Illinois lawmakers created this law with the knowledge that our state is prone to ice and snow related issues. Everybody has to deal with ice, and a lot of people fall on the ice despite past efforts of the owner to keep their walkways maintained.
However, you are able to recover financial compensation for unnatural accumulation. This is where liquid has frozen—usually near the entryway or under a gutter system.
Because the icy and/or dangerous conditions of the property are not caused by the rain that turns to ice, or snow that turns to ice, this is unnatural accumulation. Something needs to be fixed so that this is no longer a hazard for a passerby.
So if you slip on that, then you’ve got the ability to seek compensation.
At Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, we know that Illinois slip and fall law is very, very confusing. How do you know when the ice accumulation was natural or unnatural?
Please fill out our online form or call our McHenry County, IL office if you have questions about your case. We’d be more than happy to walk through what happened to you and determine if seeking financial compensation is in your best interests.
The same applies with trips and fall accidents when there isn’t a defect in the walkway. For example, let’s say that there is brick that has come up, or there is a hole in the pavement. If there’s no defect, you just tripped, some people think, “I tripped on someone’s property. I’m entitled to make a claim.” But unfortunately, you’re not.
There has to be a significant defect that the owner knew about and failed to rectify. But if you could see a big hole, then you should be able to navigate around it.
If you, after falling, realize there was any kind of defect, it’s worth contacting us to discuss. We can evaluate that defect and determine whether it’s one that we’re able to recover compensation.
If you had a medical condition that kept you from being able to properly travel on a property, then there’s an issue there that you may be partly responsible for your fall.
We need to make sure that your medical condition was not a contributing factor, and that the injury was solely due to a defect on the property or the unnatural ice accumulation.
At the end of the day, the injury attorneys at Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley want what is best for you and your family. We know you have questions. If you call our office and explain what happened to you, we can help you figure out whether or not it is worth your while to pursue a personal injury claim related to your slip and fall accident.
Contact our Marengo, Illinois law office today.