What Is Premises Liability?

Reputable Chicago premises liability lawyers explain the legal basis of slip and fall, dog bite, inadequate security and other such lawsuits

Just what is premises liability? At its most basic, it is a concept that makes owners and those occupying a property legally responsible when accidents and personal injuries occur on that property. Such laws require a property owner or occupier to honor his or her duty of care to individuals using the property by taking all reasonable steps to ensure that visitors and patrons stay safe. If you or someone you love has been injured in the state of Illinois, and you suspect your case may ultimately involve premises liability, contact a Chicago premises liability lawyer at The Law Offices of Newman, Boyer & Statham, Ltd. today.

Premises liability and Illinois law

If you were injured while on another person’s or company’s property and your injury was the direct result of a hazardous condition that the individual owning or occupying the property could have reasonably prevented, fixed or warned you about, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages, past and present

Some people think premises liability is synonymous with slip and fall injury, but this is not true. Property owners may be held liable if, for example, inadequate security led to a criminal assault or an animal attack on their property. Additionally, any experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer should be very well versed in premises liability law. In fact, premises liability attorneys in Chicago handle several types of personal injury cases:

If the injury in question is fatal, a premises liability case can be filed as a wrongful death action.

Types of negligence in Illinois

At The Law Offices of Newman, Boyer & Statham, Ltd., our premises liability lawyers in Chicago and Tinley Park realize that the specific type of negligence at play in your case can greatly affect the damages you are awarded. Consider the following legally recognized types of negligence:

• Joint liability. If multiple parties are in some way negligently responsible for your injuries, you can sue each of those parties for the full amount of your damages, no matter what percentage of responsibility they hold.
• Comparative negligence. If you are found to be partially responsible for your injuries but less than 50 percent responsible, you may be awarded a percentage of damages commensurate with your percentage of responsibility.
• Contributory negligence. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for your injuries, you may not be awarded any compensation under Illinois personal injury law.

Reach out to a reputable Chicago premises liability attorney today

At The Law Offices of Newman, Boyer & Statham, Ltd., our attorneys are ready to advise you on your potential premises liability case today. We maintain two offices, one in downtown Chicago and one in Tinley Park, and can also arrange to meet you at your home or hospital room if necessary. Contact us online, or call 312.443.1998 or 312.443.1998 to arrange your free consultation.