If you were injured while visiting someone else’s property, you might be confused about who is responsible for your injuries and how you’ll pay for your resulting medical expenses. This is why Feagans Law Group P.C. offers free consultations. We can educate you about the injury claim process, explain Illinois premises liability laws, and identify your legal options.
If you decide to move forward with a premises liability claim, we can help you with every aspect of it. We’ve successfully handled over 400 cases and have a greater than 99% success rate. Our attorneys have been recognized as Best Under 40 by the Kane County Chronicle, 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, and other notable positions in local and national publications. Schedule your free consultation today by calling us at (630) 940-2093 or contacting us online.Â
How Our Premises Liability Attorneys Can Help You Fight for Fair Compensation
If you have been hurt on someone else’s property, you need to be able to focus on your health and recovery. At Feagans Law Group P.C., we handle all aspects of your legal claim, giving you the space and time to heal. Our legal services include:
- Investigating the accident to determine how it happened and who is at fault
- Gathering evidence to bolster your claim, such as previous complaints regarding property conditions, surveillance footage, and inspection reports
- Helping resolve medical bills so more money goes into your pocket
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Working with professionals to help prepare and build the value of your personal injury claim
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
Our Geneva personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to take advantage of a free case review.Â
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners, operators, and occupiers legally responsible for injuries that occur on their properties due to negligence. Property owners have certain legal responsibilities to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable injuries. When they fail to uphold these duties, they can be held responsible for the resulting harm.
Illinois Premises Liability Laws
Illinois premises liability laws are explicitly laid out in the Illinois Premises Liability Act. Under this law, all lawful visitors are treated the same under the law, and property owners and occupiers owe them a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances. Any person who has a legal right to be on the property – whether a social guest or a customer in a store – is afforded the same standard of care. Specifically, this duty of care does not require property owners to do any of the following:
- Warn lawful visitors from known hazards, open and obvious, or that could reasonably be expected for the visitor to discover
- Warn about latent defects or dangers the property owner doesn’t know about
- Warn about dangers resulting from the visitor’s misuse of the property or anything affixed to it
- Protect lawful visitors from their own misuse of the property or anything affixed to it
Property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers except to refrain from causing them injuries due to willful and wanton conduct. Different rules apply to child trespassers. Different rules and laws can also apply based on the type of property where the accident occurred.
If a property owner failed to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and you were injured as a result, you may have the right to file a premises liability claim to seek compensation for the damages you’ve incurred.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Geneva
Premises liability can refer to various types of cases, including:
- Apartment complex fires
- Injuries at hotels, motels, and resorts
- Amusement park and waterpark injuries
- Slips and falls
- Injuries at stores, retail outlets, and other commercial establishments
- Injuries at public properties or in government buildings
- Escalator and elevator accidents
- Dog bites and attacks
- Drownings in swimming pools
- Criminal attacks due to inadequate security
If you believe you have a viable premises liability case, our experienced attorneys can investigate and explain your legal rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Premises Liability Case?
Various parties can be held liable for injuries that occur on properties, such as:
- Property owners
- Landlords and lessors
- Tenants and lessees
- Employers
- Government property operators
- Property management companies
Liability in these cases can be complicated and affected by contractual relationships. An experienced attorney can examine contracts, insurance policies, and applicable laws to determine who is responsible for your injuries.
What Types of Damages Are Available in Premises Liability Cases?
The goal of a personal injury claim is to secure compensation to make up for the economic and non-economic losses you experienced because of the accident. You may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses you incurred because of the accident
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity if you can no longer work
- Any personal property damaged in the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of personal enjoyment
What Do I Have to Prove to Win My Premises Liability Case?
Negligent property owners are unlikely to give you the compensation you deserve without a fight. Instead, you will have to show your lawful right to this compensation. This requires you to prove the following:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take steps to remedy it or warn you about it.
- The dangerous condition caused your accident.
- You suffered damages as a result of the accident.
Your lawyer can help gather evidence to help prove these legal elements.
Contact Our Knowledgeable Premises Liability Lawyers for a Free Case Review
If you were injured due to a property owner or occupant’s carelessness or negligence, you may have the right to recover compensation for your injuries. You have a limited amount of time to take legal action. The premises and product liability lawyers in Geneva at Feagans Law Group P.C. can help protect your rights. Call us today at (630) 940-2093 for a free consultation.