According to records obtained by NBC 5 Investigates in Chicago, Illinois, the city spent close to $6 million between 2008 and 2013 paying out for sidewalk-related trip and fall accident settlements and jury awards. That $6 million has taxpayers questioning why the city hasn’t done more to fix the sidewalks and prevent future slip and fall personal injuries.
During the last six years, Chicago has faced 485 trip and fall sidewalk claims and lawsuits. Mark Woolf, a business owner within the city, was injured in 2011 when he tripped over a manhole cover along West Chicago Avenue. Woolf broke his elbow and nose in the fall and filed suit against the city alleging that the city had received notice that the lid was raised and that people were tripping over it. He says that his $95,000 settlement was barely enough to pay for his medical records.
Mike Reilley, a professor at DePaul University, is working alongside his classmates to raise awareness in hopes that city leaders will expend more funds towards fixing city walkways. His class uses mobile technology to post photos showing where dangerous cracks, crevices and tripping hazards are located throughout the city.
If you or someone you love has been a victim of a slip, trip and fall in Massachusetts, caused by unsafe walkways or sidewalks, and would like to learn whether you have a viable legal claim for personal injury damages, please call 617-787-3700 or email info@gilhoylaw.com, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to speak with an expert Massachusetts slip and fall accident attorney, Massachusetts personal injury accident attorney or Massachusetts wrongful death attorney.
Call 617-787-3700 today for a free, confidential consultation with one of our highly skilled Boston slip and fall lawyers or Boston personal injury lawyers.
Please contact our expert Boston, MA slip and fall law office at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com. Your needs are our top priority!
