Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer

Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable in Chicago

In Chicago, getting hurt on someone else’s property could be the fault of a negligent property owner. These individuals and businesses are responsible for taking reasonable care to prevent hazards on the premises. If you are injured in this scenario, a Chicago premises liability lawyer can help you pursue compensation for legal damages.

Chicago Injury Center is an experienced firm serving clients across the state. Our team knows what it takes to win a premises liability claim, hold the property owner accountable, and fight for fair compensation.

Premises Liability Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$6 million – At a large venue in Pilsen, sisters Jasmine and Tiana were seriously injured when gunfire broke out during a late-night event. Despite previous disturbances at the property, management failed to provide security or metal detectors. The $6M settlement reflected the severity of their lifelong medical needs and the venue’s disregard for guest safety.

$5 million – Samantha’s family reached a $5M settlement after she fell from the roof of her Lakeview apartment building, which had no fencing or barriers along the rooftop edge. Neighbors had complained about unsafe access for months, but management did nothing. The case value reflected the preventable nature of her wrongful death.

$5 million – In Little Village, Miguel suffered permanent brain damage from carbon monoxide poisoning when his landlord failed to vent the furnace properly. Investigators later discovered the unit had not been inspected for years. The $5M settlement considered both his ongoing medical care and the landlord’s pattern of neglect.

$3 million – The family of 3-year-old Noah received $3M after he drowned in a neighborhood pool run by a South Side HOA. The pool gate had a faulty lock, allowing children easy access without adult supervision. The settlement with the pool owners reflected both the tragic loss of life and the HOA’s duty to protect residents.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Chicago Injury Center features some of the best attorneys in the state, especially as it relates to premises liability. Our team is recognized among the top 5% of attorneys by Super Lawyers. We also maintain a five-star rating from AVVO.

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle in Chicago

A premises liability claim can cover a wide range of incidents. Our attorneys have seen all types of cases, including:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Negligent security
• Falling merchandise
• Unsafe conditions on walkways
• Inadequate maintenance
• Icy public sidewalks
• Defective lighting
• Swimming pool accidents
• Escalator and elevator accidents
• Fires
• Explosions
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Dog bite injuries on private property

What Are the Most Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents in Chicago?

When you get hurt on someone else’s property, you must be able to prove negligence to secure compensation. This will require evidence of what caused your accident.

Common hazards that can lead to premises liability litigation include:

• Wet floors
• Ice and snow (common during Chicago winters)
• Poor lighting
• Broken handrails (in aging apartment complexes)
• Inadequate signage (retail locations on the Magnificent Mile)
• Building code violations
• Inadequate security (event venues like the United Center)
• Unmarked hazards (spills in restaurants)

What Are Common Serious Injuries Due to Dangerous Property Conditions?

If owners do not properly maintain safe premises, they can be liable for injuries caused by certain hazards. Some common injuries suffered due to a dangerous condition on a property include:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Wrongful death

What Damages Can Injured Victims Recover in Chicago?

If your injury occurred on another person’s property, you can file a lawsuit against them to recover certain losses.

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Damages

• Funeral/burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of consortium

What Is the Average Premises Liability Payout in Chicago?

Property owners in Chicago frequently fail to prevent slip and fall accidents and other dangerous conditions. The average payout for these types of personal injury cases is roughly $1.94 million, with a range of $1,608 to $535 million.

Several factors will determine the outcome of your settlement, including injury severity, liability, available evidence, and insurance policies.

Example Premises Liability Cases in Cook County

A woman named Tierney was standing near an Airbus shelter outside O’Hare International Airport when high winds blew the structure over, hitting her back and pinning her to the ground. She suffered a severed spinal cord and paraplegia, while her mother and sister were also hurt. Tierney sued the City of Chicago, and the investigation revealed that the shelter was missing bolts that would have secured it. She was awarded $148.2 million for numerous economic and non-economic damages.

A painter named Nardo was working in a food processing plant when the leg of the ladder he was on entered a floor drain depression, causing him to fall and hit his head. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. Nardo’s wife sued the plant for allowing dangerous property conditions in the form of a floor depression, claiming that the business failed to warn her husband about the danger. The jury awarded $8.96 million to Nardo and his wife.

Why You Need a Premises Liability Attorney in Chicago

Proving that property owners are liable for accidents can be challenging. You may need to access complex evidence, such as surveillance footage. You will also face shady tactics from the insurance companies to undermine your claim.

However, if you work with the top attorneys at Chicago Injury Center, you will have a more level playing field when pursuing legal action under Illinois law. Our experienced law firm can help you overcome these challenges to secure a fair settlement.

Where Do Premises Liability Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

The chances of suffering a premises liability injury are higher in some locations than others. In Chicago, you may face elevated risks in apartment buildings, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, parking garages, public transportation stations (CTA), and Chicago Park District properties.

What Laws Govern Premises Liability Lawsuits in Chicago?

740 ILCS 130/ (Illinois Premises Liability Act) – Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent unsafe conditions on their premises that could cause injuries.

Municipal code Title 14b – Property owners who violate Chicago building codes must address the issues to prevent injuries to all visitors.

8-4-091 – Property owners or managers of residential real estate must take reasonable measures to prevent dangerous conditions that could risk the health of the persons on the property.

LaFever v. Kemlite Co., 185 Ill. 2d 380 (1998) – This case, which involved the duty of care owed to workers on premises, highlighted that there must be a duty owed for negligence to be involved.

How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Chicago?

Under the personal injury statute of limitations in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you have two years to pursue legal action for unsafe conditions on a property. These two years may be counted from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of your injury.

If the victim of a premises liability accident dies, the surviving family members will have two years from the date of their passing to file a wrongful death claim (740 ILCS 180/2).

Who Is Legally Liable for Premises Liability Accidents in Chicago?

Multiple parties may be held liable with the help of premises liability lawyers from our Chicago firm. The defendant in your case could be a:

• Property owner
• Tenant
• Property manager
• Maintenance contractor
• Security company
• City government entity

Common Defenses in Chicago Premises Liability Cases

Property owners and their lawyers will use numerous tactics to argue your case and exonerate themselves of any liability. Some common defenses include:

• The “open and obvious” doctrine – The hazard was obvious enough that the injured person could have avoided it
• Comparative negligence – The victim was at fault for the incident
• Lack of notice – The property owner could not have known about the unsafe conditions long enough to address them

Our premises liability attorneys will obtain additional evidence to counter these claims, such as witness statements, incident reports, surveillance footage, photos of the scene, and proper maintenance reports.

How to Strengthen Your Premises Liability Claim in Chicago

Building a strong case under premises liability laws will require swift action immediately after the incident. Here are the steps you must follow to recover compensation:

• Report your injury to the property owner in a timely manner
• Preserve evidence of the hazard
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Retain all medical records
• Obtain witness statements and contact information
• Consult the Chicago Injury Center as soon as possible

How Our Chicago Premises Liability Attorneys Can Help

The best way to prove a property owner’s negligence is to rely on experienced premises liability lawyers from our top firm. Our legal services include:

• Investigating the property owner’s premises and how the accident happened
• Gathering evidence
• Securing expert testimony
• Coordinating witness statements
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Litigating in civil court if necessary
• Providing compassionate legal representation

Premises Liability FAQs

How much does an experienced premises liability lawyer cost in Chicago?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win.

Who can file a premises liability claim in Chicago?

Anyone who has been hurt in a premises liability accident can file a claim. If the victim is a minor, a legal representative can be appointed to file on their behalf.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Under comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation as long as you are no more than 50% liable for your injuries.

How long will my premises liability case take to settle?

The length of your case will depend on its complexities. Straightforward claims may be resolved in a couple of months, while complex cases can last for several years.

Does negligent security fall under premises liability?

Yes, if a property owner fails to provide adequate security to prevent criminal acts or crowd control incidents, they could be liable for failing to secure the property properly.

Book a Free Consultation

Chicago Injury Center is prepared to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages. With no upfront fees, you can pursue justice without slowing your financial recovery.

You can explore your legal rights following accidents on private and commercial properties during a no-obligation consultation. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation regarding your personal injury claim.