Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer

Recovering Compensation in Premises Liability Claims in Chicago

A Chicago premises liability lawyer from our team can help you hold negligent property owners accountable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn whether you can recover compensation. 

Premises Liability Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $6,000,000: Our premises liability attorneys recovered compensation for Sandra and Cherish, who were seriously injured in a shooting at a large event space. 
• $5,000,000: A wrongful death settlement for the family of Debra, who fell from the roof of an apartment building that lacked protective railings.
• $1,900,000: Wrongful death settlement for the family of Walter, an elderly man who fell down a flight of stairs. 

Why We Are the Best Chicago Premises Liability Attorneys for Your Case  

We are top-rated Chicago premises liability attorneys who have recovered over $490 million on behalf. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, we have secured compensation for 5,000 clients and are nationally recognized for our excellent trial representation. 

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability lawsuits center around the legal obligation that a property owner’s premises be free of potentially dangerous conditions that could harm invitees. When a property owner fails to protect others, this is called negligence, which has four factors: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. 

Duty of Care

This is the care owed by property owners to those who visit their premises. They must take reasonable measures to prevent harm, such as warning visitors of exposed wiring or fixing broken fences.

Breach of Duty

Breach of duty is when a person has not taken reasonable care to prevent injury to invited guests, such as by failing to complete proper maintenance. 

Causation

If a property owner’s negligence resulted in your injuries, this is considered causation. 

Damages

Damages refer to your financial and emotional losses as a result of an injury on another person’s property. 

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

We represent clients hurt on all types of private, commercial, and public properties across Chicago. From downtown high-rises to neighborhood grocery stores, we know how to hold property owners accountable for failing to maintain safe conditions. Some of the most common cases we handle include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents – Wet floors in stores like Jewel-Osco, icy sidewalks outside apartment buildings, or spilled liquids in restaurants across neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Bronzeville.
• Trip and Fall Incidents – Uneven pavement in areas like Logan Square, broken steps in aging apartment buildings in Uptown, or cluttered store aisles on the Magnificent Mile.
• Negligent Security Claims – Assaults or robberies at nightclubs, apartment complexes, or parking garages due to broken locks, lack of lighting, or no on-site security (e.g., in River North or South Shore).
• Elevator and Escalator Accidents – Sudden drops or door malfunctions in commercial buildings, public transit stations, or office towers in the Loop.
• Falling Merchandise or Structural Failures – Objects falling from shelves in big-box retailers like Home Depot, or collapsed ceiling tiles, porches, stairs, or balcony railings in poorly maintained rental units.
• Dog Bite Cases – Attacks by unleashed or aggressive dogs in public parks like Grant Park or on private property without warning signs or proper containment.
• Swimming Pool Accidents – Drownings or injuries in hotel or apartment complex pools due to lack of fencing, supervision, or safety signage.
• Toxic Exposure and Fire Injuries – Carbon monoxide poisoning in rented homes without detectors, or fire injuries from faulty wiring in older buildings across West Garfield Park and Little Village. Lead paint poisoning in older Chicago apartments, where landlords ignored abatement laws, and mercury exposure in schools, industrial buildings, or contaminated properties.

What Unsafe Conditions Commonly Lead to Premises Liability Claims in Chicago?

In Chicago, many premises liability accidents happen because of property conditions that could have—and should have—been addressed by the property owner or manager. The most common causes include:

• Icy sidewalks and snow-covered entryways that aren’t salted or shoveled during winter months, especially near residential buildings and retail zones like Wicker Park or West Loop.
• Wet or freshly mopped floors without proper signage in stores, offices, and restaurants across Chicago, including national chains and small businesses.
• Broken staircases, missing handrails, or uneven flooring, often found in older apartment buildings on the South Side or neglected walk-up rentals in Humboldt Park.
• Poor lighting in stairwells, alleys, and parking lots, making it easy to miss hazards or fall victim to assault—especially in poorly secured buildings.
• Neglected building maintenance, like roof leaks, electrical issues, or loose ceiling tiles in commercial properties and high-rise apartment complexes.
• Lack of security or malfunctioning locks, creating opportunities for assaults or robberies in housing complexes and hotels.
• Improperly restrained animals, such as dogs not kept on a leash or in fenced areas, leading to bites or attacks.

When property owners ignore basic safety obligations, they put guests, tenants, and visitors at serious risk. Our Chicago premises liability lawyers work to uncover these hazards and prove exactly how negligence caused our clients’ injuries.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Premises Liability?

Common injuries that our premises liability attorneys see include:

• Broken bones
• Bruises, contusions, and lacerations
• Back, neck, and spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Muscle tears and sprains
• Burns

What Damages Can Premises Liability Victims Recover in Chicago?

You can receive both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:

• Medical bills
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Lost wages or loss of earning potential
• Funeral expenses for wrongful death
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What Is the Average Premises Liability Settlement in Chicago?

The average settlement in these personal injury cases is around $1,936,515, while the median settlement is $225,695. However, your compensation will depend on the specifics of your case, including the extent of your medical expenses and lost wages. 

Example Premises Liability Cases in Chicago

While many think of slips, trips, and falls when discussing this facet of tort law, it can encompass many other types of injuries. One pertinent example is a $535 million settlement for a minor who was sexually assaulted at a health center. In another case, the landlords of an apartment on Chicago’s North Side were forced to pay $6 million after six children died in a house fire. 

Why You Need an Experienced Premises Liability Lawyer

These lawsuits can be challenging, as you must establish a connection between your injuries and unsafe conditions on the premises. Our law firm will thoroughly investigate the accident using evidence and expert testimony. 

Insurance companies will do everything they can to prevent you from receiving compensation. With over 25 years of experience, we will aggressively negotiate to get you the best possible settlement offer. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate, we can represent you at trial. 

How Common Are Premises Liability Accidents in Chicago?

These types of accidents are extremely common throughout Chicago and the United States as a whole. The city itself spent $457.8 million in claims for accidents on city property across two years, while slips, trips, and falls account for 17% of all workplace fatalities in the state. 

Premises liability accounts for approximately 11% of all civil lawsuits, making it one of the most common types of litigation. 

Where Do Premises Liability Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Retail Locations: Malls, like the HIP, may be the site of dangerous falls.

City Streets: Busy spots like State Street can be very dangerous, especially with winter snow.

Private Property: Faulty wiring, loose railings, and unstable floors can all make for unsafe conditions. Balcony collapses have long been an issue in the city. 

What Laws Govern Premises Liability Claims in Chicago?

Illinois law (740 ILCS 130/) states that owners have a responsibility to remedy any known hazardous conditions or warn guests of unforeseen issues.

In some cases, owners may be liable for “open and obvious” threats, as was found in Clifford v. Wharton Business Group. The judgment was in favor of the plaintiff because the contractor should have been aware that workers might be distracted and should therefore have taken extra care to protect them through additional signage. 

How Does Premises Liability Law in Chicago Treat Trespassers and Attractive Nuisances?

Illinois does not use strict liability in these cases but determines them on a case-by-case basis. The law states that property owners do not owe a duty of care to adult trespassers, but this does not prevent them from protecting child trespassers (740 ILCS 130/3). 

Cope v. Doe eliminated the formal attractive nuisance doctrine, which makes owners liable for any injuries caused by things like swimming pools. However, property owners can still be liable if they fail to make reasonable precautions against injury, especially for children. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Chicago?

Under Illinois law, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for injuries that occurred on someone’s property (735 ILCS 5/13-202). You should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you can recover compensation. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Premises Liability Accidents in Chicago?

A variety of parties could be held liable in these cases, including the following.

• Property Owners: Anyone who owns a home or business in Chicago is responsible for ensuring that the area is safe for any invited guest.
• Landlord: If the accident occurred at a leased property, the landlord could be held accountable.
• Construction Companies: Accidents at worksites could implicate the construction company.
• Contractors: A contractor who fails to fix hazardous conditions could also be responsible.
• Manufacturers: In some cases, faulty products are the cause of accidents, and the manufacturer may be held responsible. 

Common Defenses in Chicago Premises Liability Cases

• Open and Obvious Danger: This does not always prevent liability, as it can be argued that a reasonable person may be distracted due to other factors, like working on site.
• Comparative Negligence: The defendant may state that it was your negligence which was responsible for your injuries. We will demonstrate that the fault lies primarily with the defendant.
• Assumption of Risk: The defendant could also state that you assumed risk by visiting the site, but we can show that the injury did not correlate with the level of assumed risk. 

How to Strengthen Your Premises Liability Case in Chicago

A strong case requires thorough evidence and prompt action. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Go to the Hospital: Visit the closest emergency room, such as UChicago Medicine or Loyola University Medical Center. Not only does this ensure you’re safe, but it also provides invaluable medical evidence.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the area and of your injuries, which can demonstrate the defendant’s negligence.
• Gather Evidence: Keep your medical bills, communications with the property owner, and any expenses, such as time off work.
• Contact a Skilled Attorney: We can help you negotiate with the relevant insurance company and protect your rights throughout the process. 

How a Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help

Our attorneys are passionate about holding negligent property owners accountable. You can expect compassionate, comprehensive service every step of the way.

• Investigating the Accident: Using our resources, we will find evidence linking the property owner’s actions to your injuries. This can include maintenance records, private communications, medical evidence, photos and videos of the scene, and expert testimony.
• Filing Documents: We will file a complaint with the Circuit Court of Cook County on your behalf.
• Negotiating With Insurance: Many lawsuits are settled out of court with the relevant insurance agency. We will push for maximum compensation, never settling for less than you deserve.
• Trial Representation: In some cases, it’s necessary to go to court. We will guide you through the process, including sharing information with the other party, attending hearings, filing motions, and representing you in front of a judge and jury. 

Chicago Premises Liability FAQs

How much does a premises liability attorney cost?

We work on a contingency basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we are able to earn you compensation. 

Who can file a premises liability claim in Chicago?

If you suffered injury on someone else’s property, you may be able to take legal action against the property owners. Parents of minor children can file a lawsuit on their child’s behalf. 

Why does my status as a visitor matter?

Yes, your status matters in premises liability lawsuits. If you did not have the legal right to be on someone’s property, then you cannot sue for damages. 

When can a property owner be held legally responsible for injuries on their premises?

A person can be held liable for injuries on their property if they knew about the issue and failed to rectify it or warn guests of the potential danger. For example, if a person fell through a broken railing on someone else’s property, they could take legal action against the property owner. 

Is premises liability different from negligence?

Negligence is a legal principle that applies when a person fails to take reasonable precautions to prevent injury to others. Premises liability law is a subset of this general principle that refers to a property owner’s negligence. 

What evidence is needed in a Chicago premises liability case?

To hold negligent property owners accountable, you’ll need evidence, which can include medical records, communications between you and the property owner, surveillance footage, and photos of the accident scene. 

Book a Free Consultation with a Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer Near You!

Our award-winning attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a compassionate attorney.