Parking lots might seem safer than busy roads, but accidents happen in them every day. Drivers back out without checking blind spots, pedestrians step out from between parked cars, and poorly maintained surfaces cause people to slip and fall. In Illinois, the legal concept of comparative negligence plays a major role in determining who pays for damages in personal injury cases.
If you were hurt in a parking lot, it is important to understand how this rule can affect your case. A qualified Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer can offer guidance tailored to your situation.
What Is Comparative Negligence in Illinois?
Illinois follows a rule called modified comparative negligence, found in 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident, as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible. If you are awarded damages, the amount you receive is reduced in proportion to your share of fault.