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

 Posted on September 10, 2025 in Premises Liability

A simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a serious accident if the property is not maintained properly. Wet floors, spilled products, or cluttered aisles can cause shoppers to slip and fall, sometimes resulting in broken bones, back injuries, or head trauma. If this happened to you, you might be wondering whether you can sue.

In Illinois, you may have the right to bring a claim against the store if its negligence led to your fall. If you were injured, speak with a Cook County, IL personal injury lawyer who can guide you through your options and help protect your rights.

What Makes a Grocery Store Legally Responsible for a Slip and Fall?

As of September 2025, Illinois courts continue to apply the Illinois Premises Liability Act, 740 ILCS 130/, which requires property owners to take reasonable care to keep their premises safe for customers. Grocery stores must take steps to identify hazards and either fix them or clearly warn shoppers.

You cannot sue every time you fall in a store. To recover damages, you need to show that the store knew, or reasonably should have known, about the dangerous condition and failed to act. Common examples include:

• A spill left on the floor for an extended period without cleanup

• Water tracked in from the entrance without mats or warning signs

• Products stacked in a way that blocks walkways or could fall and hurt customers

• Loose or torn floor mats near the checkout area

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

If you can prove that the store was negligent, you may be entitled to compensation for medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life if your injury limits your daily activities.

If you fall in a grocery store, make sure to report the accident to store management and ask for a written incident report. Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the scene of the incident. Collect contact information from any witnesses you see. Seek medical attention immediately and follow your doctor’s orders. And, of course, another important step toward securing a favorable outcome is to consult with an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate the entire process.

Contact a Cook County, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents can leave you with lasting injuries and financial stress. If you were hurt in a grocery store, contact a Northbrook, IL personal injury attorney at Gruzmark Law, Ltd.. Our firm offers free consultations and speaks Russian, Mongolian, and Spanish to better serve our community. Call us today at 847-729-7660 to learn how we can help with your case.