Does the Store Owner Have To Pay if I Fall on a Wet Floor in Illinois?

 Posted on October 19, 2025 in Personal Injury

Slip-and-fall accidents happen every day. Sometimes, you get right back up, and other times, you may suffer serious injuries. In Illinois, if you slip and fall in a store, you may be able to hold the store owner responsible if their carelessness led to your injuries. The experienced Orland Park, IL slip and fall lawyer at Issa Law, LLC can help you determine whether the store owner needs to pay for your damages and guide you through your legal options.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Store Owner Liability?

Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, business owners must keep their property reasonably safe for customers and guests. This includes cleaning up spills quickly and posting warning signs when the floor is slippery. Store owners also have to perform regular inspections to identify and fix hazards before someone gets hurt. If they fail to do this and you get hurt, they can be held legally responsible.

Managers and staff play a key role in maintaining safety. They are responsible for checking aisles, responding to spills, and alerting maintenance crews about potential dangers. If employees ignore these duties or fail to report a problem, the store itself can still be held responsible for their negligence.

The law does not automatically make owners or managers liable for every accident. For example, if a puddle sat on the floor for several minutes without a warning cone or cleanup, a court could find the store responsible due to failing to meet its duty of care.

How Do You Prove the Store Owner Is at Fault for a Wet Floor?

To recover compensation, you must prove that the store’s negligence directly caused your fall. This means showing that the owner or staff ignored a hazard that led to your injuries and your financial losses. Because the burden of proof falls on you, you have to bring the evidence. This might include:

• Photos or videos of the wet floor or area where you fell

• Surveillance footage from the store

• Witness statements from employees or shoppers

• Cleaning or maintenance logs showing how often inspections occurred

The insurance company may try to shift the blame to you to reduce how much they need to pay. Keep in mind that Illinois follows the rule of comparative negligence under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This means that if you were partly at fault, your damages may be reduced based on how much you contributed to what happened. For example, suppose you were distracted by your phone while walking and were found 20 percent responsible. You could still recover 80 percent of your total damages. As long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you will still be able to recover something.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Slip-and-Fall Case in Illinois?

A serious fall can lead to painful injuries. You could end up with expensive medical bills and time away from work, causing you significant financial and emotional strain. Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for both. You may be able to recover money for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and reduced earning capacity. If your injury caused lasting pain, scarring, or disability, those losses can also be included in your claim.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With an Orland Park, IL Slip and Fall Attorney Today

Attorney Kal Issa, a seasoned Orland Park, IL slip and fall lawyer, has litigated over a hundred contested cases across both personal injury and criminal defense trials. His courtroom experience allows him to build strong, evidence-based cases for injury victims.

You can also take comfort knowing that we handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. You will owe no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call Issa Law, LLC today at 708-966-2408 to schedule your free consultation.