Did you suffer an injury after slipping on an icy sidewalk in Chicago, Illinois? You may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner who failed to keep the walkway safe. Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC can help you evaluate your legal options and fight for the maximum possible compensation.
Our Chicago premises liability attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience and have secured tens of millions of dollars for our clients. Call us at (224) 481-1926 for a free consultation to get started.
Why Hire Mark L. Karno & Associates for My Icy Sidewalk Case in Chicago?
Mark L. Karno & Associates has been winning premises liability cases on behalf of our clients in Chicago for decades, and icy pavement claims are among the most common we handle during the winter months. We’re confident that we can help you make the most of your claim and ensure you are adequately compensated for your economic and non-economic damages if you hire us.
When you choose us to represent you, we can:
- Determine who was responsible for maintaining the sidewalk where you fell
- Gather maintenance records, witness statements, and other evidence to build your case
- Document the full extent of your injuries and related financial losses
- Handle all of the negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company
- File a lawsuit if the other side won’t offer fair compensation
Contact our law offices today for a free case review. We can provide some initial legal advice and answer any questions you may have at that time.
Who Is Responsible for Clearing Ice From Sidewalks in Chicago?
Chicago’s municipal code requires property owners to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their buildings within a reasonable time after a storm. This applies to both residential and commercial property owners. If a property owner ignores this obligation and someone slips on the ice, they may be liable for any injuries that result.
However, the City of Chicago itself and/or its contractor may also bear responsibility in certain situations, such as for bus shelters that they maintain. Filing a claim against the city comes with a shorter deadline that you should keep in mind if applicable. You generally have just one year to submit a notice of claim, compared to a two-year statute of limitations for most other personal injury lawsuits in Illinois.
It’s also worth noting that Illinois has what’s known as the “natural accumulation rule.” Under this doctrine, property owners are generally not liable for injuries caused by the natural accumulation of ice and snow. The key is whether the property owner did something to make the condition worse, such as allowing water to drain onto a walkway where it refroze. Our premises liability attorneys can help you determine whether this rule applies to your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chicago Icy Sidewalk Attorney
If you were injured after slipping on an icy sidewalk in Chicago, IL, Mark L. Karno & Associates can help you hold the responsible property owner liable. Call us at (224) 481-1926 or reach out online to set up your free consultation today. We work on a contingency fee basis as well, which means you only pay attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.