Illinois Hail Storm Injuries and Property Damage Guide

By: James D . Spiros | Last Reviewed & Updated: June 22, 2026

Hail storms in Illinois can cause serious injuries and major property damage in just minutes. Large hail can break windows, damage roofs, cause car crashes, and hurt people caught outside or near damaged buildings.

Many people believe that because hail storms are natural weather events, no one can be held responsible. While the storm itself is considered a natural event, people and businesses still have legal duties before and after the storm. When someone fails to act responsibly and that failure causes injury or financial loss, Illinois law may allow you to seek compensation.

This guide explains your rights in clear, everyday language and focuses on Illinois laws related to hail storm injuries, property damage, and insurance claims.

Property Owner Responsibilities After a Hail Storm

In Illinois, property owners must keep their property reasonably safe for visitors, tenants, and customers. This includes fixing dangerous conditions and warning people about hazards that are not obvious.

During and after a hail storm, buildings can become unsafe very quickly. Common dangers include:

• Broken windows and falling glass
• Weakened roofs, awnings, and overhangs
• Slippery walkways covered in hail
• Loose materials that can fall and injure someone

What Property Owners Are Expected to Do

Property owners should:

• Inspect their property as soon as it is safe after the storm
• Fix or block off dangerous areas within a reasonable time
• Warn people about hidden dangers like unstable structures
• Clear shared areas such as sidewalks, entrances, and parking lots
• Maintain buildings properly before storms, especially older structures

If an owner knew about existing problems and failed to fix them, or ignored dangerous conditions after the storm, they may be legally responsible if someone is injured.

This applies to businesses, landlords, apartment owners, and even homeowners who allow others onto their property.

Work Injuries During Hail Storms in Illinois

If you are injured by hail while doing your job, Illinois workers compensation laws usually apply. Employers in Illinois are required to carry workers compensation insurance.

Jobs with higher risk during hail storms include:

• Construction and roofing work
• Outdoor labor and road work
• Delivery and driving jobs

What Workers Compensation Covers

Workers compensation generally pays for:

• Medical treatment related to your injury
• Part of your lost wages while you recover
• Benefits for permanent injury or disability

You do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive these benefits.

There are deadlines to report injuries and file claims, so acting quickly is important. In most cases, workers compensation is your only option against your employer unless very specific exceptions apply.

Car Accidents and Truck Crashes Caused by Hail

Hail storms can create extremely dangerous driving conditions. Poor visibility, slippery roads, and shattered windshields all increase crash risk.

Illinois drivers must adjust their driving to match the weather. This includes slowing down, increasing following distance, and pulling over if conditions become unsafe.

If another driver causes a crash by:

• Driving too fast for storm conditions
• Ignoring severe weather warnings
• Failing to stop when visibility is lost

You may have a valid injury claim.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Trucking companies must also consider weather conditions. Large trucks take longer to stop and are harder to control on slick roads.

If a trucking company pressures a driver to continue through a known hail storm and a serious crash occurs, the company may be held responsible for unsafe decisions, poor training, or bad planning.

Injuries During Cleanup and Repairs

Many hail related injuries happen after the storm ends. People are often hurt while inspecting damage or making emergency repairs.

Common post storm hazards include:

• Falling debris from damaged roofs
• Collapsing structures that were not properly secured
• Slips and falls on broken glass or wet surfaces

Contractor Scams and Unsafe Repairs

After major hail storms, unlicensed and out of state contractors often target homeowners. Poor quality or rushed repairs can make buildings even more dangerous.

If a contractor performs unsafe repairs and someone is injured, both the contractor and the property owner may be held responsible.

Homeowners should always verify licensing, insurance, and credentials before allowing repairs to begin.

Downed Power Lines and Utility Company Responsibility

Hail storms often knock down trees and power lines. Live electrical lines are extremely dangerous.

Utility companies are expected to respond quickly by:

• De energizing live lines
• Securing dangerous areas
• Posting warnings or barriers

If a utility company fails to act within a reasonable time and someone is injured, the company may be legally responsible.

Illinois Insurance Coverage for Hail Damage

Most Illinois homeowners and commercial insurance policies cover hail damage, but the details matter.

Common Insurance Issues

• Higher deductibles for wind and hail damage
• Denials for cosmetic damage to roofs or siding
• Requirements to prevent further damage after the storm

Policyholders are usually required to take reasonable steps to protect their property, such as covering broken windows or damaged roofs.

Bad Faith Insurance Practices in Illinois

Insurance companies must handle claims fairly and honestly. Bad faith occurs when an insurer fails to meet these obligations.

Examples include:

• Delaying inspections or payments without reason
• Offering settlements far below repair costs
• Denying claims without proper investigation
• Misrepresenting what the policy covers

Illinois law allows policyholders to seek penalties and attorney fees when insurers act unfairly.

Common Illinois Hail Storm Questions

Can I sue if hail damaged a building and debris injured me?

Yes. If the owner failed to fix known problems or ignored dangerous conditions after the storm, you may have a valid claim.

What does “act of God” really mean?

The hail storm itself is a natural event. Human negligence before or after the storm is not protected. Failing to act responsibly can still lead to liability.

What should I do if my hail damage claim is denied?

Ask for a written explanation, review your policy, gather photos and repair estimates, and speak with an attorney experienced in Illinois insurance disputes.

Does workers compensation cover hail injuries at work?

Yes. If you were injured while performing job duties, workers compensation usually applies.

Need Help With an Illinois Hail Injury or Damage Claim?

Contact Spiros Law for free consultation. $0 Upfront Attorney’s Fee.

Sources

• Property Owner Obligations: Read the complete statutory language of the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) via the Illinois General Assembly to review an owner’s legal duty of reasonable care following severe weather events.
• Insurance Bad Faith Laws: Review the statutory penalties, damages, and attorney fee provisions for unreasonable delays or claim denials under Section 155 of the Illinois Insurance Code (215 ILCS 5/155).
• Workers’ Compensation Guidelines: Download the comprehensive Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Member Handbook (PDF) detailing covered storm-related injuries, benefit categories, and formal filing deadlines.

State Consumer Protection & Safety Guides

• Severe Weather Policy Definitions: Consult the Illinois Department of Insurance Homeowners and Renters Insurance Definitions to understand specific policy clauses, wind/hail exclusions, and deductibles.
• Storm Damage Recovery Protocols: Access the Illinois Department of Insurance Disaster Prep and Response Portal for state-guided checklists on filing hail claims, documenting property damage, and managing emergency repairs safely.
• Contractor Verification & Fraud Prevention: Ensure your repair team is legally authorized to work in-state by verifying registration status and exploring local protection resources through the Office of the Illinois Attorney General or file a complaint.
• Legal Counsel for Property Damage: Spiros Law can review your premise liability case for property damage and confirm if you are eligible for compensation for all you’ve endured. $0 Upfront Attorney’s Fee. Free Case Review.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results depend on the facts of each case. Laws may change and local ordinances may differ. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising. Licensed in Illinois.