Illinois Slip and Fall Settlements
Average Slip and Fall Settlement in Illinois (2026 Data)
Research how Illinois slip and fall cases have settled. Chicago/Cook County cases average approximately $417,200, but individual results vary significantly based on injury severity and liability.
⚠️ Important: Averages are misleading. Every case is unique. Get a personalizedLexstimate report for your specific situation.
Illinois Slip and Fall Settlement Ranges by Injury
| Injury Type | Typical Range | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Bruises / Minor Sprains | $5,000 - $15,000 | Minor |
| Broken Wrist / Ankle | $25,000 - $75,000 | Moderate |
| Hip Fracture | $75,000 - $250,000 | Serious |
| Back / Spinal Injury | $100,000 - $500,000 | Serious |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | $200,000 - $1,000,000+ | Catastrophic |
| Wrongful Death | $500,000 - $2,000,000+ | Fatal |
*Ranges based on publicly available Illinois court records. Individual results vary significantly.
Illinois Slip and Fall Laws
Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar)
Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, if you are found 51% or more at fault (e.g., not watching where you walked, wearing inappropriate footwear), you cannot recover any damages. If 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage.
No Damage Caps
Illinois does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in most personal injury cases. The Illinois Supreme Court struck down damage caps as unconstitutional, meaning there is no artificial limit on what you can recover.
2-Year Statute of Limitations
You have 2 years from the date of your slip and fall accident to file a lawsuit in Illinois. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim entirely.
What You Must Prove in an Illinois Slip and Fall Case
- Duty of Care: The property owner owed you a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe.
- Dangerous Condition: A hazardous condition existed (wet floor, ice, broken stairs, poor lighting).
- Knowledge: The owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
- Failure to Act: The owner failed to fix the hazard or adequately warn visitors.
- Causation: The dangerous condition directly caused your injuries.
Common Slip and Fall Locations in Illinois
- Grocery Stores: Wet floors, spilled products, produce debris
- Restaurants: Spilled drinks, greasy floors, uneven flooring
- Retail Stores: Merchandise on floors, wet entryways, poor lighting
- Parking Lots: Ice, snow, potholes, uneven pavement
- Apartment Buildings: Broken stairs, inadequate lighting, icy walkways
- Office Buildings: Wet lobbies, torn carpet, elevator issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average slip and fall settlement in Chicago?
Chicago slip and fall settlements average approximately $417,200 based on Cook County data. However, settlements range from $15,000 for minor injuries to over $1 million for serious injuries.
What do I need to prove in an Illinois slip and fall case?
You must prove the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you, and that this failure caused your injuries.
Does Illinois have damage caps for slip and fall cases?
No. Illinois struck down damage caps as unconstitutional. There are no caps on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in most personal injury cases.
Slip and Fall Settlements by Illinois Location
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