Can I Sue if I Slip and Fall in a Grocery Store in Illinois?

 Posted on May 31, 2025 in Premises Accidents

Grocery stores have policies specifically designed to prevent premises accidents, like slips and falls. When failure to adhere to those policies and the basic requirement that the store be reasonably maintained to keep it safe results in your injury, Illinois law allows you to hold the at-fault party responsible for your losses. You may be able to recover damages like the cost of current and future medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. First, you have to prove that negligence occurred, and an experienced Aurora slip-and-fall accident attorney can help.

Who Is at Fault if I Get Hurt in a Grocery Store?

According to Illinois premises liability law, property owners must maintain a safe environment for visitors, and that includes addressing any potentially dangerous conditions that could result in injury. This principle applies to residential and commercial properties. When an accident occurs in a grocery store, the owner or operator could be liable for the accident and resulting damages.

How Do I Prove Negligence in a Premises Liability Case?

When you file a claim, you and your attorney carry the responsibility of proving that the owner/operator of the store is liable. To do so, you must establish the following elements of negligence:

• Show that the owner owed you a duty of care to ensure that the store was safe for you and other customers.

• Prove that they failed to address a hazardous condition, breaching the duty of care requirement.

• Establish the connection between the breach of duty and the cause of your accident.

• Prove that the accident resulted in damages, meaning financial and emotional losses.

Common hazardous conditions that cause accidents on commercial properties include wet floors from cleaning, spilled merchandise, and uneven surfaces. Talk to your attorney about the circumstances of your accident to determine the direct cause and what evidence you will need to establish negligence.

What Evidence Can I Use To Support My Claim in a Slip-and-Fall Accident Case?

Every case is slightly different, but there are some common things you can use to support your claim. For example, the authority on duty at the time of the accident should have completed an incident report. You can get a copy of that to see how they detailed the accident. If you or anyone else took any photos at the scene when the accident occurred, those could be an asset to your claim. For example, it could show that proper signage was not placed around a spill or wet floor. The same is true for security cameras in the store.

If anyone you know was with you when the accident occurred or others witnessed it, they could provide testimony. Additionally, your medical records would serve as proof of the extent of your injuries and the treatment you need to recover. 

Contact an Aurora, IL Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorney Today

If you suffered an injury, resulting in physical, financial, and emotional losses, the Kane County, IL slip-and-fall accident lawyers at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. will help you understand the process for filing a premises liability claim. We will gather all the evidence needed to prove negligence and the damages you have the right to recover. Call 630-907-0909 to schedule a free consultation today.