ILLINOIS SIDEWALK AND POTHOLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
Injured on a Damaged Sidewalk or Pothole? We’ve Recovered Over $500 Million for Clients Across Illinois.
Cracked sidewalks, uneven pavement, and potholes cause serious falls every year across Illinois. These cases can involve private property owners, businesses, or, when the hazard is on public property, a municipality, each with different legal standards and deadlines. Phillips Law Offices has represented injured victims across Illinois since 1945, recovering over $500 million in verdicts and settlements.
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(312) 346-4262
Legally reviewed by Stephen D. Phillips, Managing Partner, J.D., Loyola University Chicago · Past President, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association · Illinois State Bar Association
Last updated: August 2026
💼 $500M+ Recovered
⚖️ 75+ Years Experience
⭐ 4.9 Google Rating (113 Reviews)
Super Lawyers Top 100
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Private Property vs. Public Sidewalk Claims
Where a sidewalk defect or pothole is located makes a significant difference in your claim. A sidewalk in front of a private business, along a private walkway, or in a shopping center parking lot is generally the responsibility of the property owner under ordinary premises liability principles. A public sidewalk, street, or municipal parking lot is generally the responsibility of the city or county, which involves special legal rules and much shorter deadlines than a typical private premises liability claim.
Government Immunity and Notice Requirements
The Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/): This law provides Illinois municipalities and other government bodies with certain immunities and defenses not available to private property owners, and generally requires injured parties to provide formal written notice of their claim within a short window, often just one year, far shorter than the standard two-year deadline for private claims.
Natural vs. Unnatural Accumulation: Illinois generally shields both government bodies and many private property owners from liability for injuries caused by the natural accumulation of snow and ice. However, liability can still exist if the property owner’s negligent conduct, such as improper snow removal that creates ice ridges or a broken gutter causing ice to form in a walkway, created an unnatural accumulation.
Comparative Negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116): You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.
What to Do After a Sidewalk or Pothole Accident
STEP 1
Get Medical Treatment
Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.
STEP 2
Photograph the Defect
Photograph the exact crack, pothole, or uneven pavement that caused your fall, including a measurement reference such as a coin or shoe for scale.
STEP 3
Note the Exact Location
Record the exact address or nearest cross streets, since sidewalk jurisdiction (private vs. public) often depends on precise location.
STEP 4
Contact Phillips Law Offices Immediately
Because claims against government bodies can require notice within as little as one year, call us at (312) 346-4262 as soon as possible after your fall.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Decide What Your Case Is Worth
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Our attorneys are trained to maximize it. Get a free, honest evaluation of your case today.
(312) 346-4262
Personal Injury Case Results
Phillips Law Offices has a proven record of obtaining substantial compensation for personal injury victims across Illinois. These results reflect our commitment to thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.
$16 Million
The Situation
A spinal infection went undiagnosed and untreated in the emergency room, leaving our client paralyzed from the waist down.
Our Approach
We built the case against the treating hospital for the missed diagnosis and pursued full accountability.
The Result
$16 million settlement with the hospital.
$25 Million
The Situation
A 17-year-old lost both kidneys due to a physician’s gross negligence.
Our Approach
Our attorneys litigated the case for four years, building the medical record needed to hold the responsible providers accountable.
The Result
$25 million settlement for the family.
$3 Million
The Situation
A 46-year-old father of four suffered a severe femoral artery injury following a cardiac catheterization procedure.
Our Approach
We pursued the medical negligence claim against the treating providers.
The Result
$3 million settlement for the family.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
What Our Illinois Clients Say
“We are very thankful for Terry’s hard work. His dedication and knowledge was above and beyond our expectations. His writing and trial skills are truly amazing. We are eternally grateful for his success.”
Tanya Derbort, Google Review
“Elise Waisbren handled my car accident case. Elise is very professional, pleasant and a great person to have represent you. She walked me thru all the steps and was always available to answer any questions I had.”
Joseph Murphy, Google Review
Sidewalk and Pothole Accident FAQs
Who is responsible for a sidewalk in front of a business?
The business or property owner is generally responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of their property in many Illinois municipalities, though local ordinances vary. Our attorneys determine the responsible party based on your specific location.
How long do I have to file a claim if I fell on a public sidewalk?
Claims against Illinois government bodies generally require formal written notice much sooner than the standard two-year deadline, sometimes within one year, under the Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). Contact an attorney immediately to avoid missing this shorter deadline.
Can I sue if I fell on ice on a public sidewalk?
Illinois generally shields property owners, including municipalities, from liability for natural accumulations of snow and ice. However, if negligent conduct created an unnatural accumulation, such as a broken downspout directing water onto a walkway where it refroze, a claim may still be possible.
Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault for not watching where I was walking?
Yes, as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the accident, under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule.
How much does it cost to hire a sidewalk accident lawyer?
Phillips Law Offices works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Talk to an Illinois Sidewalk and Pothole Accident Lawyer Today
(312) 346-4262
Related: Slip & Fall / Premises Liability | Trip and Fall Accidents | Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact Phillips Law Offices for a free consultation.