fireworks injuries
- Attacks that happen in hotels or motels due to lack of security
- Injuries such as broken bones suffered on exercise or play equipment
Premises liability cases can be complex. As attorneys who are experienced with many types of personal injury cases, we are ready to assess your case and provide you the information you need to move forward.
3 Steps To Take Immediately After A Slip-And-Fall Injury
If you get hurt in a Chicago grocery store slip-and-fall or a similar incident, you may have the right to request compensation. Seeking compensation for premises liability in Illinois requires that you preserve critical evidence and understand your rights. The three steps below make it easier to request financial compensation after a slip and fall.
1. Document the hazard
A Chicago premises liability attorney will tell you that proof of negligence is key to a slip-and-fall claim. You must show that the business failed to do what was reasonably necessary for safety, such as inspecting and cleaning public facilities regularly.
You can use your mobile phone to take pictures of the spill inside the store or the parking lot ice that you slipped on. Photos or videos of tripping hazards, including damaged flooring or wrinkled rugs, could help you prove that the business ignored a hazard and was negligent about facility maintenance.
2. Identify any witnesses
It is normal to feel embarrassed after a slip-and-fall, but you shouldn’t rush away. You need to speak with anyone nearby before leaving.
The people who witnessed your fall can corroborate your narrative later. Getting the names and contact information of other customers or even the employee who helped you up from the floor can help you prove that unsafe property conditions were present and that you fell in a public environment.
3. Report without admitting fault
Before you leave the store, you need to officially report the slip-and-fall to the manager on duty. It is best to advise them of the hazard and the incident without admitting fault or asserting that you are completely uninjured.
Even saying, “I’m okay” or “I should have noticed that spill,” could potentially impact your right to compensation later. Instead, you should explain exactly what happened, who was there and what potential injury symptoms you have. This report helps validate that an incident occurred. You can also make an informal request to preserve security camera footage, although a formal letter is likely necessary to ensure their compliance.
After leaving the store, you may need to undergo a medical evaluation to diagnose your injuries. If you have losses, you should consult with a premises liability lawyer from Zane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd. Your attorney can assist with the preservation of evidence, insurance negotiations and filing paperwork for a lawsuit, if one is necessary.
Were You Injured On Someone Else’s Property?
After being injured while visiting, shopping, dining or lodging somewhere you may want to understand your rights. We are ready to help. Call us and set up a free consultation with us at 312-245-0031.Want to ask a quick question? Use our online contact form. We are conveniently located just steps from the courthouse. We serve clients throughout the entire Chicago area. Our legal team also speaks Russian and Spanish.