Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer
The category of premises liability litigation is one of the broadest areas of personal injury law. At its most basic, premises liability claims involve situations when a visitor or tenant who is on a piece of property that is owned by another person or entity has an accident or is injured. If the injured party can prove that the harm that they suffered was caused by negligence on the part of the property owner, the owner can often be held to be liable for their acts or omissions that brought about the victim’s harm.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
When a person has suffered this sort of injury and they believe it may have resulted from negligence on the part of another person, they may be able to file a lawsuit in order to compensate them for their medical bills, lost earnings or earning capacity (the value of any hindrance to their ability to make a living), permanent physical disabilities that they have suffered, disfigurements, pain, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Injuries on a premises that can lead to a premises liability claim include things such as:
- Amusement park accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Attacks by dogs or other animals
- Exposure to hazardous or toxic substances like lead, mold, asbestos, or unsanitary conditions that can result in health issues
- Drownings
- Improperly maintained structures
Duties Owed by Landlords
Typically a landlord has a duty to use reasonable care under the circumstances in their interactions with others. Illinois statutes have a general premises liability law, and also a variety of additional statutes and regulations that set forth additional protections as well as certain exceptions. The rules governing premises liability claims are often quite complicated, and having an experienced attorney assist you with reviewing your situation to determine if your case falls within the general premises liability statute or is covered by one of the various exceptions in Illinois law.
Plaintiffs in a premises liability case must prove that the owners of the property did one or more of the following:
- Failed to maintain the property properly or created unsafe conditions that led to the injury.
- Knew about an unsafe condition but did not inform visitors of the hazard.
- Was not exercise the appropriate care in managing unsafe conditions that had the potential to attract children.
- Acted, or failed to act, in ways that caused damage to neighboring properties.
Degrees of Liability
In Illinois, property owners are held to different standards of liability depending on the relationship between the injured party and landowner. In cases where the landowner is involved with ultra-hazardous activities, launching fireworks for example, they will be held to absolute liability for injuries that occur. Below that are individuals running hotels or inns, who will be held to a highest degree of care. Typical landowners with invited guests or tenants on their property in Illinois are held to a standard of exercising reasonable and ordinary care for the wellbeing of the people on their property. And finally in cases of trespassers landowners will be held to a duty to avoid willful and wanton conduct against them. Further information expanding on these levels of care can be found here.
How Levin & Perconti Can Help in Your Premises Liability Case
At Levin & Perconti, our attorneys have successfully handled numerous premises liability cases and recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including a $2.3 million settlement for a family whose two young children suffered severe burns and whose third child, a three-month-old infant, was killed in a fire that broke out in a Chicago Housing Authority building. The CHA had allowed rear entrances to be blocked, allowed batteries to be removed from smoke detectors, and failed to sufficiently inspect and maintain an electrical outlet.
If you believe you’ve suffered an injury due to a property owner’s negligence in Illinois, we’d like to hear from you. Call us at 877-374-1417 or 312-332-2872 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
$1.2 Million
Premises Liability Settlement
for a handy man who was seriously injured while working for the defendant. The defendant was aware of the unsafe conditions on her property but failed to remedy the conditions or warn or prohibit the plaintiff from accessing the area.
$225,000
Premises Liability Settlement
on behalf of our 79-year-old client who tripped and fell on an uneven sidewalk, suffering a shoulder fracture, which necessitated the surgical insertion of a shoulder prosthesis.
Testimonials
Not only were they so professional but also so caring and thoughtful. It was very difficult going over the facts in our mother's case but they were so compassionate and understanding and allowed us to be with them every step of the way. We were able to sit in on the depositions and we were really able to see how hard they worked on our behalf.
During that time, my family and I suffered the loss of my mother. Mr. Levin and Mr. Perconti were more than just our lawyers. Words can’t really express our gratitude.
They were most patient and responded timely to many questions throughout the entire process. All demonstrated professionalism and extensive knowledge of case and state laws. Their in-depth investigative work uncovered details which were unknown to us and yet sadly confirmed our suspicions. We would recommend the Levin and Perconti Law firm and especially this team.
During that time, my family and I suffered the loss of my mother. Mr. Levin and Mr. Peconti were more than just our lawyers. Words can’t really express our gratitude. My family and I will always be grateful for the compassion that they showed us. I want to thank you for what you did for my family, and for always being there for us.
Margaret’s representation, guidance, and professionalism gave us the sense that we could put our trust in Levin & Perconti and the final outcome proved that to be true.
Legally Reviewed by
Jaime Koziol Delaney
Contact Us
- Free Consultation
- (312) 332-2872
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Notable Results
Settlement
for the families of 6 children who died in a tragic apartment fire on Chicago’s north side
Settlement
for the mother of a young man who suffered a fatal brain injury after falling from the porch of a second story Chicago apartment
Settlement
for the family of an 88-year-old man Chicago man who died after suffering serious injuries in a fall at a Jiffy Lube service center
Our Office
325 N LaSalle Dr Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60654
312-332-2872
