McCormick Place Injury Lawyer

What to Do if You Get Injured at McCormick Place?

McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, attracts millions of visitors each year to attend conferences, trade shows, and various special events. This gargantuan facility is located along Lake Michigan and consists of more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space.

Due to its size and complexity, plus the high amounts of visitors, this challenging venue holds significant risk for numerous possible accidents/injuries (e.g., slips, falls, structural defects, equipment malfunctions, electrical issues, lack of security, etc.).

If you suffer an injury here at McCormick Place, you should definitely be prepared for the necessary steps that follow in order to secure your legal rights and increase your chances of getting compensated.

The Chicago premises liability attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have the required experience, knowledge, and expertise with such cases, and we’re ready to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Recent Settlements We’ve Won

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve successfully handled numerous settlements in premises liability cases. Here are some relevant cases that show how dedicated we are to helping our clients who were injured due to negligence at public venues and commercial properties:

• $4,000,000 for a fatal slip and fall accident in a hospital. This tragic incident showed how important it is to regularly inspect facilities and ensure that potential hazards are promptly addressed. The settlement covered medical expenses, wrongful death claims, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
• $800,000 for a slip and fall accident at a mall food court that resulted in a bulging disc and needed lumbar spine fusion. Improper maintenance and inadequate safety measures contributed to the severity of the injuries.
• $1,200,000 for a broken arm suffered at a large chain store because of unsafe premises. The injury needed extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and the settlement aimed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of rehabilitation, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Common Types of Injuries and Accidents at McCormick Place

McCormick Place gets thousands of visitors every day, but certain conditions and events can create dangers. Here are the most common types of injuries and accidents reported here.

Overcrowding and Trampling

Big events at McCormick Place attract massive crowds, especially during popular conventions and trade shows. When a lot of people gather in confined areas, the risk of trampling increases significantly. Poor crowd management, inadequate security, and insufficient staffing can cause trampling incidents, especially during high-traffic periods.

In emergencies, like fire alarms or sudden evacuations, overcrowding can quickly escalate into panic and cause people to push and shove their way towards exits. In addition to this, emergency exits could become blocked or hard to access, which increases the risk of harm during evacuations.

Slips and Trips

McCormick Place has massive indoor spaces with polished floors, exhibition areas, and walkways where moisture and spills can easily accumulate. Wet areas are particularly common near food stands, restrooms, and places where vendors handle water-related installations.

When these hazards aren’t addressed properly, visitors can get injured and suffer fractures, broken bones, concussions, and sprains. Poor lighting and uneven flooring can also contribute to the risk of incidents involving slips and trips. Our slip and fall attorneys in Chicago will help you in any such cases.

Issues Related to Food and Drink

The venue offers various options for dining, from food courts to vendor booths. However, food-related hazards can happen, like food poisoning, burns from hot beverages, and allergic reactions due to mislabelling.

Food vendors at McCormick Place have to adhere to hygiene and standards for food preparation to make sure visitors are safe. When they fail to meet these standards, patrons might suffer foodborne illnesses and other injuries resulting from improperly prepared or served food.

Inadequate Security

The large size and high volume of visitors at McCormick Place make adequate security exceptionally important. Poorly trained or understaffed security teams might fail to prevent altercations, thefts, and other violent incidents. Security measures should include proper crowd control, surveillance, and personnel trained to handle emergencies.

Structural Defects and Improper Maintenance

Structural defects like broken railings, loose flooring, malfunctioning escalators, or defective stairs can all contribute to accidents. Poor maintenance in areas like parking garages, elevators, and overhead structures can lead to serious injuries. Regular inspections and on-time repairs are essential to keep the visitors safe.

Falling Objects and Equipment Malfunctions

Heavy displays, lighting fixtures, and equipment used during events have to be securely fastened. When this is not done properly, falling objects can cause serious injuries. Equipment malfunctions, like faulty escalators or malfunctioning audio-visual devices, can also result in injuries and liability issues.

Steps to Take After an Injury at McCormick Place

If you have been injured at McCormick Place, it’s essential to know which steps to take to make your case stronger. Here’s what you should do.

• Notify the staff or security at the venue as soon as the accident happens. Ask them to complete an official incident report that details the circumstances of the injury. Request a copy of the report for your records and collect names and contact information of any staff members involved in the reporting process.
• Take photos and videos of the area where the accident happened. Capture any visible hazards that might have contributed to the injury. Also, photograph your injuries to provide clear documentation of the harm caused.
• Even if the injuries seem minor, get medical attention. A comprehensive medical evaluation will help establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Keep copies of medical records and treatment plans to build a strong case.
• Contact an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury and premises liability claims. An attorney will guide you through the legal process, help you gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies or venue representatives.

Filing a Personal Injury or Premises Liability Claim

Filing a personal injury or premises liability claim against McCormick Place involves proving that the injury was caused by negligence. An experienced attorney will gather evidence, review maintenance logs, interview witnesses, and examine surveillance footage to build a strong case.

Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. Make sure to act quickly because you need to comply with the Illinois statute of limitations, which generally requires filing a claim within 2 years of the incident.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel

If you’ve been injured at McCormick Place, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and help you get fairly compensated.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of successfully handling such premises liability cases and securing substantial settlements. The best thing you can do if you’ve found yourself as a victim of an accident/injury is to call us or to visit our office directly.

To reach our office from McCormick Place, head north on Lake Shore Drive and take the Wacker Drive exit. Follow Wacker Drive west to our office located at 225 W Wacker Drive.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Law?

• Experienced trial lawyers dedicated to obtaining maximum compensation for our clients
• Over 450 million USD recovered for injury victims
• Available 24/7 to provide guidance
• You don’t pay unless we win

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.