If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property in Chicago, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. Premises liability law is designed to protect individuals who are hurt because of the negligence of property owners or occupiers. Whether you’ve experienced a slip and fall, an assault due to inadequate security, or another type of injury caused by a hazardous property condition, a skilled premises liability attorney can help you pursue a claim for compensation.
In this article, we’ll discuss what premises liability law entails, the types of cases a premises liability lawyer handles, and how you can find the right attorney in Chicago to handle your case.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal doctrine that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to hazardous or unsafe conditions. If a property owner fails to maintain their property, fix dangerous conditions, or provide proper warnings to visitors, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Common examples of premises liability accidents include:
Slip and Fall Accidents: These are the most common premises liability claims. They often occur in public places like grocery stores, malls, and restaurants when the property owner fails to address slippery floors, uneven sidewalks, or obstacles in walkways.
Inadequate Security: Property owners must provide adequate security measures to prevent criminal activity on their premises. If someone is assaulted or injured due to lack of security, such as poor lighting, faulty locks, or a lack of surveillance cameras, the property owner may be held responsible.
Dog Bites: If a dog attacks someone on the property, the owner may be held liable for the injury, especially if the dog has a history of aggression or the owner failed to secure the dog properly.
Swimming Pool Accidents: Property owners with pools are required to secure them and ensure they follow safety regulations. Injuries resulting from unsecured pools or unsafe pool areas can lead to premises liability claims.
Exposure to Hazardous Conditions: Sometimes, injuries occur due to exposure to dangerous chemicals, defective equipment, or other hazardous conditions that the property owner fails to address or warn visitors about.
If you’ve been injured on someone’s property due to a dangerous condition, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. However, proving the property owner’s negligence and liability can be complex, and that’s where an experienced premises liability attorney comes in.
Why Hire a Premises Liability Attorney?
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A premises liability lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, which can be complicated and challenging to handle on your own. Here are several reasons why hiring a skilled attorney is essential:
Expert Knowledge of the Law Premises liability cases can be complex, as they involve specific laws that vary by state and municipality. In Chicago, premises liability cases may involve local ordinances and building codes that a general personal injury lawyer may not be familiar with. A premises liability lawyer has in-depth knowledge of these laws and will be able to determine if you have a valid claim based on the facts of your case.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering To win a premises liability case, you must prove that the property owner’s negligence caused your injury. This often involves gathering substantial evidence such as accident scene photos, security footage, witness statements, and expert testimony. A premises liability attorney has the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation and collect the evidence necessary to strengthen your case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies Most premises liability claims are covered by the property owner’s insurance. However, insurance companies often try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay out. An experienced attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. They know how to handle claims adjusters and will fight for the maximum compensation available.
Maximizing Your Compensation In addition to covering immediate medical expenses, your attorney will help you recover compensation for long-term damages, such as future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A premises liability lawyer will assess the full extent of your injuries and losses to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Representation in Court If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, your attorney will represent you in court. Premises liability cases may go to trial, especially if the property owner or insurance company disputes liability. A skilled attorney with trial experience will fight for your rights and ensure that your case is presented effectively to the judge or jury.
How to Find the Right Premises Liability Attorney in Chicago
Finding the right attorney to handle your premises liability claim is critical to achieving the best outcome. Here are steps to help you find the right lawyer in Chicago:
Research Local Attorneys Start by researching attorneys who specialize in premises liability law in Chicago. Platforms like Google, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell offer searchable directories of local lawyers, along with client reviews and ratings. You can filter the results based on your location and practice area to find attorneys who have experience with premises liability cases.
Ask for Referrals Personal referrals from family, friends, or colleagues can be incredibly helpful in finding a trustworthy attorney. If someone you know has gone through a similar legal issue or worked with an attorney in the past, ask them for recommendations. Referrals often lead to great outcomes because you’re hearing about a lawyer’s work ethic and track record directly from someone you trust.
Consult Multiple Attorneys Many premises liability attorneys offer free consultations, which give you the chance to meet with the lawyer, discuss your case, and ask about their experience with premises liability claims. During the consultation, ask about the attorney’s past successes, their approach to handling claims, their fee structure, and their communication style. This will help you assess whether they are the right fit for you.
Check Their Experience Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in premises liability law. Make sure the attorney you choose has specific experience in this area of law. Ask them about their history with premises liability cases and the types of accidents they’ve handled. An experienced lawyer will be better equipped to navigate the legal complexities of your case and help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Look for a Lawyer with Trial Experience While many premises liability cases are settled out of court, some cases may require litigation. Make sure the attorney you choose has trial experience and is prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Lawyers who are comfortable in the courtroom are often better negotiators and can advocate for you more effectively.
Evaluate Their Track Record and Reputation Review the attorney’s track record to see if they have successfully handled premises liability cases similar to yours. You can also read client reviews and testimonials to gauge how satisfied previous clients were with the attorney’s services. A strong reputation is an important indicator of an attorney’s competence and dedication to client satisfaction.
Understand Their Fee Structure Many premises liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. This allows you to pursue a claim without worrying about paying upfront legal fees. Be sure to ask the attorney about their fee structure and what percentage of the settlement or award they will take as payment.
Top Premises Liability Attorneys in Chicago
Here are some reputable law firms and attorneys specializing in premises liability in Chicago:
Levin & Perconti Known for recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, Levin & Perconti specializes in premises liability cases. They have successfully represented clients in slip and fall, building code violations, and other premises-related accidents.
Clifford Law Offices Clifford Law Offices is a leading personal injury law firm in Chicago, with a strong track record in premises liability cases. They have secured substantial settlements for clients injured due to negligent property owners.
Romanucci & Blandin, LLC With a proven history of success in premises liability cases, Romanucci & Blandin’s attorneys offer free case evaluations and are ready to represent clients in complex personal injury claims.
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. This firm has decades of experience and has secured record-breaking verdicts in premises liability cases, including a $148 million award in a related case.
Cogan & Power, P.C. Cogan & Power handles a wide range of premises liability claims and has recovered millions for victims of negligence.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, a premises liability attorney can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Whether you’ve suffered from a slip and fall, inadequate security, or any other type of hazardous condition, hiring a lawyer with expertise in premises liability law is crucial to protecting your rights.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can find an experienced attorney in Chicago who will help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Premises liability cases can be complex, but with the right legal representation, you can achieve a successful outcome.