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Everything to Know About Premises Liability Cases in Chicago, IL

Everyone should have an idea of what premises liability means. It is incredibly important for property owners to understand this concept, but it is also helpful for individuals to know as they go about their day.

The main idea behind premises liability is that property owners could be responsible for injuries to people on their properties. Whether it is a business, a home, a government building, or another entity, owners of a property are expected to maintain safe conditions for anyone who is allowed to be on the premises.

If this standard is not upheld, and someone gets injured on another entity’s property, the owner could be susceptible to a personal injury claim based on premises liability. What does this kind of case involve?

Proving Negligence

Injured victims have the burden of proving that the property owner’s negligence led to their injury in some way. One of the most common causes of an injury is a slip and fall. In these cases, there are two types of hazards that could cause the incident; temporary and permanent. Temporary hazards are risks that have only existed for a short time on the property, such as a spill. These hazards are harder to prove negligence with because the owner may not be proven to have known about the risk. Permanent hazards, such as a cracked or uneven walking surface, have been around for a longer period and could demonstrate negligence on the part of the owner. In either case, an injured victim must prove that the owner’s negligence allowed the hazard to cause the incident. This is not always easy, and if you are in this type of scenario as a victim, you should consider contacting a Chicago premises liability lawyer

Visitor Status

Another factor that plays a role in a premises liability case is the status of the visitor. For example, if you were not legally allowed to be on the property, you would not be able to file a claim against the owner if you were to be injured. In most cases, the legal status of the injured victim will determine whether or not an injury claim in Chicago can move forward. If you were on the premises of a business, such as a store or a restaurant, then you have every right to expect that the owner will maintain a safe environment.

What if it is Your Workplace?

Workplace injuries can also fall under the umbrella of premises liability. If the company you work for or the owner of the building you work in does not maintain safety standards, and you get injured as a result, then that entity could be responsible for a payout. Workplace injuries are common, which is why companies should invest in worker’s compensation insurance, but if hazards on the business property were the cause of the incident, then that company is opened up to a different kind of payout. 

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you are involved in an incident that causes a bad injury on another person’s property, then you may want to consider hiring a premises liability lawyer. There are multiple reasons why this step might make sense for your situation.

Compiling Evidence

Winning any kind of personal injury claim requires a strong profile of evidence to back your case. You must be able to prove that negligence on the part of the property owner led to your injury. Whether evidence comes from eyewitness testimony, camera footage, or pictures of the scene, a lawyer can help you collect this data to strengthen your case and give you a better chance of winning. 

Assessing Damages

For an injury claim to be filed, there must be damages that resulted from the injury. Damages could include medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, or property damage. Having an attorney assess your damages and compile evidence for them can help you determine a fair amount for a settlement. 

Negotiation

One of the most complex aspects of a premises liability case is negotiating the payment amount. Insurance companies will want to avoid a large payout, so they will probably start with a low initial offer. Though it can be tempting to take this money and try to move on, it is often less than what you deserve. Working with a lawyer can strengthen your negotiation process and result in a higher settlement that adequately covers your financial losses. 

Have You Been the Victim of a Premises Liability Injury Case?

Understanding what this type of personal injury claim entails could be beneficial down the road. If you ever experience this type of scenario, and you are not sure where to turn, this knowledge could point you in the right direction so you can secure your financial future and try to move on from the incident. Get in touch with a lawyer in Chicago who specializes in this field and give your claim the best chance of success. 

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