In Need of a Commercial Premises Liability Attorney?

Table Of Contents

Commercial Premises Liability Lawyer in Chicago

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on a commercial property in Chicago, you may need the help of a skilled commercial premises liability lawyer to recover compensation. At Wallace Miller, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that can arise from such accidents. Our experienced attorneys can help you take on the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more.

Understanding Commercial Premises Liability

Commercial premises liability refers to the legal obligation and responsibility of property owners and managers to keep a safe environment for visitors, customers, and employees. This includes retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, hotels, and other commercial properties.

Under Illinois premises liability law, property owners and managers must ensure their premises remain free from dangerous conditions that could harm others. If they fail to uphold this responsibility and someone suffers an injury, negligent property owners may be liable for the victim’s injuries and other losses.

Property owners and managers must take reasonable steps to identify and address potential hazards. This may include performing regular inspections, making prompt repairs, and providing adequate warning signs or barriers around known dangers. Failure to do so can result in serious accidents and injuries, including slip and fall incidents, trip and fall accidents, catastrophic injuries, or even assaults due to inadequate security measures.

Common Types of Commercial Property Accidents

Accidents can happen in various ways on commercial properties. Some common types of premises liability lawsuits include:

Slip and fall accidents: These happen when a person slips, trips, or falls due to unsafe conditions, including wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained stairs. Property owners must ensure that walking surfaces are kept clean, dry, and free of debris. They should also provide proper lighting and handrails where necessary.
Inadequate security: If property owners cannot provide reasonable security measures, such as proper lighting or security personnel, they may be liable for crimes on the premises. This is especially true in areas with a history of criminal activity or where large crowds gather, such as shopping malls or entertainment venues.
Elevator and escalator accidents: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained elevators and escalators can cause serious injuries. Property owners must ensure that qualified professionals regularly inspect, maintain, and repair these devices. They should also have emergency plans to address potential malfunctions or entrapments.
Falling objects: The property owner may be responsible when objects fall from shelves or displays and injure customers. This includes improperly secured merchandise, overloaded shelving units, or construction debris from ongoing renovations. Property owners must ensure that all items are securely stored and displayed to prevent accidents.
Swimming pool accidents: Inadequate supervision, lack of proper safety equipment, or poor maintenance can lead to drowning or other pool-related injuries. Property owners with swimming pools must adhere to strict safety regulations, including providing proper fencing, signage, and lifesaving equipment.

Proving Liability in Commercial Premises Liability Cases

You need to prove that the former property manager or owner was negligent in safely maintaining the property or failed to warn visitors of potential hazards to hold them accountable for your injuries. This requires you to demonstrate the following elements:

The property owner owed you a duty of care: You must show that you were lawfully on the property. The property owner owes guests a duty of care and must warn them of known hazards.
The property owner breached their duty of care: You must prove that the owner or manager knew about the dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to address it. This may involve showing that the hazard existed for an extended period, that similar accidents had occurred in the past, or that the owner failed to conduct regular inspections or maintenance.
The breach of duty resulted in your injuries: You must establish a direct link between the property owner’s negligence and your injuries. This means showing that the dangerous condition was the cause of your accident and that your injuries would not have occurred if the owner had taken appropriate action.
You suffered losses: You must have incurred actual losses, such as lost wages, medical bills, or pain and suffering resulting from the accident. You must document and support these losses with evidence such as medical records, wage statements, and expert testimony.

Proving a premises liability claim in a commercial premises liability case can be complex and challenging. It often requires a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, and navigating the legal system and the testimony of expert witnesses. A skilled commercial personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies to obtain fair compensation for your losses.

Damages in Commercial Premises Liability Claims

If you’ve sustained injuries on a commercial or private property belonging to someone else, you could be eligible for different forms of compensation, determined by the extent of your injuries and the specifics of your situation. You could be entitled to money for:

Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, and any ongoing medical treatment related to your injuries.
Lost wages: Reimbursement for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries and future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional, physical, and mental anguish caused by your injuries. This may include compensation for your injuries’ impact on your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Disability or disfigurement: If your injuries result in disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation. This may include compensation for the cost of medical devices, home modifications, or other accommodations needed to adapt to your new circumstances.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the impact your injuries have on your ability to participate in hobbies, social activities, and other aspects of your life. This may include compensation for losing the ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed or the impact your injuries have had on your relationships with family and friends.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the property owner’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless.

Statute of Limitations in Illinois Premises Liability Cases

Acting quickly after an accident on a commercial property is essential, as Illinois has a statute of limitations for injury victims filing personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, you must file a claim within two years of the accident date.

It is essential to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible after your accident so that your rights are protected and you file a claim within the appropriate timeframe. Your attorney can help you understand the specific deadlines and liability laws that apply to your case and take action to preserve your right to seek compensation.

How a Commercial Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help

Trying to work through the legal process after a commercial premises liability lawsuit or property accident is overwhelming, especially when you are recuperating from injuries suffered and dealing with mounting medical bills. An experienced commercial premises liability lawyer can help you in several ways:

Investigating your case: Your attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts. This may include obtaining surveillance footage, accident reports, and medical records to support your claim.
Identifying liable parties: In some cases, multiple parties are responsible for your injuries, such as the property owner, manager, or a third-party contractor. Your lawyer can help determine who should be held accountable and pursue claims against all responsible parties.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies will try to settle claims for as little as possible. Your attorney can handle these negotiations and try to procure a fair settlement that covers all your losses. They can also help you avoid common pitfalls, such as accepting a lowball offer or signing away your rights to future compensation.
Representing you in court: If no fair settlement can be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court and present your case to a judge and jury.
Providing guidance and support: Your attorney can answer your questions and offer advice on the best course of action for your unique situation.

Choosing the Right Commercial Premises Liability Lawyer

Commercial Premises Liability Lawyer In Chicago image 2

When selecting a commercial premises liability lawyer to handle your case, consider the following factors:

Experience: Look for a lawyer with a proven track record of success in handling commercial premises liability cases similar to yours.
Resources: Ask whether the law firm has the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your case and take it to trial if needed.
Communication: Your lawyer should be responsive to communication from their clients and keep you informed about the progress of your case.
Comfort level: Select an attorney with whom you feel comfortable discussing your case and who you believe has your best interests in mind.

At Wallace Miller, our team of skilled commercial premises liability lawyers dedicates themselves to helping injured accident victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We have the experience, resources, and commitment needed to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers Also Focus on the Following Areas:

Contact Wallace Miller Today

If you or a loved one suffered injuries on a commercial property, contact us today at (312) 261-6193 for a free consultation. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you and help you manage the complex legal and financial compensation process ahead. You do not have to face this challenging time alone. The compassionate and knowledgeable team at Wallace Miller is here to fight for the justice you deserve.

August 27, 2024

Meet the Team at Wallace Miller

At Wallace Miller, we work for you. We know that law firms can seem unapproachable or intimidating, so we look for ways to make our team more accessible. As part...

August 23, 2024

Demystifying the Discovery Process in Civil Lawsuits

What is “discovery” in a civil lawsuit? Discovery takes place during the pre-trial process—the phase between when the plaintiff's case is filed against the defendant and when the trial begins....

August 22, 2024

Catastrophic Injuries: Long-Term Costs & Legal Aid

Catastrophic injuries are so severe that they have a significant and permanent impact on a person’s life. These injuries can affect a victim's ability to work, perform daily activities, and...

TStevenson

From the first moment of my call with Nick Kelly I knew I would retain his services. The professionalism, knowledge and compassion I was shown throughout the process was incredible. I was always up to date on the status of my claim from not only Nick but his paralegal team, which includes Ari and Mehak. They maximized my settlement and would not settle for anything other than what he first discussed with me. The process was simple and painless on my end as Nick and his team did all the work. I would recommend Wallace and Miller for all your personal injury claims and you will be able to sit back, recover, and watch this amazing team go to work for you. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.

Thawktim

I really can’t thank the Wallace Miller team enough for representing me in a recent case. They fought hard to help me out and I’m sure they’ll fight hard you too. Gabriella was the senior paralegal I’ve been communicating with and she was always quick to respond to any of my questions/concerns and was great at giving me updates throughout the process. Thanks!!

Frank Hammond

I have found working with Wallace Miller to be an amazing experience. The team of Aylin, Ari, and Jessica are exceptional. They’ve put a lot of time into my case, and work hard to make sure that things are done right. No matter how many questions I have, they get me the answers I need, and are astoundingly polite. It is actually a pleasure speaking and emailing with them, and I appreciate the diligence that they have shown to my case. They have a way of making complex things understandable and less foreboding. I cannot express the gratitude I feel for their hard work. I strongly recommend working with Wallace Miller.

Lindsey Harasimowicz

My mother was badly injured in a car accident, and I needed help. While I was trying to navigate her medical care, Nick, Ari, and Mehak were at my side. Nick has the perfect combination of expertise and compassion. He explained foreign concepts in digestible ways and catered to the specific needs of our challenging and stressful situation. He was very thorough, responsive, effective, and kind. I felt like I had a team, and I’m so thankful for their service and support!

Amber Pattillo

Wallace Miller has been so incredibly helpful in supporting me throughout my case, specifically Jessica and Aylin have been incredibly patient, kind and timely in their responses to all my questions and concerns while representing me and I’m so grateful to have had them in my corner throughout this process! Thank you both and the rest of your team times a million!!

Simon Kluger

Edward is an excellent attorney that met all of my needs. He always does exactly what he says he will do and will get the right answers for you. I was pleased with my experience with her. He’s professional and knows exactly how to get the job done. I recommend him to anyone that is needing assistance with an injury case.