A slip and fall accident can leave you with painful injuries and costly medical bills. Hospital visits, surgeries, follow-up appointments, medications, and physical therapy can cause significant financial strain, especially if your injuries prevent you from earning a living.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. But who might be liable, and how can you recover the money to cover your medical bills from them? This guide from Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, offers all that information and more.
How Illinois Handles Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents fall under Illinois premises liability law. These laws hold property owners and managers accountable when they fail to maintain safe premises for visitors. If an unmarked slippery floor, uneven pavement, poorly lit stairwell, or cluttered walkway causes an accident, the injured person can seek compensation from the party who failed to address the hazard.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partially responsible for the slip and fall, you may still recover compensation provided your percentage of fault is under 50%. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your losses totaled $100,000, but you were 30% at fault for the accident, your recovery would be reduced by 30% and you would ultimately receive $70,000.
Who Might Be Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Liability in a slip and fall depends on where the accident occurred and who was responsible for maintaining the property. Possibly liable parties include:
- Property owners or landlords
- Business operators
- Maintenance companies or contractors
- Government entities (for slip and falls on public or government property)
An experienced slip and fall attorney can identify every party who contributed to the unsafe condition and seek compensation for your medical bills and any other harm caused by the accident.
Medical Bills That May Be Covered After a Slip and Fall Accident
After a slip and fall, you may face several categories of medical expenses:
- Emergency Treatment: After a slip and fall, ambulance services, diagnostic tests, ER visits, and hospital stays may be immediately necessary.
- Follow-Up Care: Your continuing recovery can require doctor’s visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Medication and Medical Devices: Any prescribed medications and required medical devices related to your injuries may be covered in a slip and fall accident claim.
- Future Medical Needs: Slip and fall compensation can cover not only past and current medical expenses, but also any related medical costs that may arise in the future.
Your health insurance typically pays your bills first. If you lack coverage, medical providers may agree to treat you in exchange for medical liens. Such liens allow them to collect payment from your settlement later. It’s essential to keep careful records of all medical costs, so you can hold the at-fault party fully accountable for the harm and financial losses they caused.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Recovering compensation for your medical bills can require the help of a skilled personal injury attorney. Your lawyer can help by:
- Reviewing your case for free
- Investigating the accident and identifying all liable parties
- Calculating your maximum compensation
- Handling all insurance company communications
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if necessary
Evidence can quickly be lost or destroyed after a slip and fall accident. The sooner you contact an attorney, the easier it will be for them to preserve the available evidence and build a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
Medical bills after a slip and fall accident can be financially devastating. If someone else caused your injuries, you should never be left to foot the bill. The team at Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, will fight to protect your rights while you focus on recovery. Contact our law firm today for your free consultation.