A quick trip to the grocery store, a visit to an apartment complex, or a walk through a parking lot can end with a serious injury when property owners fail to address known hazards. If you’ve been hurt because a property was not reasonably safe, a Chicago premises liability lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
At Shore Law, we represent people whose lives have been disrupted by preventable accidents. As a trusted Chicago personal injury lawyer, we help injured victims hold negligent property owners accountable when they fail to maintain safe premises.
Our team brings more than 40 years of combined experience to complex personal injury claims, and we have recovered more than $250 million for injured clients and their families. We know how quickly medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty can pile up after an accident, and we’re prepared to help you move forward.
Understanding Premises Liability Claims in Chicago
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners and business owners have to maintain reasonably safe property conditions for visitors. When they fail to address dangerous conditions, serious injuries can happen.
Many people are injured in places they visit every day. A spilled drink that was never cleaned up, a stairwell with poor lighting, or a loose handrail might seem minor until someone gets seriously hurt. In many premises liability claims, the hazard was there long enough that it should have been discovered and fixed.
Some of the most common dangerous conditions we see include:
- Wet floors: Spills and slippery surfaces that create fall hazards.
- Poor lighting: Dark stairwells, hallways, and parking lot areas that make accidents more likely.
- Broken handrails: Defective railings that can lead to serious falls and injuries.
- Uneven walking surfaces: Cracked pavement, damaged sidewalks, and other trip hazards.
- Cluttered walking paths: Obstructions that cause slip, trips and falls.
- Faulty wiring: Dangerous electrical conditions that may lead to fires or explosions.
Many of these hazards remain unaddressed for days, weeks, or even months before an accident occurs. When negligent property owners fail to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, they may be held responsible for the injuries that result.
How a Premises Liability Attorney in Chicago Can Help
The insurance company will probably look at the accident in a different light than how you see it. For instance, the insurance company might claim that you were partially or fully responsible for your injuries, deny that you had any injury, and/or claim that you should have seen and avoided the danger.
We take a different approach. Our job is to investigate every aspect of your premises liability claim and build a case supported by evidence. Depending on the circumstances, we may collect:
- Surveillance footage: Video evidence showing how the accident occurred.
- Maintenance logs: Records that may show how long a dangerous condition existed and whether it was properly addressed.
- Medical records: Documentation connecting your injuries to the accident and the treatment that followed.
- Testimony of experts: Expert opinions on safety matters, liability, or the amount of damages.
- Witness statements: Testimonies of individuals who witnessed the accident or the hazard before the accident took place.
This evidence can play a critical role in pursuing a favorable premises liability settlement or preparing a premises liability lawsuit if litigation becomes necessary.
The sooner we can begin gathering evidence, the better. Surveillance footage can be erased, witnesses can become difficult to locate, and important records may disappear over time.
Common Injuries Caused By Dangerous Conditions
Unsafe properties can cause far more than minor bumps and bruises. Some victims face months or even years of recovery. We represent clients suffering from injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Head trauma caused by falls or falling objects.
- Slip–and–fall injuries: Harm resulting from wet floors, black ice, or icy parking lots.
- Fall injuries: Fractures, spinal injuries, and mobility limitations.
- Dog bites: Serious physical and emotional injuries caused by uncontrolled animals.
- Wrongful death losses: Fatal accidents caused by hazardous property conditions.
- Severe fractures: Injuries such as a trimalleolar fracture require extensive treatment.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can leave victims facing long recovery periods. In severe cases, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can affect an entire family for years. Medical expenses can continue long after the initial emergency room visit, making compensation especially important.
What Illinois Law Says About Property Owners’ Responsibilities
A fall on a poorly maintained staircase or an injury caused by a known hazard can happen in a matter of seconds. Under the Illinois Compiled Statutes, property owners are generally expected to take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe and address dangerous conditions before someone gets hurt.
This duty of care applies in many settings throughout the Chicago Area, including shopping centers, apartment complexes, and recreational facilities.
In some situations, premises liability laws may also apply to attractive nuisances such as unsecured swimming pool areas that present dangers to children. Depending on the circumstances, damages may be available for:
- Medical bills: The cost of medical care, treatment, rehabilitation, and any future care related to the injury.
- Lost wages: Earnings lost while recovering and time away from work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the suffering caused by the injury in question.
- Damages for wrongful death: Amounts paid out to the survivors.
- Long-term care needs: Ongoing rehabilitation and support expenses.
Every premises liability case is different, but proving a violation of a property owner’s duty of care is often one of the most important parts of a successful claim. We work to connect unsafe property conditions directly to the injuries our clients suffer.
Why Choose Shore Law
Not every premises liability lawyer in Chicago has the resources needed to uncover critical evidence and challenge large property owners or their insurers.
At Shore Law, we approach every case with careful legal research, detailed litigation strategy, and a commitment to uncovering the facts. We know that dangerous conditions often leave behind digital evidence, maintenance records, and other information that can make a significant difference in a claim.
It is important for us to consider what really transpired and not what is stated by the insurance companies. We will study the facts involved in the case, find out what other people have missed, and get help from specialists.
Speak With a Chicago Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you were injured because of unsafe property conditions, you should not have to bear the financial burden alone. Whether your accident occurred in a parking lot, apartment complex, shopping center, or another property, we are ready to help you understand your legal options.
At Shore Law, we offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. With more than $250 million recovered for clients, we have the experience and resources to pursue the results you deserve.
Contact us today to speak with a Chicago premises liability attorney and learn how we can help.
