Arbitration Success: Illinois Attorneys Obtain Defense Verdict in Premises Liability Matter

Chicago Partner Brian C. Hoppe and Attorney Ryan M. Connelly recently prevailed in the Circuit Court of Cook County in arbitration on behalf of our clients, a property owner and their business owner lessee, following a slip-and-fall incident that occurred in our clients’ parking lot.

In February 2025, Plaintiff arrived at our business owner client’s autobody and collision repair shop to retrieve a vehicle as part of his employment responsibilities at a car rental company. While walking across our clients’ parking lot, Plaintiff allegedly slipped on snow and/or ice and fell, resulting in Plaintiff sustaining spinal and knee injuries. Following the incident, Plaintiff filed suit, claiming that our client breached their duty of care by allowing snow and ice to remain in their business parking lot and creating unsafe conditions for visitors.

During the arbitration hearing held in the Circuit Court of Cook County, our Defense team argued that our clients did not owe Plaintiff a duty under the natural accumulation doctrine. Our Defense team also contended that our client had no notice of the alleged ice accumulation prior to Plaintiff’s slip-and-fall incident.

In September 2026, the arbitration panel agreed with our Defense arguments, ruling in favor of our client.

Brian’s vast legal experience spans all aspects of civil litigation defense. He handles various personal injury claims involving premises liability, auto accidents, Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) claims and other general torts, with specific focus on insurance coverage, subrogation matters, and labor and employment law matters.

Ryan focuses his practice on defending clients against general liability, including premises liability, and toxic tort claims. He represents clients in a wide range of legal matters, including cases involving property damage and motor vehicle accidents.