Falls Caused by Ice: Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Chicago?
As all Chicago residents know, the city can become quite dangerous in winter due to ice and snow. Workers tasked with outdoor duties may be particularly at risk for slips and falls, and these accidents can be quite serious. Lose your footing for a brief moment, and you might be struggling with broken bones before you know it. You might even lose consciousness due to a head injury before waking up in a hospital bed. What can you do in this situation? Is a workers’ compensation claim in Chicago the right choice?
Icy Sidewalks Are a Major Threat in Chicago
Each year, hospitals in Chicago see a major surge in fall-related injuries during the winter. Many of these injuries are caused by icy or snowy conditions on sidewalks and other outdoor spaces. Winter also brings a slew of other hazards, including falling icicles, out-of-control vehicles, and pneumonia. All of these hazards can injure workers, especially those tasked with completing their duties outdoors.
Icy Slips and Falls Can Lead to Workers’ Compensation Claims in Chicago
If you slipped and fell on ice or snow in Chicago, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. As long as you were performing work-related duties at the time of your accident, you should be covered by this “no-fault” insurance system. Your claim can cover medical expenses, missed earnings, and vocational rehabilitation.
Falls on Ice Can Lead to Serious Injuries
A slip on an icy sidewalk, parking lot, or pathway can lead to serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries for workers in Chicago. Even if you lose your footing for a second, you could suffer a sprained ankle or a torn ligament. If you fall to the floor, you might strike your leg, hip, or arm on the sidewalk before suffering multiple fractures. A slip on an icy surface can also cause you to strike your head on the ground. This can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can be fatal.
Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Instead?
If you fell on an icy surface in your own workplace, a workers’ comp claim might be the best option. However, you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit instead if your fall occurred on someone else’s property. This might be a public sidewalk, the outside of another business, or a government facility.
Perhaps you were walking to a coffee shop or restaurant during your break. If you slipped and fell on ice, a personal injury lawsuit might be more appropriate. It might also lead to more compensation than a workers’ comp claim.
Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago Help Me?
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago may be able to help if you’re struggling with injuries after an icy slip and fall. If you were performing work-related duties at the time of your fall, you should be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on your circumstances, a personal injury claim might also be possible. Discuss your options in more detail with Connolly Injury Law today.
Source:
illinoishammer.com/blog/the-dangers-of-falling-snow-and-ice/
