Illinois Premises Liability
Premises Liability Frequently Asked Questions
- I slipped on a broken jar in the grocery store and fell, breaking my wrist.…
- I was attacked in a shopping mall parking lot. Can I sue the owners for…
- I recently talked with a friend about my premises liability case, who said I will…
- A friend slipped in my living room, suffering a serious injury. I do have premises…
- I recently suffered from a slip and fall accident, and I don't know if I…
- I was injured when a faulty light fixture fell on me at a restaurant and…
- I was injured at an outdoor event - and the property owner has already offered…
- How long do I have to file a claim?
- How much money can I expect to receive if I file a claim?
- Are governmental agencies exempt from premises liability lawsuits?
Additional Information: Slip & Fall, Property Owner Responsibility
Businesses, schools, governmental agencies and other organizations are required by law to create and maintain premises that are safe and free of hazards.
Unsafe conditions like faulty wiring, improperly stacked merchandise and loose carpeting cause accidents resulting in injury or even death. The attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. are exceptionally well-versed in the legal responsibilities and liabilities of businesses or organizations that fail to provide safe environments for the people who visit them.
An injury or death resulting from the negligent design, maintenance or operation of a property leaves the injured person or their family with the legal right to pursue a claim for compensation against the property owner, landlord or another party responsible for maintenance. Property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe conditions at all times.
Premises liability claims generally fall into two areas:
- Improper design, maintenance or operation. These accidents are sometimes called “slip and fall” or “trip and fall,” and occur due to negligent conditions, including:
- Wet, slippery or wet surfaces
- Broken or uneven pavement
- Falling merchandise
- Falling equipment – elevators, lifts, escalators, ladders
- Improper lighting or traffic patterns
- Security-related liability. This refers to a failure by property owners or managers to provide adequate security, resulting in physical assault, personal injury and even death. This type of liability includes:
- Assault in hotels, malls, casinos, and amusement parks
- Broken security gates
- Improper training or supervision
- Failure to warn
- Inadequate or missing signage
If an unsafe condition has caused you to be hurt on someone’s premises, one of the first things you should do is document the condition of the property in a way that will show the physical characteristics of the height, width, depth, nature of the substance, etc. before someone goes out and repairs the condition. Many times the owner of property, learning of an injury, will go out and conduct a repair. They do this for two reasons: to eliminate evidence and to make sure no one else gets injured.
While many businesses and homeowners carry premises liability insurance; it is often insufficient to pay any significant damage compensation fully. To ensure that you receive the best compensation available, consult with an attorney who specializes in premises liability before talking with an insurance company. Insurance is a business, and like any business, their own interests and profit are their priority.
To learn more about our qualifications and experience, or to learn about the merits of a case concerning a premises injury incurred by yourself or a loved one, please contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today for a free, no obligation consultation. Our firm has convenient office locations in downtown Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois. We also have a network of lawyers across the nation to assist you with your case. Contact us today, at (866) 997-2584
