Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant—a wet grocery store floor, an icy sidewalk in a parking lot, or a loose handrail on a stairwell. But the injuries they cause can linger for weeks, months, or even years. If you’re dealing with pain after a fall, you might be wondering: Do I still have time to take legal action?
The answer depends on a few factors. Here’s what you need to know about deadlines for filing a personal injury claim after a fall in Illinois and how you can protect your right to compensation.
The General Deadline in Illinois: Two Years
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims—including slip and falls—is two years from the date of the accident. That means you typically have two years to file a lawsuit in civil court against the responsible party.
This deadline applies whether you slipped at a business in Northbrook, tripped on a cracked sidewalk in Glenview, or fell in a parking lot in Arlington Heights. If you wait too long, your claim could be dismissed, even if it’s valid.
Why Acting Sooner Is Better
Just because you have two years doesn’t mean you should wait that long. There are a few good reasons to act as soon as possible:
- Evidence can disappear. Security footage gets erased. Spills get cleaned up. Witnesses forget details.
- Medical records matter. The sooner you get medical care, the stronger the link between your injury and the fall.
- Insurance companies get involved early. If they hear from you first, not your lawyer, they may try to minimize or deny your claim.
- The at-fault party may fix the hazard. Without proper documentation, it can be harder to prove what caused your fall.
When you speak with a personal injury attorney early, you’re in a better position to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and understand what your claim may be worth.
Are There Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule?
Yes—some situations can shorten or extend the deadline:
Shortened Deadlines
If your fall happened on government property, such as a public sidewalk or municipal building in Northbrook, you must file a formal notice within one year or less. Claims against a city, county, or state agency follow different rules and timelines.
Extended Deadlines
In some cases, the clock might not start ticking right away. For example:
- If the injured person is a minor, the two-year window typically begins once they turn 18.
- If the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the timeline may begin when the injury is discovered (though this is rare in slip and fall cases).
An attorney can help you determine exactly how long you have to file based on the details of your accident.
What If You’re Not Sure Who’s Responsible?
That’s common in fall cases. Maybe you slipped in a shared space, like a strip mall or apartment complex. Or maybe it’s not clear whether the property owner or a maintenance company was supposed to fix the hazard.
The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Stein & Shulman, LLC, we investigate the scene, identify all potentially liable parties, and work to hold them accountable. Our team has helped injured clients throughout Northbrook and the North Suburbs recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering after a fall.
Get Answers Before Time Runs Out
If you’ve been injured in a fall—whether it happened last week or several months ago—it’s worth speaking with a lawyer to understand your rights and next steps. The clock might still be ticking, but you may still have time to file a claim. Call today to schedule your free case review.
