When you slip and fall on an icy sidewalk, it can cause serious injuries. These accidents can leave you with significant medical bills and lost income. In Illinois, you may be able to recover those costs with a premises liability claim. If you are injured on a sidewalk, whether it is from ice or any other dangerous condition, speaking with experienced Rolling Meadows, IL premises liability lawyers can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.
Who Is Responsible for Clearing Ice and Snow on Sidewalks in Illinois?
Responsibility for a slip-and-fall accident on a sidewalk depends on where the fall took place. It could be next to a private home, an apartment building, a business, or on city property. Illinois law makes a distinction between natural accumulation and unnatural accumulation of ice. Natural accumulation is ice that forms from normal winter weather. Under Section 1 of the Illinois Snow and Ice Removal Act, residential property owners are encouraged to remove snow and ice. They often cannot be held liable for injuries caused by natural accumulation.