Chicago Law Firm Handling Carpet Slip and Fall Cases

Securing Fair Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries Involving Carpets

In Chicago, property owners are supposed to take reasonable care to create a safe environment. Whether you are entering a private residence, a grocery store, or a government building, a carpet slip and fall accident could cause serious injuries that turn your life upside down. In severe cases, you may face physical, emotional, and financial consequences because of your slip and fall injuries.

If you need help pursuing compensation in a legal claim for lost wages, medical costs, or emotional damages, the Chicago Injury Center can help. Our team has decades of experience helping injured victims recover compensation after slip and fall accidents.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Attorneys

Whether a home is not properly maintained or a warehouse owner fails to hire enough custodial staff to clean up spills, slip and fall accidents can be complex. Our law firm has a 98% success rate in personal injury cases. Here are some settlements we have won before:

• $4 million – During a stay at a major Chicago hospital for a scheduled hip replacement, George suffered a devastating fall while unsupervised. The incident resulted in a subdural hematoma that ultimately led to his death. Our team uncovered staff negligence and lapses in monitoring, leading to a significant wrongful death settlement.
• $2 million – On a winter morning, Emily slipped on untreated ice in the parking lot of a Chicago church in the Albany Park neighborhood. She sustained a fractured pelvis that required extended rehabilitation. Through weather records and maintenance logs, we demonstrated that the church had neglected to salt the walkway, resulting in a settlement.
• $1.2 million – While shopping at a national grocery chain on the North Side, Diane slipped on uncleaned food in the produce aisle. She fell hard and broke her arm in two places. Surveillance footage showed the spill had been left unattended for over 30 minutes. Our legal team used corporate training materials and deposition testimony to prove negligence.
• $835,100 – Monica fell down a dimly lit and improperly maintained stairwell in her Pilsen apartment building. She suffered multiple sprains and back injuries. Building records revealed ongoing maintenance issues and prior violations, strengthening her premises liability case.
• $710,868 – While walking through her workplace in the West Loop, Tasha tripped on carpet installation debris left behind by a contractor. She suffered a torn ligament in her ankle and missed months of work. We held both the contractor and the property manager liable for unsafe working conditions.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Our top-rated slip and fall attorneys are prepared to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Chicago Injury Center has a five-star rating from AVVO and an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall incidents on carpets can cause a wide range of injuries. Whether you fall due to torn carpeting, a loose rug, or unsecured floor mats, the severity of your injuries may lead to a financial recovery if someone else’s negligence caused the incident. Here are some common injuries sustained in these types of accidents:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Fractured wrists
• Dislocated shoulders
• Contusions
• Nerve damage
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue injuries
• Chronic pain

What Are the Most Common Causes of Slips and Falls on Carpets?

Hazardous conditions on someone else’s property may make them liable for injuries resulting from slips, trips, or falls. Let’s examine some potential causes of these injurious falls.

Threshold Between Rug and Carpeted and Rug and Non-Carpeted Floor Surfaces

When rugs and carpets border other surfaces, there are often thresholds where they intersect. These thresholds can create uneven surfaces, especially if they are installed improperly.

Wet Carpets, Rugs, or Floor Mats

Carpets, rugs, and mats that get wet are extremely dangerous. It is easy for people to slip on wet carpets and get hurt.

Uneven, Torn, or Loose Rugs

Unsecured rugs that are torn, loose, or uneven are common tripping hazards in Chicago buildings. If the hazard has existed for a sufficient period, the property owner may be held liable for failing to address it and protect their guests.

Curled-Up Rugs in High-Traffic Areas

Rugs in areas with high foot traffic may develop corners or edges that curl upward due to frequent use. This can easily snag on a person’s foot as they walk by, causing them to fall down and potentially suffer serious injuries.

What Damages Can Slip and Fall Victims Recover?

The purpose of a slip and fall claim is to hold the at-fault party accountable and seek fair compensation for legal damages. If you can prove the other party’s negligence, then you could recover both economic and non-economic damages.

Medical Expenses

Serious injuries can require medical treatment. If you incur costs for your injury recovery, such as insurance deductibles or medical bills, you can pursue compensation from the defendant to cover these losses. Future medical costs and physical therapy fees can also be included in your settlement if your care is ongoing when the case is resolved.

Lost Income

Even if you seek medical treatment for your injuries, you may not be as physically capable for a while. As a result, you could miss time at work, which means lost wages. Lost income can be part of your settlement if you can prove you missed work because of the injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Outside of economic damages, you can pursue non-economic losses as well. Some examples of these damages include emotional distress, PTSD, disability, disfigurement, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

What Is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall Involving Carpeting in Illinois?

In Illinois, slip and fall lawsuits can lead to varying settlement amounts. The average settlement for a case involving a slip, trip, or fall because of carpets, rugs, or floor mats is $722,834. The median settlement is $214,751, which means half of these settlements are lower.

Example Cases in Illinois

Christina was working at a Chicago group home in 2006 when she tripped on a tile near a wet carpet. She claimed that she tripped on the tile because her shoes got wet after walking on the carpet. Christina sued Universal Maintenance, a carpet-cleaning company, for failing to warn about the damp condition, causing her to fall, which led to a fractured patella. She won almost $356,000 for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and disfigurement.

Roberta was walking in a Chicago bank when her foot got caught on the side of a runner mat. She then fell on her right side, suffering a fractured right femur that required surgery. Roberta alleged that the bank was negligent in placing the mat where it was, which is usually reserved for inclement weather. The weather was not an issue on the date of the incident. Roberta earned $220,677 in personal injury damages.

Why You Need a Lawyer

A lawyer will give you a much greater chance of securing fair compensation from your claim. Chicago Injury Center has handled many cases involving carpet edges and other floor surfaces. We understand what it takes to investigate incidents, obtain evidence, assess damages, and negotiate for maximum compensation. If we must represent you in the First Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County, we will do so.

How Common Are Carpet and Rug Slip and Fall Accidents?

Carpet-related falls are more common than you might think. Almost 38,000 adults over 65 are treated for falls related to carpets or rugs each year in the United States. 72.8% of these cases occur in the home, with the bathroom being the leading cause.

Where Do Carpet Slips and Trips Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Carpet slips and trips can occur almost anywhere in Chicago, but some locations are riskier than others. Grocery stores and restaurants are often associated with falls because of spilled food and drink. It is wise to keep an eye out for slippery surfaces, such as those at Trader Joe’s or Cindy’s Rooftop. The highest number of falls happens in private residences, especially in the bathroom, so be cautious of poorly maintained rugs when visiting a friend or family member.

What Laws Govern Rug Slip and Fall Claims in Chicago?

Several Illinois laws govern premises liability and slip and fall accidents in Chicago. State law 740 ILCS 130/2 requires property owners to take reasonable care to prevent injuries to invitees and licensees. 745 ILCS 10/1 grants certain immunities and protections from liability to government entities and their employees.

If you are confused about how these laws affect your claim, speak to an experienced slip and fall attorney.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After Suffering Injuries in a Carpet Trip and Fall?

In Illinois, you have two years to file personal injury claims. The two-year deadline begins on the date of discovery or the date of the incident, whichever occurs later. This statute is established in state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202.

Who Is Legally Liable for Trip and Fall Accidents on Carpets in Chicago?

A defendant in a slip and fall claim is not always a property owner. Here are some scenarios that may determine who the at-fault party is in your lawsuit:

• A homeowner who has torn carpeting in their entryway
• A restaurant manager who fails to place a wet floor sign near a recently mopped area
• A business owner who places runner mats in difficult locations
• A government entity for failing to secure a rug on top of a slippery surface in the building

Common Defenses in Cases Involving Carpet and Rug Slips and Falls

Defense teams in these lawsuits will use several tactics to undermine plaintiffs. For example, the defendant’s lawyers may argue that you should have noticed the hazard because it was obvious. We can counter this argument by finding additional evidence, such as surveillance footage or images of the scene.

Another common defense is contributory negligence, which states that the plaintiff is also at fault for the incident. We can speak to witnesses who will support the fact that the property owner failed to take reasonable care.

How to Strengthen Your Carpet Premises Liability Case in Chicago

Taking the right steps after your accident can strengthen a potential claim. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigates incidents and complaints related to slip and fall accidents involving carpets and rugs to identify potential safety issues and hazards.

Otherwise, it may be difficult to prove your fall injuries were caused by the property owner. Here is what you should do right after the fall occurs:

• Assess your injuries
• Identify the cause of your fall
• Report the incident to the property owner
• Gather evidence from the scene, such as witness statements or photos
• Seek medical attention
• Retain all medical records
• Consult the best personal injury lawyers in Chicago

How Our Chicago Attorneys Can Help

The Chicago Injury Center can significantly increase your chances of securing compensation for your serious injuries. We provide the following services to injured clients:

• Investigate the slip and fall
• Speak to witnesses
• Assess all legal damages
• Gather additional evidence
• Negotiate with the insurance company
• Represent you in civil court if necessary

FAQs

Who covers damages in carpet and rug slip and fall cases?

Damages in an injury claim are typically paid by the defendant, an insurance company, or a government entity, depending on residential and commercial settings. The payout could come from homeowner’s insurance, a premises liability settlement, or another type of legal action.

How do I prove the property owner’s liability?

In a premises liability case, you must prove that you were hurt because of a significant risk that the property owner failed to address. This typically involves four elements:

• Duty of care – The defendant had a responsibility to prevent injuries
• Breach of duty – The defendant violated their duty of care
• Causation – There is a link between their actions and your injuries
• Legal damages – You suffered legal losses as a result of the incident

What if I’m partly at fault for the accident?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, injured victims can seek damages as long as they are no more than 50% responsible for the incident. This statute is known as comparative negligence.

Book a Free Consultation

Chicago Injury Center is ready to represent you and fight for a fair settlement after a carpet-related fall in the Windy City. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options.

Content reviewed by Chicago personal injury lawyer Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, who holds negligent individuals, corporations, and institutions accountable to secure justice and compensation for injured victims and their families, and is a trial lawyer recognized by Super Lawyers, the National Law Journal, and the National Trial Lawyers organization.