Cleanliness and safety are the responsibility of the property or business owner, and the state of Illinois holds business owners accountable for their actions. Any accidents occurring as a result of negligence or poor operation or design of a property may be grounds for a premises liability claim. A personal injury lawyer Chicago understands the importance of property maintenance. There must be preventive measures taken regularly to ensure safety.
Individuals who may be held liable
The owner or landlord may be responsible for the problem that led to the injury if it is a maintenance or design issue. However, a manager might be the person at fault if there is a spill or slick surface that should have been cleaned or roped off. If the hazard occurred recently, the manager may not be liable. In some cases, a third party such as a janitorial service could be at fault for creating the hazard. When enough time has passed for a reasonable person to clean the mess, there is a greater chance of liability.
A person must be on the premises lawfully when the accident occurs for the owner or business to be held liable. A personal injury lawyer in Chicago may point out that the victim must be able to prove personal carelessness did not cause the accident. Inappropriate or unsafe actions or disregard of warning signs usually disqualifies a successful claim against the property owner.
Common accident causes and injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents are the most common type of liability claims. There are a number of different hazards that can cause falls. Slippery or slick surfaces, poor lighting, defective or loose flooring, broken railings and other defects may be sources of a fall. The National Safety Council reports that nearly 9 million people in the United States make emergency room visits because of falls every year. Injuries often include lacerations, broken or fractured bones, head trauma, sprains or back and neck injuries.
Any individual who slips and falls on another’s property should take steps to record the condition that caused the accident. Medical attention should be sought immediately and medical records obtained as evidence of the injury.
Injuries from falls are often serious and cause extensive medical costs as well as significant pain and suffering. Victims of accidents due to another’s negligence should seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer in Chicago who is familiar with the Premises Liability Act. Compensation may be available for damages caused by the fall.