A simple grocery run on a Sunday morning can lead to an inconvenient and even traumatizing event. Maybe you simply lost your footing, or maybe the business failed to keep the property safe. For older adults, a slip and fall accident can be more than just burdensome; it can be life-altering. Beyond the pain of a broken bone or head injury, a fall can also bring frustration from losing independence and stress about medical bills.
In a situation like this, you may wonder: was it simply an accident, or is the store legally responsible?
When the business is to blame
In Illinois, grocery store owners have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe for customers. This means regularly checking for hazards, promptly cleaning up spills and clearly warning shoppers about potential dangers. It is easy to assume that slips and injuries are just part of getting older, but many falls occur because a store failed to fix a hazard that should have been prevented.
Common hazards include:
- Wet floors without warning signs
- Loose or bunched mats at entrances or near produce sections
- Cluttered or obstructed aisles
- Snow, rain or ice tracked into entryways
- Poor lighting in aisles or parking lots
- Cracked or uneven flooring
To successfully pursue a claim, you need to show the store knew or should have known about the danger and didn’t fix it. This is where an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
What to do after a fall
Older adults often face longer recovery times, which can lead to higher medical expenses and even the need for long-term care. Fortunately, Illinois law includes the “eggshell plaintiff” rule, which protects vulnerable individuals. It holds the store responsible, even if age or pre-existing conditions made the injuries worse.
Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting yourself after a fall. Here are some steps you can take:
- Report the incident to a manager and request a copy of the incident report.
- Take photos of the area and your injuries, or ask someone for help.
- Collect witness information if anyone saw what happened.
- Seek medical attention, even if the pain feels minor.
- Avoid giving statements to the store’s insurer without legal advice.
If the store’s negligence caused your injury, you should not have to carry the financial and emotional burden alone. Consult an attorney who understands premises liability to help you build a stronger case.
Take control of what comes next
An unexpected fall can leave you shaken, injured and unsure of what to do next. But you are not powerless. By acting quickly and understanding your legal options, you take back control in a difficult situation. An experienced attorney can help you hold the right parties accountable and pursue the support you need to recover with dignity.
