Chicago Law Firm Handling Inadequate Lighting Slip and Fall Cases

Securing Fair Compensation for Slips and Trips Due to Poor Lighting

When you set foot onto someone else’s property in Chicago, the owner must take reasonable care to prevent hazardous conditions. If you get hurt in a fall because of insufficient lighting in an accessible area, you could secure compensation for legal damages via an inadequate lighting slip and fall claim.

Chicago Injury Center is a highly rated law firm with decades of experience in slip and fall accidents. Our team can help you prove that poor lighting conditions caused your injuries and that the property owner is liable for your losses.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Lawyers

A property owner may be legally responsible if you get hurt due to poor lighting. Our firm has worked with thousands of injured clients in the Chicago area.

Here are some of our past settlements:

• $2.6 million – Carlos, a union laborer, fell on an unmarked hazard at a Loop construction site and severely injured his knee. The general contractor’s failure to enforce safety measures was a key factor in the settlement.
• $1.5 million – Walter, 72, fell down stairs in his Edgewater apartment due to faulty railings and code violations. Prior tenant complaints helped establish liability and raise case value.
• $1 million – James, a consultant, tripped over an unsecured extension cord in a downtown office, fracturing his wrist. Building management had failed to follow basic safety protocols.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

When you need legal experts in the Windy City, Chicago Injury Center is the best choice. As a contributing author to the National Law Review, our firm also holds an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

We have also secured over $450 million in compensation for our clients.

How Does Inadequate Lighting Lead to Accidents?

Proper lighting is essential on every Chicago property. Poor lighting can make it hard to see dangerous conditions, such as wet surfaces or other obstacles. If a property has unsecured areas where people gather, inadequate lighting plays a huge role in potential injuries, and owners can be held accountable.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Slip and Fall Accidents Due to Insufficient Lighting?

When a property owner fails to install adequate lighting fixtures, invitees and licensees may be at risk of serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in poor lighting accidents include:

• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Contusions
• Internal bleeding
• Dislocated shoulders

What Damages Can Trip and Fall Victims Recover?

If you can prove property owner negligence in a poor lighting claim, you can earn compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include lost wages, medical bills, future medical expenses, and property damage. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

What Is the Average Payout for a Trip and Fall Due to Poor Lighting in Illinois?

In Illinois, numerous falls have been caused by lighting issues. The average payout for these settlements is $180,524. The median settlement is only $60,500. This means that half of all settlements related to lighting conditions were less than that amount.

Example Cases in Illinois

Kristin, a clerical worker, fell down some stairs at a Medieval Times restaurant in 2013. She sued the owner for premises liability due to uneven surfaces in the stairway and inadequate lighting, which prevented her from seeing properly. Kristin received $45,000 in damages for injuries to her dominant hand and left knee.

Harriet was a financial aid administrator who was leaving her workplace in 2007. As she walked past an asphalt loading area, she tripped on a construction ramp. Harriet sued the construction company for leaving potential hazards on the site and failing to provide adequate lighting near the potential hazards. The jury awarded the plaintiff $146,062 for medical expenses and lost income.

Why You Need an Attorney

Seeking compensation for inadequate lighting presents numerous challenges. You may be up against a stubborn defendant, lawyers, and a powerful insurance company. Whether your case can be settled early or in the First Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago Injury Center can level the playing field.

Where Do Inadequate Lighting Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Poor lighting can cause severe injuries almost anywhere in Chicago. Grocery stores and restaurants are common locations, especially since many restaurants use reduced lighting to create a certain atmosphere.

Other common locations with poor lighting include construction sites, warehouses, alleyways, and more isolated sidewalks.

What Laws Govern Poor Lighting Claims in Chicago?

Several state laws govern these premises liability cases. State law 740 ILCS 130/2 requires property owners to exercise reasonable care to prevent dangerous conditions that could hurt guests, such as poor lighting.

Note that some government employees and entities in Chicago may be protected against these lawsuits under state law 745 ILCS 10/1.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After Sustaining Injuries Due to Inadequate Lighting?

Personal injury victims have two years to file their claims under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202. The two years begin on the date of the incident or the date of discovery of your injuries.

Who Has Legal Liability for Dangerous Conditions Due to Poor Lighting in Chicago?

• A private residence owner who fails to install a porch light for evening guests
• A contractor for not providing enough flood lights for late construction work
• The city of Chicago for failing to install proper lighting for sidewalks near Millennium Park
• A retail store owner for failing to light areas with frequent spills
• A grocery store owner for not installing enough lighting fixtures in the deli

Common Defenses in Cases Involving Inadequate Lighting

One common defense used in these cases is comparative negligence. This argues that the plaintiff is more at fault for their accident than the property owner. Additional evidence, such as surveillance footage, photographs, and witness statements, can counter this argument.

Another common defense is that the plaintiff is exaggerating their suffering. An expert attorney from our firm can accurately assess and prove your losses, utilizing evidence such as medical records, test results, and expert testimony from doctors.

How to Strengthen Your Poor Lighting Premises Liability Case in Chicago

If you took the wrong steps after the accident occurred, your chances of earning compensation may be diminished. Here is what you should do immediately after a fall:

• Assess your injuries
• Identify the cause
• Report the incident to the property owner
• Gather information from the scene
• Record witness statements
• Seek medical attention
• Keep all medical documentation
• Consult a top-rated lawyer in Chicago

How Our Chicago Attorneys Can Help

Chicago Injury Center can play a vital role in your successful claim. We will investigate the incident, assess all legal damages, guide you through the legal requirements, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in civil court.

FAQs

How do I establish liability?

Establishing premises liability requires evidence of four elements:

• Duty of care – The responsibility of the defendant to prevent injuries
• Breach of duty – The defendant’s actions violate their duty of care
• Causation – There is a link between the defendant’s actions and the plaintiff’s injuries
• Legal damages – The incident resulted in legal losses for the plaintiff

What if I’m partly at fault for the accident?

You can still recover damages if you are partially at fault for the incident. Under state law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, an injured party can seek compensation if they are no more than 50% at fault.

How much does an attorney cost in Chicago?

We work on a contingency fee basis at Chicago Injury Center. This means you owe nothing unless we win your case, and payment is then deducted right from the settlement.

Book a Free Consultation

Whether you are hurt due to wet floors, poorly lit parking lots, or inadequate lighting conditions on a construction site, our firm can help you prove negligence if the property owner fails to exercise reasonable care.

Contact us today to request your free consultation with a top-rated attorney in Chicago.