EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
St. Charles, IL Premises Liability Lawyers
Experienced Injury Lawyers for Slip and Fall Victims in St. Charles and Kane County
At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how serious a slip and fall accident can be. What may seem like a simple fall can result in severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and costly medical expenses. If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property, you may have the right to compensation under Illinois premises liability law.
Our experienced St. Charles slip and fall attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent property owners accountable. We are a trusted, local law firm with six award-winning attorneys who all live and work in Kane County. For over 30 years, we have earned a reputation for exceptional client service and aggressive legal advocacy.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in St. Charles
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but common hazards in St. Charles include:
- Icy sidewalks and parking lots
- Wet or slippery floors in stores and gas stations
- Uneven pavement and potholes
- Poor lighting
- Snow piles obstructing walkways
- Leaky gutters causing ice buildup
When property owners fail to correct or warn of these hazards, they may be held liable for injuries that occur on their property.
Our Proven Track Record in Slip and Fall Cases
At John J. Malm & Associates, we have successfully recovered significant settlements for clients injured in slip and fall accidents in St. Charles and Kane County, including:
- A $200,000 settlement against a local gas station that improperly piled snow over a public walkway, causing our client to slip, fall, and suffer a serious shoulder injury requiring surgery.
- A $300,000 settlement for a client who slipped and fell on an icy surface outside her apartment door. The fall caused severe ankle injuries that required surgery.
- A $300,000 settlement for a woman who slipped and fell on water in a popular restaurant, injuring her ankle and requiring surgery.
- A $125,000 settlement against another local gas station where a leaky gutter caused ice to form at the entrance, resulting in a slip and fall accident. Our client sustained injuries but did not require surgery.
- A $100,000 settlement for a child injured by a protruding railroad tie spike left exposed at an apartment complex, resulting in severe lacerations.
Illinois Law on Premises Liability
In Illinois, the legal responsibility of property owners to maintain safe premises is governed by the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/1 et seq.). The Act establishes that owners and occupiers of land owe a duty of reasonable care to people lawfully on their property. This includes keeping the property in a reasonably safe condition and addressing known hazards that could foreseeably cause injury.
The law states: “Each owner or occupier of land owes a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances regarding the state of the premises or acts done or omitted on them to all entrants upon the premises, except to trespassers.”
Illinois Pattern Jury Instruction (IPI) 120.08 further explains this duty: “It was the duty of the defendant, as an owner or occupier of the premises, to use ordinary care to see that the premises were reasonably safe for use by [plaintiff].” This instruction is often used to guide juries in determining whether a property owner acted negligently in allowing a dangerous condition to persist.
Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/1 et seq.), property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. This duty includes:
- Removing hazards from walkways
- Removing man-made or “unnatural accumulations” of ice when it forms in places where people walk or enter or exit a building
- Repairing broken pavement or stairs
- Ensuring adequate lighting
- Addressing known dangers and warning visitors about them
When property owners breach this duty and someone is injured as a result, they can be held financially responsible.
To establish a claim under Illinois premises liability law, an injured person must prove that the property owner knew or should have known of the dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to remedy or warn of it. Our top-rated St. Charles injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates are well-versed in these legal standards and have the experience to apply them effectively to your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall Accident in St. Charles, IL?
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
“We understand that slip and fall accidents are not minor inconveniences — they are serious incidents that can upend lives. We are committed to fighting for the rights of injury victims in St. Charles and ensuring they receive the financial recovery they deserve.” – St. Charles, IL premises liability lawyer, John J. Malm
How to Choose the Best Slip and Fall Lawyer in St. Charles
Selecting the right attorney after a slip and fall accident is crucial. You should look for:
- Proven Results: Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injury victims, including substantial settlements in local slip and fall cases.
- Experience and Resources: With over 90 years of combined legal experience, we have the knowledge and resources to investigate, litigate, and maximize your claim.
- Local Reputation: Our St. Charles personal injury attorneys live in Kane County and have built a strong reputation over three decades for providing compassionate service and aggressive legal representation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about St. Charles, IL Premises Liability Claims
- How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Illinois?
- In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
- Illinois follows a comparative fault rule. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?
- Seek medical attention, report the incident to the property owner and get an incident report, take photos of the hazard, and contact an experienced slip and fall attorney.
- What types of damages can I recover in a slip and fall case?
- You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability.
- Do I need a lawyer to handle a slip and fall claim?
- Property owners and their insurance companies often dispute liability. An experienced St. Charles accident attorney is needed to build a strong case and negotiate a fair settlement.
Contact Our St. Charles Slip and Fall Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in St. Charles, do not wait to protect your legal rights. Our experienced attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates are ready to help. We proudly serve clients throughout St. Charles, Kane County, and the surrounding communities. Our office is conveniently located in St. Charles, and we can be reached at 630-524-2323 or 844-MALMLAW.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve after a slip and fall accident.