Joliet Premises Liability Lawyers

Experienced Representation for Victims of Slip and Fall and Trip and Fall Accidents in Joliet, Illinois

Slip and fall accidents happen suddenly, but their consequences can last a lifetime. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries after falling on a dangerous or poorly maintained property in Joliet, Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation. At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of experienced Joliet slip and fall accident attorneys is committed to protecting your rights and helping you pursue justice.

We understand how quickly a simple visit to a grocery store, apartment building, or public sidewalk can turn into a traumatic, life-altering injury. From the moment you contact our firm, we prioritize open communication, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, or chronic pain, we are here to help you seek full compensation and hold negligent property owners accountable.

Illinois Law on Slip and Fall Accidents

In Illinois, slip and fall cases fall under the Premises Liability Act. This law places a legal obligation on property owners, managers, and occupiers to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for lawful visitors. When this duty is breached, by failing to clean up a spill, fix a broken step, or remove a known hazard, the owner may be liable for resulting injuries.

To succeed in a slip and fall claim, the injured party must prove:

1. A dangerous condition existed on the property.
2. The owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
3. The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix the issue or warn visitors.
4. That failure caused the plaintiff’s injuries.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Joliet

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from large commercial properties like Louis Joliet Mall to smaller residential buildings, government offices, or sidewalks near downtown Joliet. Common causes of Joliet slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery floors (from rainwater, spills, or mopping)
• Loose or torn carpeting
• Uneven sidewalks or flooring
• Potholes in parking lots
• Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
• Broken stairs or missing handrails
• Snow and ice accumulations
• Obstructed walkways or debris
• Improperly placed rugs or mats
• Unmarked elevation changes (e.g., steps, ramps)

Even a seemingly minor hazard can cause a serious injury, especially for older adults or individuals with limited mobility. It is the property owner’s responsibility to inspect their premises regularly and address foreseeable dangers promptly.

Types of Properties Where Falls Occur

Slip and fall accidents can happen on any type of property, including:

• Retail Stores and Shopping Centers
• Restaurants and Cafés
• Hospitals and Medical Offices
• Office Buildings
• Private Residences
• Apartment Complexes
• Government Buildings
• Parking Garages
• Sidewalks and Walkways

Each type of property may carry different duties depending on the visitor’s status and whether the premises are public or private.

Winter Hazards and Ice-Related Falls in Joliet

Joliet winters often bring snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures. These weather conditions increase the likelihood of falls due to:

• Untreated sidewalks
• Icy stairways
• Snow tracked indoors
• Black ice in parking lots

Under Illinois law, property owners are not generally liable for injuries caused by natural accumulations of snow or ice. However, they may be held liable for unnatural accumulations, such as:

• Water from a leaky gutter that freezes
• Snow improperly piled near an entrance
• Meltwater refreezing due to poor drainage

Additionally, Joliet municipal ordinances may require sidewalk snow removal within a certain time after snowfall. Failure to comply may support a negligence claim.

Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

A fall may seem like a minor accident—but it can result in devastating injuries. Some of the most common include:

• Fractures and Broken Bones – Especially hips, wrists, ankles, and arms
• Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Resulting in cognitive impairment, memory loss, or chronic headaches
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Including herniated discs and nerve damage
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains, strains, or torn ligaments
• Facial Injuries – Broken teeth, lacerations, or eye trauma
• Internal Injuries – Organ damage or internal bleeding
• Wrongful Death – Especially in elderly victims or falls from height

Prompt medical care and careful documentation are essential for both recovery and legal success. Our Joliet personal injury firm can help you gather the records needed to support your claim.

Proving Liability: Notice and Negligence

Illinois courts require plaintiffs in slip and fall cases to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. This is known as establishing actual or constructive notice:

• Actual Notice: The owner was directly aware of the danger (e.g., an employee witnessed a spill).
• Constructive Notice: The hazard existed for such a length of time that the owner should have discovered and corrected it.

For example, if a spill remained on a grocery store floor for 30 minutes without being cleaned, surveillance footage or employee testimony may help prove constructive notice.

Defenses to Be Aware Of in Premises Liability Cases

Property owners and insurance companies often raise defenses to deny or minimize slip and fall claims, such as:

• Open and Obvious Doctrine: the hazard was clearly visible and avoidable
• Assumption of Risk: the plaintiff knowingly accepted the danger
• Comparative Negligence: the plaintiff’s own carelessness contributed to the fall
• Lack of Notice: the property owner had no way to know about the hazard in time to address it
• Natural Accumulation Rule: immunity from snow and ice-related injuries unless unnaturally caused

Our Joliet premises liability attorneys are prepared to counter these arguments with strong evidence, legal research, and expert analysis.

Illinois Comparative Fault and Compensation

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

• If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, reduced by your percentage of fault.
• If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. Our legal team will work to minimize any blame unfairly assigned to you.

Types of Damages Available in Joliet Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall victims in Joliet may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages or income
• Reduced earning capacity
• Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, braces)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of normal life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)

In severe cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the property owner’s conduct was especially reckless.

Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Slip and Fall Case

Strong evidence is key in slip and fall cases. Our Joliet premises liability attorneys will help you collect:

• Photos of the hazard
• Security footage
• Eyewitness testimony
• Incident reports
• Medical records
• Maintenance logs
• Expert testimony (e.g., engineers, safety inspectors)

We recommend taking photos as soon as possible after your fall and preserving the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time.

Statute of Limitations for Joliet Premises Liability Cases

In Illinois, the general deadline for filing a slip and fall injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. Exceptions include:

• Minors: May have until their 20th birthday
• Government Claims: Have shorter statutes of limitations.

Missing the applicable deadline means losing your right to recover damages, so it is vital to act quickly.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for your Joliet Trip and Fall Case?

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have successfully represented countless injury victims throughout Will County and the greater Chicago area. Our attorneys offer:

• Decades of combined experience
• Deep knowledge of Illinois premises liability law
• Proven track record of verdicts and settlements
• Personalized legal guidance at every step
• Aggressive negotiation with insurers
• Readiness to go to trial if necessary

We take the time to understand your injuries, the impact on your life, and your goals for recovery. You can count on our team to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Contact the Top-Rated Joliet Slip and Fall Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Joliet, don’t face the aftermath alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can cause. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on healing.

Call 844-MALMLAW or (630) 527-4177, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Joliet, Plainfield, Shorewood, Lockport, and throughout Will County. Let us fight for justice on your behalf.