Have you experienced an injury due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property? These incidents happen all the time in Chicago, and many of them could have been prevented. Unfortunately, while you can’t undo the injuries you already have, you can demand compensation from a negligent property owner. If you want the best chance of winning, you’ll need help from an experienced premises liability lawyer in Chicago.
Wallace Miller will proudly represent you in a Chicago premises liability claim. Our team has over 25 years of legal experience and has recovered millions in compensation for our clients. That in-depth knowledge means we know what it takes to win these cases and help you recover maximum compensation. Call (312) 261-6193 or complete our contact form for a complimentary case review.
Why Choose Wallace Miller for Your Chicago Premises Liability Claim?
Your choice of attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case and your experience along the way. With that in mind, here’s why Wallace Miller is the right choice for your Chicago premises liability claim:
Extensive Legal Experience
We possess deep legal knowledge honed through years of handling a diverse range of cases. This experience is crucial in understanding the nuances of premises liability law.
Personalized Client Care
We know every personal injury case is unique. We take the time to listen carefully to your needs and provide tailored advice and strategies.
Renowned Legal Acumen
Our firm’s national reputation speaks to our proficiency and dedication to high-quality legal representation for our clients.
Comprehensive Legal Solutions
We handle many different kinds of injury cases and their accompanying legal challenges, which helps us develop a well-rounded approach to your case.
Passion for Justice
Our commitment goes beyond legal representation. We strive to make a positive impact for those who have suffered harm through someone else’s negligence.
Risk of Self-Representation
Navigating legal proceedings without professional help can lead to missteps. This could include undervaluing your claim, struggling with complex legal negotiations, and accepting less money than your case is worth. Working with our experienced team means you don’t have to worry about these issues.
Common Causes of Chicago Premises Liability Accidents
Property owners and managers are legally responsible for protecting visitors from hazards on their grounds. Knowing how premises liability injuries frequently occur can help you and your lawyer evaluate the strength of your claim. Some of the most common causes of premises liability injuries in Chicago include:
- Poor Maintenance: This includes issues like broken railings, holes in flooring, or deteriorated steps. Any of these failures can lead to trips, falls, or structural collapses.
- Inadequate Safety Measures: This refers to the lack of proper lighting in hallways, missing warning signs for wet floors, or faulty security systems. By ignoring or neglecting these hazards, property owners increase the risk of accidents or criminal incidents.
- Environmental Hazards: Icy sidewalks, uncleared snow, or water pooling due to poor drainage can create slip and fall hazards.
- Structural Flaws: Design or construction errors, such as weak building materials or improper layout, can result in accidents like balcony collapses or falling debris.
- Electrical Issues: Exposed wires, outdated electrical systems, or poorly maintained appliances can cause electric shocks or fires.
- Chemical Exposures: This includes lead paint, asbestos, or other hazardous materials that haven’t been safely contained or removed.
Most Common Injuries from Chicago Premises Liability Accidents
One reason to work with an experienced Chicago premises liability attorney is the severe injuries these incidents often cause. You have one chance to recover compensation for your injuries and need to make the most of it. Some of the most common injuries from premises liability incidents in Chicago include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: These injuries, often resulting from slips, trips, and falls, can range from simple fractures to more severe breaks. Furthermore, broken bones sometimes lead to long-term mobility issues.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries like concussions or traumatic brain injuries are common in falls or when objects fall on someone. They can result in symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to long-term cognitive impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries, often from falls or structural collapses, can lead to severe consequences like paralysis. Many people with spinal cord injuries require lifelong care and significant lifestyle adjustments.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp or poorly maintained property features can cause deep cuts, requiring stitches and potentially leading to infection or scarring.
- Burns: Burns from fires, electrical accidents, or chemical exposures can vary in severity, and all can lead to painful injuries. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and result in scarring.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Common in slips and falls, these include sprains, strains, and tears, which can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Electric Shocks: Occurring from exposed wiring or faulty electrical equipment, these can range from minor shocks to severe, life-threatening injuries.
- Drowning: Swimming pool accidents or other water-related incidents can lead to oxygen deprivation, causing brain damage or death.
Proving a Chicago Premises Liability Claim
Recovering compensation for premises liability injuries requires your lawyer to prove that the property owner or another party acted negligently. Typically, this means showing how the liable party knew or should have known about the hazard that caused the accident. Additionally, you must show how your injuries directly resulted from the liable party’s negligence.
Working with a Chicago premises liability lawyer means they can gather evidence to support your claim while you heal. Some common types of evidence in premises liability claims include:
Photos and Videos
Photos or videos from the scene can vividly demonstrate the hazardous conditions present at the time of the accident.
Medical Records
Notes from your doctor and similar documents can help establish the direct link between the incident and your injuries.
Witness Statements
Testimony from eyewitnesses or those familiar with the property can corroborate your account and provide additional context about the incident.
Property Maintenance Records
These records may reveal a history of negligence or lack of proper care. If so, they can strengthen the argument that the property owner was aware of and neglected potential hazards.
Expert Testimonies
Medical experts and other professionals can offer insights into how the accident occurred or the severity of your injuries. Expert testimony is often persuasive in proving negligence and liability.
Deadline to File a Chicago Premises Liability Lawsuit
There are specific time limits you must follow to recover compensation for premises liability injuries. Illinois law says you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident when you sustained your injuries. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit, the courts will most likely dismiss your case.
Given that most personal injury claims end without a trial, why does the deadline to file a lawsuit matter? The reason it matters is that the threat of a lawsuit is a crucial piece of leverage in settlement negotiations. An insurance company is more likely to offer a fair settlement if they fear the potential outcome of a trial. But you can’t sue an insurance company if you miss the deadline. Consult an attorney right away to avoid any issues with filing deadlines in your case.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Chicago Premises Liability Accident
Your actions in the days, weeks, and months following a premises liability accident have a notable impact on your claim. Here’s what to do to give yourself the best possible chance of recovering the money you need:
- Document Everything in Detail: Keep comprehensive records of all your medical consultations, treatments received, and related expenses. Document your recovery process and any missed work or daily activities you can’t participate in.
- Gather Comprehensive Evidence: Beyond initial photos or witness information, try to obtain any surveillance footage of the accident. Keep a detailed diary noting your recollections of the incident and its aftermath.
- Follow All Medical Advice Closely: Adhering to your doctor’s recommendations and attending all appointments until they release you from care not only aids your recovery but also demonstrates that your injuries required a doctor’s care over time.
- Refrain from Discussing the Incident Publicly: Be cautious about discussing the incident or your injuries on social media, as these statements can impact your case.
- Avoid Quick Settlement Offers: Do not rush into accepting settlement offers from insurance companies or property owners without legal advice. Early offers may not fully compensate you for your injuries and losses.
- Keep Records of Communication: Save all correspondence related to the accident, including emails and letters from insurance companies or property managers.
- Be Wary of Recorded Statements: If an insurance company asks you for a recorded statement, consult your lawyer first. An insurer can use anything you say against you to the detriment of your case.
- Consult a Premises Liability Lawyer: A lawyer with experience in premises liability claims can offer valuable advice tailored to your situation. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Contact Our Chicago Premises Liability Attorneys Now
Don’t wait to contact our Chicago premises liability lawyers and learn more about your rights. Call Wallace Miller today at (312) 261-6193 for a free consultation, or you can reach out online.