Premises Liability

Illinois Premises Liability Attorneys

Let Us Help You Get Back on Your Feet

Our attorneys at Jeffrey M. Goldberg Law Offices have a proven track record of success in premises liability cases in Illinois. We handle complicated injury claims that involve private property owners, businesses, and public or municipal entities throughout the state. When you retain the services of our personal injury lawyers, we will investigate every avenue to determine the factors that contributed to your injuries, and we’ll work to ensure the at-fault parties are held accountable so you can get back on your feet financially.

If you were injured on someone else’s property, call the premises liability attorneys at Jeffrey M. Goldberg Law Offices for a free case evaluation. 312-236-4146.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the legal responsibility of property owners or managers to maintain a safe environment for their customers and guests. When a property owner’s negligence causes you to be injured, the at-fault party is responsible for paying for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses caused by the unsafe condition.

While premises liability law is often associated with wet floors or icy sidewalks that cause slip and fall accidents, its scope is much broader than that. Hazardous conditions may also include:

Common Injuries from Premises Liability Accidents

Our Chicago premises liability attorneys see a wide range of injuries that are caused by dangerous property conditions. Some of the more common types include:

Proving Premises Liability in Illinois

Merely getting hurt on someone’s property is not sufficient to create liability. Certain elements must exist for a property owner to be found liable for your injuries.

Unfortunately, many property owners and their insurance companies will attempt to conceal hazardous property conditions or try to blame accidents on the victims. Gathering evidence to support your case and taking the following steps can help ensure you recover compensation for your losses.

Taking Photos
Taking photos or videos of the accident scene and the unsafe conditions that contributed to your accident is vital to the success of your case.

Obtaining Witness Information
Obtaining contact information for or statements from witnesses who may have seen the accident or the dangerous conditions can help support your injury case.

Preserving Evidence
Any clothing or shoes that were worn when the accident occurred should be preserved. Avoid washing or altering these items in any way.

Reporting the Incident
Report the accident and injuries to the property owner as soon as possible. If illegal activity, such as a robbery or assault, caused your injuries, be sure to obtain a police report. Reports from first responders and other medical professionals should be obtained as well.

Obtaining Medical Treatment
Even if injuries do not seem severe, it is important to seek medical treatment right away. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately after an accident. Additionally, medical records can help establish the cause and extent of your injuries.

Dealing with Insurance Companies and At-Fault Parties
Do not discuss the accident in detail, sign any papers, or accept any settlement offers without consulting your injury attorney. Doing so could cost you your right to recover compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Injuries Caused by Unsafe Property Conditions?

It can be difficult to determine who can be held liable for damages in a premises liability case. In some cases, multiple parties may be able to be held liable. Common negligent parties in premises liability cases include:

Property Owners
Residence, business, and commercial property owners owe a duty of care to ensure their properties are safe as long as you are lawfully present (not trespassing) when the injury occurred.

Tenants
A lease agreement can help determine whether a tenant was responsible for maintaining safe conditions on the property. For instance, while a property owner may be responsible for maintaining common areas, a business renting store space may be responsible for cleaning up spills, maintaining equipment, or keeping aisles clear.

Management Companies
Property managers may be responsible for keeping the property in good repair and free from hazards. The contract between the property owner and the management company can help determine liability for injuries.

Security Companies
If negligent security contributed to your injuries, the security company may be able to be held liable.

Cleaning and Maintenance Companies
In some cases, businesses hire cleaning or maintenance companies to keep their properties clean and in good repair. When these companies are negligent in their duties, they can be held liable for any injuries their actions or inaction caused.

Our Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help

Whether you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you were attacked, or unsafe equipment or furnishings caused your pain, the injury attorneys at Jeffrey M. Goldberg Law Offices are here to help. We will investigate all aspects of your claim and make every attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If an agreement cannot be reached, our law firm is prepared to take the responsible parties to court.