Slip and fall injuries occur when property owners or tenants fail to maintain safe premises — leaving slippery floors, poor lighting, uneven walkways, or other hazards that injure visitors. This is premises liability, a form of negligence. Falls account for 30% of all spinal cord injuries in the United States and cost tens of billions annually. If you were hurt on someone else's property in Chicago, Schwaner Injury Law will hold the negligent party accountable.
Every case is different, but victims of slip and fall may be entitled to recover:
David J. Schwaner has spent over a decade fighting for Chicago injury victims. With a 96% case recovery rate and more than $10 million recovered for clients, he brings aggressive, experienced representation to every case — from initial consultation through trial if necessary.
You pay nothing unless we win. David handles all case costs upfront, so you can focus on your recovery while he focuses on your justice.
You must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn you. Documentation, photos, and witness testimony are key.
Illinois law generally allows 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Delays can hurt your case, so act quickly.
Claims against government entities like the City of Chicago have shorter notice deadlines — sometimes as little as 1 year. Contact an attorney immediately.
Illinois property owners have a duty to clear ice and snow within a reasonable time. If they failed to do so and you were injured, you may have a valid premises liability claim.
Under Illinois comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced proportionally by your degree of fault.
Schwaner Injury Law offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. No fee unless we win. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you if you have a case — no obligation.
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From first call to final settlement or verdict — here's exactly how David Schwaner fights for slip & fall victims in Chicago.
We evaluate your slip & fall case at absolutely no cost. You'll speak directly with David Schwaner — not a paralegal or intake specialist — about what happened and what your case is worth.
We gather all critical evidence — police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, expert opinions, and witness statements. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed.
We prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. We never accept lowball offers. Insurance adjusters know that Schwaner Injury Law is prepared to go to trial.
Most cases settle before trial for fair compensation. If the insurer refuses to offer what your case is worth, David Schwaner takes it to Cook County court and fights for a jury verdict. We don't stop until you're fairly compensated.
You receive your settlement or verdict. Our fee comes only from your recovery — zero out of pocket costs to you. No fee unless we win, guaranteed.
Understanding Illinois law helps you protect your rights. Here's what every slip & fall victim in Chicago needs to know before speaking with an insurance company.
David Schwaner has recovered over $15 million for injured Chicagoans — including slip & fall victims with cases just like yours.
Over 15 years handling slip & fall cases in Cook County courts. David knows the judges, the process, and how to win.
Call or text David Schwaner anytime — day or night. Injured victims don't keep business hours, and neither do we.
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win your case. We advance all litigation expenses so you can focus on healing.
Illinois-specific answers to the questions injured victims ask most. If your question isn't here, call (312) 635-4000 — David answers personally.
In Illinois, you have 2 years from the date of your slip and fall injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). If the fall occurred on government property (a city sidewalk, public building, etc.), you may need to file a notice of claim within 1 year under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act. Act quickly — evidence like surveillance footage is often deleted within days.
To win a slip and fall case in Illinois, you must prove: (1) the property owner owed you a duty of care, (2) they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, (3) they failed to fix or warn about it, and (4) this failure directly caused your injuries. The property owner's knowledge of the hazard — called 'notice' — is often the most contested element.
Property owners and their insurers routinely try to blame victims. Under Illinois's modified comparative fault law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), you can still recover damages as long as you are found less than 51% at fault. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can counter these tactics and protect your recovery.
Yes. We handle all premises liability and slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis — no upfront costs, no fees unless we win. David Schwaner advances all costs of investigation and litigation, so you can pursue justice without financial risk.
Property owners and managers of any type of premises can be held liable: grocery stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking lots, office buildings, retail stores, hotels, schools, and even private residences. Illinois premises liability law (740 ILCS 130) requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for all lawful visitors.
Schwaner Injury Law handles slip & fall cases throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including Chicago, Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, Berwyn, Cicero, Chicago Heights, Harvey, Calumet City, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, Countryside, Lombard, Downers Grove, Naperville, and throughout Cook and DuPage counties. Wherever you were injured in northeastern Illinois, David Schwaner can help. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation. Available 24/7, no fee unless we win.