Navy Pier Injury Lawyer

What to Do If You Get Injured at the Navy Pier in Chicago

One of the most popular destinations in Chicago, for both travelers and residents alike, is the Navy Pier. This 3,300-foot-long pier juts out into Lake Michigan from Chicago’s North Side and is one of the most visited destinations in the Midwest. Along the Pier, you will find shops, event venues, restaurants, activities, and the famous Centennial Ferris Wheel. 

The Navy Pier hosts numerous events throughout the year, including farmers’ markets, workshops, family fun days, charity runs, concerts, live dance performances, and cultural celebrations. At any given time, the Pier can get pretty crowded. 

Whether you are visiting for the first time or regularly set foot on the Pier, it is essential to understand your legal rights if an accident happens. With so many people in one place, it can be difficult to prevent all injury risks, especially on a raised platform. If you do get hurt at Navy Pier because of someone else’s negligence, Chicago premises liability attorneys could help you seek compensation for legal damages suffered. 

Recent Settlements We’ve Won

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience handling premises liability and slip-and-fall cases. Here are some examples of settlements we have won for injured victims in the past:

• $6 million for two women who were seriously injured at a large event when a shooting took place. We secured the settlement based on the fact that stronger security measures would have prevented the incident from occurring. 
• $5 million for the wrongful death of a victim who fell off the roof of a building that had inadequate fencing. 
• $1.9 million in a wrongful death claim for the family of an elderly man who fell down a flight of stairs. 
• $1.8 million for a pedestrian who was struck by a brick that fell off a commercial building. 

Common Types of Injuries and Accidents at Navy Pier

Although we don’t like to think about getting hurt while enjoying a fun day at the Pier, there is always a risk involved in a large gathering place. Let’s look at some potential accidents or injuries that could happen at this popular tourist attraction. 

Crowd-Related Injuries

As mentioned previously, the Pier can become quite busy at any time, especially during the warmer seasons when events are held. With so many people packed into one location and many of them trying to navigate the Pier, the chances of getting hurt increase. If crowds get out of control due to security failings, people could be crushed, trampled, or even forced off the Pier. 

The negligent party in a crowd-related injury could be an individual, the property owner, or the event planner. Your attorney will help you establish negligence for this type of case. 

Slip and Fall Injuries

A slip-and-fall accident can occur if hazards are present on the premises. On the Navy Pier, these hazards may include uneven planks, spills, slippery surfaces, hazardous stairs, and other potential tripping hazards. The property owner or event manager is responsible for keeping people safe, so a lack of warning signs could make these parties liable for slip and fall injuries. A Chicago slip-and-fall lawyer can help you determine if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. 

Food-Related Issues

Many vendors and restaurants serve food at the Navy Pier, either regularly or during events. Food safety is crucial in preventing food poisoning and other health issues. If staff do not provide food safely, Pier visitors could suffer legal damages. 

Poorly-Maintained Areas

Since the Navy Pier is so busy, it is easy for maintenance staff and property owners to overlook certain areas. There could be a spot with poor lighting that visitors can access, creating a hazardous situation. Perhaps some railings have broken or become compromised, creating a potential hazard that could cause someone to fall off the Pier. If a maintenance issue causes your injury, the staff responsible for maintaining the Pier could be at fault. 

Structural Issues

Given that the Pier is a raised platform over Lake Michigan, there is already a risk of falling if adequate measures are not taken. However, falling objects can also result in injuries, such as roof shingles, construction tools, or dining necessities on rooftop bars. If a structural issue causes your injury, the property owner or business owner could be liable for your losses. 

Steps to Take After an Injury at Navy Pier

While health should be your top priority, if you get hurt at this popular destination, you must also look to preserve your legal options. The more serious your injury, the more important it is to follow the right steps in the aftermath of the accident. Here is what you should do after a Navy Pier accident:

• Prioritize your health by assessing your injuries. If they are severe enough, you may need to call 911 to alert emergency medical services. Let them assess and treat you at the scene.
• Report the incident to security or event organizers. This step is crucial because it will result in an official report, which can aid your attorney in building a strong case later.
• Gather as much evidence of the incident as possible. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, especially if there is physical evidence of the slip hazards or structural problems. Speak to witnesses of the incident and gather their recorded statements and contact details. 
• Schedule a follow-up evaluation. Some injuries may be internal, or symptoms may not manifest until later. You should consult a doctor and undergo any necessary tests to determine the full extent of your injuries. 
• Consult an attorney who can investigate your claim and guide you through the legal process. You should always let your lawyer guide you when talking to lawyers, insurance companies, or venue representatives about the incident. 
• Establish fault for the incident. Your attorney will help you gather evidence and build a strong argument to establish fault and begin negotiating for legal damages. 

Filing a Personal Injury or Premises Liability Claim

Attorneys know what types of evidence can secure victory in a personal injury claim, especially when it involves premises liability. Our team will guide you through this process and assist you in gathering evidence that supports your argument. An experienced law firm is necessary to increase your chances of compensation.

If you secure a settlement, you could recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. If someone passed away in the incident, families could also recover wrongful death damages. 

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

The team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has recovered millions for our past clients. We know what it takes to win these cases and hold at-fault parties accountable. We offer free consultations, and you will only pay for our services if we win.

To visit our office from Navy Pier, head north on Park Dr/N Streeter Dr toward E Grand Avenue. Then, take E Lower Wacker Dr and N Franklin St to W Wacker Dr. 225 Wacker Dr will be on your right. 

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers?

• Over $450M recovered
• 100+ years of combined experience
• Available 24/7 for free consultations
• 98% success rate

Contact us today at 888-424-5757 or complete our online form to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our Chicago personal injury attorneys. 

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.