Shopping malls can sometimes become the site of unfortunate accidents due to unsafe conditions. It leaves victims injured and uncertain about their next steps. If you’ve been injured in a mall accident in Chicago, you deserve an experienced lawyer to help you secure the justice you’re entitled to.
We specialize in handling personal injury claims, including those arising from mall accidents. Our mall accident lawyers ensure the ideal compensation and secure your legal entitlements!
How We Can Help as Your Chicago Mall Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a mall accident, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re facing. Chicago Injury Lawyer is here to provide you with the support, expertise, and legal guidance you need. Here’s how we can help:
1. Thorough Investigation of Your Accident
We carefully examine the details of your accident. We collect crucial evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert opinions. This thorough investigation helps build a solid case to support your claim.
2. Handling Insurance Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies can be tiring. Our lawyer negotiates with insurers to ensure you’re not lowballed. We provide you with the total compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries.
3. Expert Legal Guidance and Representation
We file paperwork to navigate legal complexities, with expert advice every step of the way. Our attorney will guide you through the process and represent your best interests in all dealings.
4. Aggressive Pursuit of Fair Compensation
Our mall accident lawyer does not settle for less. Whether through settlement or trial, they fight for maximum compensation to cover the damages related to your accident.
5. Peace of Mind During Your Recovery
We understand that healing is your priority. While you focus on recovering, we handle the legal complexities and protect your rights. We bring you peace of mind during a stressful time.
Common Types of Chicago Mall Accidents
Mall accidents come in various forms, but they often share a common cause: negligence. Property owners, residents, and maintenance teams are responsible for ensuring mall premises are safe for visitors. Unfortunately, lapses in duty can lead to injuries.
Here are some of the common types of accidents that happen across malls in Chicago:
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are among the leading causes of injuries in the malls in Chicago. These incidents can occur due to:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven tiles or carpeting
- Poorly lit areas
- Spilled liquids in food courts or retail stores
2. Escalator and Elevator Accidents
Malfunctioning escalators or elevators can cause severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or worse. These accidents may arise from improper maintenance, design flaws, or defective components.
3. Falling Objects
Retailers regularly stack inventory on high shelves, creating a risk of falling objects. Poorly secured signage or decorations can also pose hazards. It leads to head, neck, or back injuries.
4. Parking Lot Accidents
Outlet malls in Chicago with extensive parking areas present risks of pedestrian injuries, vehicle collisions, and even criminal assaults. It can happen due to inadequate lighting or security.
5. Negligent Security
Inadequate security measures, such as insufficient surveillance cameras or untrained staff, can lead to accidents. They might involve theft, assaults, or other criminal activities that harm shoppers.
Common Causes of Mall Accidents
Accidents in large shopping malls frequently occur due to negligence, unsafe conditions, or poor maintenance. Here are the most common causes:
- Slip and Falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered aisles, or poor lighting can lead to dangerous falls.
- Improper Maintenance: Broken stairs, faulty escalators, leaking roofs, and damaged flooring increase risks.
- Negligent Security: Insufficient lighting, surveillance, or poor crowd control may lead to assaults, theft, or trampling injuries.
- Falling Objects: Items falling from shelves or unsecured decorations can cause serious harm.
- Food Court Hazards: Spills, overcrowded seating, or faulty furniture create risks in dining areas.
- Weather-Related Issues: Snow, ice, or rain can make entrances and parking lots slippery.
- Construction Zones: Poorly marked hazards or falling debris during renovations can harm shoppers.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Collisions, potholes, or pedestrian mishaps often occur in large mall lots.
What We Encourage Doing After a Mall Accident
If you’ve been injured in a mall accident, the first thing you need to do is ensure your safety and well-being. Here, we have provided a step-by-step guide to follow after the incident:
- Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the most important thing. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the Scene
Take photos of where the accident occurred, including any dangers (like wet floors, uneven pavement, or poor lighting). We recommend getting the names and contact information of witnesses who saw what happened.
- Report the Incident
Notify mall management or security about the accident. They should file a report, which will serve as an official record of the incident. Make sure you get a copy of the report for your records.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurers:
Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim. Do not speak with them on your own. We highly recommend referring all communication to your attorney.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Speaking to a lawyer specializing in mall accidents like ours can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can guide you through the claims process and ensure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies or mall owners.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Mall Accident Victims in Chicago
Under Illinois law, you are eligible for compensation if you’ve been injured in a mall accident. Personal injury laws allow victims to pursue damages for both economic and non-economic losses. The policies that govern mall accident injury claims include the following:
1. Premises Liability
In Chicago, property owners, including malls, must keep their premises safe for visitors. This responsibility is outlined in the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130). If a property owner fails to fix hazards like wet floors, broken escalators, or poor lighting, and someone gets hurt, the owner can be held responsible.
Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This law ensures that mall owners are held accountable for maintaining a safe environment for their customers.
2. Comparative Fault Law
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule under (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This means that if you are partially responsible for your accident (for example, if you were distracted while walking), your compensation may be reduced to your fault.
However, even if you share some blame, you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. You are barred from recovering compensation if you are 50% or more responsible.
3. Illinois Personal Injury Act
The Personal Injury Act (735 ILCS 5/13-202) allows personal injury victims, including those injured in mall accidents, to seek financial compensation for damages. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, therapy, surgeries, and medications.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for emotional distress, pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the mall owner’s negligence was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future harmful conduct.
Time Limit of Mall Accident Claims: Statute of Limitations
Illinois statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the accident date under (735 ILCS 5/13-212). You have two years to file a lawsuit for a mall accident injury.
If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. However, exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as if the injury was not immediately apparent or if the victim is a minor. Always consult with an attorney to ensure you meet all deadlines.
Empowering You to Take the Next Step!
A trip to the mall should be a safe and enjoyable experience. Not one that leaves you injured and devastated. Our attorney is here to guide you every step of the way, offering compassionate support and relentless legal representation.
Your recovery and peace of mind are our priorities. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing justice!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a mall accident case?
You may have a case if the mall owner or operator failed to maintain a safe environment, and that negligence caused your injury. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate the details and check whether you have reasons to file a claim.
What if the mall denies responsibility for my injury?
Even if the mall denies liability, an experienced attorney can investigate the incident. They will help gather evidence and build a solid case to prove negligence.
Will my case go to court?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer will be prepared to represent you in court.
