A slip and fall accident can happen very suddenly and without warning. One moment, you are walking through the dairy section of your local grocery store, and the next you are in a neck brace being loaded into an ambulance. Generally, the party in control of the premises where you got hurt is liable for your injuries. However, in some cases, the injured party bears some responsibility for the accident.
In Illinois, the amount of compensation you are awarded may be reduced if you were partially at fault for your fall. If the accident was mostly your fault, you may not be able to recover anything. It is very common for premises owners to defend themselves by arguing that the injured person was at fault. You will need an experienced lawyer to help you fight back.
What is the Modified Comparative Negligence Rule?
Illinois uses what is called “modified comparative negligence.” In short, this means that the amount of your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for your accident, your award will be reduced by 25%. So, if you win $100,000 but were 25% at fault, you will only receive $75,000.
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