Helping Rockford Victims Recover Compensation in Premises Liability Cases
Rockford premises liability lawyers are crucial for holding negligent property owners accountable. In 2022, 46,653 people died due to fall accidents at home or work nationwide, while more than 8.5 million people were treated for trip and fall injuries. Countless others were harmed due to dog bites, negligent security, or poor building maintenance.
These accidents can lead to life-changing and catastrophic injuries. If a property owner’s negligence led to your accident, we’ll help you recover compensation. Our previous settlements include:
- $6,000,000 – Negligent security claim for two women injured in a shooting.
- $5,000,000 – Wrongful death claim for a woman who fell from an apartment building roof due to inadequate railing.
- $5,000,000 – Carbon monoxide settlement due to improper venting.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability law is rooted in U.S. Code § 3901, which holds a property or business owner accountable for a personal injury or property damage that occurs in a place they own. It argues that property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises so that visitors and employees are safe.
The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/)
Illinois law §740 ILCS 130/2 states that a business or property owner must take due care to prevent harm to guests. While they do not have any duty of care to an adult trespasser, they must show care to a child who wanders onto somebody’s property without permission (§740 ILCS 130/3).
What Are the Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Rockford?
There are a variety of premises liability incidents that may occur in Rockford, including the following.
Slip and Fall Accidents – Trip and fall cases are more common during the cold Midwestern winter, but they can happen at any time. A wet or loose area of gravel can easily cause an accident. §26-10 of the Rockford Municipal Code requires business and property owners to maintain sidewalks in front of their homes, including removing snow and ice.
Negligent Security – A business or homeowner must ensure that there are no serious risks to any guest. For example, a 19-year-old was killed in the 900 block of 4th Avenue at a house party shooting, which could have been prevented by checking guests for firearms.
Animal Attacks – Owners of any animal, whether housed at home or other off-site locations, must ensure their dogs, cats, or livestock are properly contained. For other animals, exposure to exotic diseases like rabies or tetanus can be considered a viable personal injury claim.
Swimming Pool Accidents – Swimming pools fall under the attractive nuisance doctrine, meaning they attract children who may not know better. As children are considered invitees even when trespassing, private owners must always prevent them from falling in through things like alarmed gates and pool covers. The only exception is municipal pools, which are protected under the Tort Immunity Law as determined by Barnett v. Zion Park District.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents – Inadequate maintenance, bad design, and broken lighting contribute to elevator and escalator accidents. Our escalator fall lawyers will thoroughly investigate the property owner’s level of care in preventing escalator or elevator failures.
Fires and Explosions – Catastrophic accidents may occur when people do not use proper fire suppression measures or handle flammable substances, and our liability attorneys will hold these negligent owners responsible.
Falling Objects – Heavy objects falling from shelves, windows, or off buildings can lead to permanent physical disabilities.
Construction Site Accidents – While not all injuries at a construction site may be due to premises liability, developers and construction companies are required to prevent accidents through safe work practices, like handling hazardous or toxic substances safely and communicating hazards to guests. Our Rockford workplace accident lawyers will ensure that the construction firm’s insurance company pays for your treatment.
How to Prove a Premises Liability Claim in Rockford, IL
Personal injury law is based on negligence, which has four parts: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Duty of Care – The owner is responsible for invitees and children who are on their property, including fixing known dangers.
Breach of Duty – They failed to remedy these problems before inviting guests to their property.
Causation – The property owner’s negligence caused the accident.
Damages – These are your costs associated with the accident, like emotional distress caused by injuries.
Our team will look for evidence that demonstrates prior knowledge of hazards and prove that the owner is liable for any harm that occurred on their property. For example, we can find maintenance records, communications, or photos of the property. This will all help prove liability for you.
What to Do After an Accident on Someone Else’s Property in Rockford
Take these steps as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention – You may not immediately realize you’re hurt, so you should get a full exam to be sure.
Report the Accident – Tell the owner or manager that you were hurt and show what happened.
Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of the accident, including your injuries.
Gather Witness Information – Our attorneys can speak to them about what they saw in order to determine liability.
Preserve Evidence – Keep any damaged property, as well as your clothing and personal effects that were at the scene.
Do Not Admit Fault – Never apologize for what happened or blame yourself, as this can harm your claim.
Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies – Let an experienced attorney handle all communications with third parties.
Contact an Attorney – Call our personal injury firm as soon as possible so that we can get to work investigating your case.
Damages You May Be Entitled to in a Rockford Premises Liability Case
You may obtain compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future medical expenses
- Future loss of income
- Property damage
- Funeral costs for wrongful death
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Grief
Time Limit to File a Claim Against a Property Owner in Illinois
The Illinois statute of limitations is two years for personal injury (§735 ILCS 5/13-202) or five years for damage to personal property (§735 ILCS 5/13-205).
Consult Rockford Premises Liability Attorneys Near You!
With over 100+ years of combined legal experience, our attorneys are highly skilled in Winnebago County premises liability claims. Our Rockford personal injury lawyers offer in-office consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
To schedule your free consultation with an accomplished attorney, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form.
Jonathan was very helpful with my case! He liste to everything I had to say. He took all my information and used it to the best of his ability. just felt like he cared he did everything he could soon as he was able to do it! I would definitely recommend him and would use him again if I eve need him!!
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