With the holiday season in full swing, thousands of people throughout the greater Chicago area are shopping and enjoying activities around the town. However, with the winter holidays comes winter weather conditions, and walking in and around establishments and other properties during this time of year can be a dangerous proposition. From broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, falls can result in expensive hospital trips, costly physical therapy, and chronic pain. If you suffer a fall injury, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Understanding Illinois Slip and Fall Laws
According to the Snow and Ice Removal Act, written within the Illinois Compiled Statutes, property owners are encouraged to remove natural accumulations of snow or ice from their property, but they are typically not responsible for injuries that occur when someone slips and falls on snow or ice. While some municipal ordinances may require a premises owner to clear walkways of snow or ice in certain situations, this does not establish legal liability. That said, if a premises owner elects to remove the snow or ice and does so in a negligent manner, they may be liable for injuries suffered.
While property owners are not liable for natural accumulations, they may be liable for falls caused by unnatural accumulations of snow or ice. These cases may involve factors such as sloping surfaces, improper entryway design, and negligent maintenance, resulting in snow or ice accumulating in an unexpected manner and creating an increased risk for people who enter the property.
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