I Fell at a Business In Chicago. What Should I Do Next?
A sudden fall at a business can catch anyone off guard. One moment you’re walking through a store, restaurant, or office building in Chicago, and the next, you’re on the ground, shaken up and hurting. You might think it was just bad luck, but often, these accidents aren’t random at all. They’re the result of poor maintenance, hidden hazards, or safety shortcuts that someone should have fixed.
What seems like a small accident can result in worse injuries than you’d think, including sprains, fractures, or even head injuries that take time (and money) to recover from. As you face the consequences—trips to the doctor missing work, dealing with insurance forms—you might feel lost about your next steps.
If you’ve been injured in a fall at a business, knowing what to do next can make a big difference. It’s worth talking to someone who knows how to handle these situations, like experienced Chicago slip and fall lawyer Michael J. Brennan, who can help you understand your rights and take the right steps forward.
Prioritize Your Health and Safety
After you fall, you might feel shocked, embarrassed, or even mad. That’s normal. But no matter what happens, taking care of your health should be your top priority. Some injuries don’t show up right away. A sore ankle or mild headache could become more serious if you don’t pay attention to it.
That’s why it’s smart to get medical care as soon as possible. Whether you go to the ER, an urgent care clinic, or your regular doctor, having a medical professional check you out helps catch anything you might miss and also creates a record of your injuries tied to the incident.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations, too. Rest when you’re told to, take any prescribed medication, and don’t skip follow-up appointments. These steps not only help your recovery, but they also show you’re taking the situation seriously—something that matters if legal action comes into play.
Report the Incident Right Away
After you’ve gotten medical attention, make sure you report the fall to someone in charge at the business. It might feel like a minor step, but it’s an important one. Managers or staff might not have seen what happened, and if it’s not documented, it’s easy for the details to get lost or disputed later.
Let them know exactly where and how the fall occurred: what caused it, whether there were any warning signs, and what kind of injury you sustained. Ask if they can create a written report, and if they do, request a copy for your records. If you’re handed something to sign, take a moment to read it closely. Don’t feel pressured to sign anything you’re unsure about.
Gather Evidence
After a fall, once you’ve made sure you’re okay, it’s a good idea to start collecting a few details, especially if you think the business may be at fault. If you can, take photos of the scene right away. Snap shots of whatever caused the fall, like a wet floor, loose mat, or uneven surface, and don’t forget to get wider shots that show the surrounding area, too.
If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and contact info. A witness might help confirm your version of events later on. And hang on to the shoes and clothes you were wearing—they could become useful if questions come up about what contributed to the fall.
It also helps to write down your own account soon after the incident. Your memory’s sharpest right then, and even small details can matter if you decide to file a claim.
Understand Illinois Premises Liability Laws
In Illinois, property owners, including businesses, are legally responsible for keeping their spaces safe for visitors. That means things like cleaning up spills, fixing broken flooring, and posting clear warnings when there’s a known hazard. If they fail to do that and someone gets hurt, they could be held liable.
But there’s another side to it. Illinois uses what’s called a comparative negligence rule. In plain terms, if you were partly to blame—for example, if you weren’t paying attention—you might still recover damages, but your compensation could be reduced. And if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you might not be able to recover anything at all.
These cases can get complicated quickly, especially when businesses or insurers try to shift the blame. That’s why having someone on your side who understands how Illinois law works can really make a difference.
Don’t Deal with Insurance Companies Alone
After an accident, it’s not unusual to hear from the business’s insurance company pretty quickly. They may seem helpful at first, by asking for your side of the story or offering a quick settlement, but it’s important to remember who they’re really working for.
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their bottom line. This could mean they minimize your injuries, search for holes in your account, or push you to accept a low offer before you’ve had time to grasp how your injuries will affect you long-term.
Before you give a recorded statement or agree to anything, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer who understands how these situations work. Having someone on your side can help you steer clear of typical mistakes and make sure you’re not exploited when you’re under stress.
Speak With Chicago Slip and Fall Lawyer Michael J. Brennan Today
Attorney Michael J. Brennan has years of experience helping people across Chicago recover after serious accidents. He knows how to deal with insurance companies, navigate Illinois law, and build strong cases for clients who need someone in their corner.
If you’re not sure what to do next, that’s okay. Start by reaching out for a free consultation. Michael will take the time to hear your story, explain your options, and help you figure out the best path forward.