What Types of Accidents Are Eligible for a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
When you visit the home of a family member or friend or enter a business, safety may not cross your mind. Under reasonable circumstances, people have the right to believe that a home, apartment, store, or restaurant will not cause them harm. In fact, it is the responsibility of people who own, manage, or occupy a property to maintain it properly to prevent accidents. When a person is injured on another person’s property, they may be able to recover compensation through a premises liability lawsuit.
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, you may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the property owner was negligent and failed to maintain the property to a reasonable standard, then they may be held liable.
What Is Considered a Premises Accident?
Unsafe conditions on a property can lead to serious injuries. Here are some examples of the most common kinds of premises accidents:
- Slip and Falls - It is easy to slip on wet surfaces, especially during seasons with snow and rain. Property owners may be liable if they failed to address slipping hazards or provide warnings about dangerous conditions. Additionally, a person may have a personal injury case if the property has poor lighting, uneven surfaces, torn carpet, or other physical hazards. The key to claiming a personal injury suit for a fall is demonstrating that the owner was at fault, and the injury was caused by their negligence.
- Fire and Smoke - Illinois recently passed a law that requires an upgrade of smoke alarms to a 10 year sealed battery in dwellings that do not have hard wired smoke detectors. Not having a smoke alarm puts a property owner’s guests at risk. A fire can happen at any time, so not having a smoke alarm, or having a smoke alarm with a low or dead battery, can lead to injuries such as burns and smoke inhalation. It is the property owner’s responsibility to give everyone the best chance of survival if a fire were to occur.
- Swimming Pools - Having a pool is a great treat in the summer, but can be a hazard if it is not properly maintained. Illinois requires a protective barrier around swimming pools that must meet a 42-inch height requirement. Inadequate security around a pool can lead to accidental drownings. Injuries may also be caused by poorly maintained drains or other equipment.
Contact a Kane County Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Do not let guilt get in the way of reporting a premises accident. No matter how apologetic a property owner is, it was his or her responsibility to maintain a home, office, business, or apartment to a reasonable standard. Contact an experienced Aurora premises liability lawyer today to discuss your rights and learn about your options for pursuing compensation. Call our office at 630-907-0909 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/legisnet90/hbgroups/hb/900HB1009LV.html
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/revised-law-requires-illinoisans-to-upgrade-smoke-detectors-by-2023/
