Chicago Premises Liability Lawyers | Staver
How We Can Help

We’ll Kick-Start Your Premises Liability Case

It’s not a good idea to handle a slip and fall, broken stair, or another premises liability case yourself. You’ll struggle because your insurance company simply won’t have your back, while homeowners and business owners are looking out for their best interest – not yours.

That’s where Staver comes in. We have years of experience with premises liability cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We’ll start by removing the financial burden that’s resulted from your accident.

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Jared Staver
Ally. Advocate. Advisor.
How we can help

1. We Eliminate the Financial Stress of a Slip & Fall Claim

Rest easy knowing that we work based on a contingency fee. Put simply, if you don’t receive compensation, you won’t owe us anything. Our Chicago premises liability attorneys know that many victims are concerned about finances after a fall or accident on another’s property. We don’t want those concerns to keep you from getting the legal representation you deserve.

Free case evaluation
$0.00 out of pocket expenses
No fee unless you win

Average Payout Amount*

w/attorney $1,600 on your own $1,600
Difference of $1,000.00

*According to the 2017 Martindale-Nolo Research.

2. Our Premises Liability Accident Experience Equals More; Faster.

Our past success in similar slip and fall or other premises claims mean we can get you more money, in the quickest time. It all boils down to efficiency. And we’ve been honing that for years. With legal representation, the average payout is $77,600, while the average is $17,600 without.

If a homeowner’s or insurance company’s first offer is not enough, our premises liability lawyers near you will negotiate to reach a fair and equitable solution. And if this is not secured, we won’t hesitate to fight for your case in court.

Building Your Case

Premises Liability Laws & Info

Although we have the legal side covered if you’re hurt, it can be helpful to have a general understanding of the unique laws and possible obstacles that may apply in a premises liability case.

Building your case

Chicago Premises Liability Accidents, Injuries & Damages

‘If it can happen, it will’ – And pretty much any place where people go, a premises liability case is just waiting to happen. For example, on private property, business & government property, parking lots, worksites, apartments, daycares, grocery stores, public pools, and on someone else’s propertyjust to name a few.

Whether it involves a slip and fall, negligent maintenance, or some other premises accident, these incidents are common and often result in severe injuries. Sometimes establishing responsibility is obvious. Other times, it takes an investigation to determine if a property owner neglected their duty to you.


We Handle a Wide Range of Premises Liability Cases in Chicago

The Chicago premises liability attorneys at Staver have been helping people recover physically and financially for over 20 years. In that time, we’ve secured millions and gained incredible insight into how to handle virtually any property accident scenario.

If you or a loved one have been injured by one of the following, contact us.


Slip & Fall and Other Property Injuries

The severity of your injuries significantly impacts the value of your premises liability claim. it’s important to keep up with medical treatment and document your recovery. This includes medical bills, treatment documents, and insurance info.

Here are some of the most common injuries we see after Chicago property accidents:

  • Head and Brain Injuries —concussions or other traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, skull fractures, or lacerations that require plastic surgery.
  • Neck and Back Injuries — Herniated discs, spinal cord damage, sprains, or strains.
  • Burn Injuries — Burns can run the spectrum from minor to fatal. Serious burns may require skin grafts and result in scarring.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries — When muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched or torn in an accident, the pain can be significant and lingering.
  • Broken Bones — Broken bones can be extremely painful, may require surgery to fix, and can take a very long time to heal.
  • Spinal Injuries – When the spinal cord is damaged, and the severity of the injury, a loss of movement or sensation in the lower extremities may result.

Premises Liability: Damages & Losses

When someone else is responsible for your injuries, you have the right to be compensated. A full property accident insurance settlement should consider how your life has been affected. It should include both your economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages after a premesis accident can easily be proven with documentation such as pay stubs, bank statements, and other financial records. Economic damages include:

Non-economic damages are harder to value, but should also be considered, especially after a serious fall or the injury on someone else’s property.

  • Loss of consortium
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Reputational damage
  • Disfigurement and scarring

Punitive damages are also available in property accident cases, but only is egregious situations.


Property Owner Negligence & Proving Fault

Chicago premises liability claims are usually based on negligence. This means that a property owner, manager, or some other party acted unreasonably or failed to act and caused you else harm.

Premises Liability: Evidence & Documentation

While proving someone’s negligence caused your fall or injury sounds easy, especially if you believe a property owner didn’t clean up a spill, failed to do repairs, or ignored their responsibility, the reality is much different.

The burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence, which means you need enough evidence to demonstrate that the other party is more than likely responsible. This includes photos, medical records, and other documentation.


Proving Fault for an Accident on Premises in Chicago

An injury alone isn’t enough. Someone needs to be held responsible for the harm you suffered. This means physical and financial harm. In legal terms, this is what’s referred to as ‘liability.’ To determine liability, you must identify who’s responsible for the property accident and how they ignored their duty to act responsibly, thereby causing your injury and various losses.

Illinois follows the traditional at-fault approach to liability. In most cases, you will file a third-party claim with the responsible home or property owner’s insurance company. But because insurers are businesses, they are reluctant to pay when their policyholders cause accidents. Thus, it’s wise to retain a lawyer to represent your interests.


The Illinois Premises Liability Act

One of the most critical parts of a premises liability case is proving that the property owner was liable. This is largely defined by the Premises Liability Act.

Duties of Landowners

These are a landowner’s obligations to visitors.

  • An invitee is someone who is on the property because of an invitation from the owner.
  • A licensee is someone who is on the property with the permission of the owner.

A landowner is obligated to take reasonable steps to protect these visitors from harm. A landowner is not obligated to protect a trespasser from harm. However, they may not intentionally cause harm to a trespasser.

There is one exception: children. Even if a child is on the property uninvited, the owner must take steps to protect them from foreseeable harm. This is why pools and trampolines are so expensive for homeowners to insure. If a child enters the property and hurts themselves while swimming or playing, the homeowner could be liable.

Duties of Landlords and Tenants

A landlord may have an obligation to their residents and their residents’ guests if they are harmed on the landlord’s property. The injured party must prove that their injury was caused by landlord negligence and that there was no reasonable care taken.

For example, if the handrails of stairs were not maintained, the icy sidewalk was not salted in an appropriate timeframe, or the landlord obstructed walkways, they may be liable for unsafe conditions.

If there is a hidden defect in the property, the landlord is responsible for telling the tenant about it before leasing.


Time Limits, Insurance & Defenses to Premises Liability Claims

A property accident claim can get complicated fast. Insurance companies and their lawyers will be quick to diminish your injuries, suggest that you’re to blame, and use stall tactics so you accept less than you deserve.

Illinois Statute of Limitations in Premises Liability Cases

You need to act quickly if you or a loved one were hurt on someone else’s property or business in Chicago. In Illinois, you generally have two years to file a premises liability lawsuit.

This sounds like plenty of time, but memories and evidence fade quickly after an accident. An employee will likely clean up the spill or fix the damages. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be to recover compensation.


Premises Liability Insurance: Coverage & Policies

Determining premises liability insurance coverage could slow down your claim. While most homeowners and business property owners are forthcoming with their insurance information after someone is injured, some people refuse to provide this information, hoping that the victim will give up. When this happens, it may take longer to track down the insurance company, figure out how much coverage the other party has, and begin the claims process.

Communicating with insurance carriers poses another challenge. Insurance companies may delay their responses, either unintentionally or intentionally, making it difficult to move through negotiations quickly.

There are two main factors that complicate the processing of insurance claims. The first is the time limit imposed by Illinois law. If you wait longer than two years to file your claim, the insurance company will typically deny it outright.

Coverage Limits for Premises Injuries

Coverage limits impact how much compensation you may be owed. Regardless of how much your injury is worth, you are unlikely to recover more than the responsible party’s insurance policy permits.


How Premises Liability Claims Are Disputed

Those named in injury cases can use several defenses to avoid liability. Options include:

  • Open and Obvious Property Hazards: When an obstruction or dangerous condition is out in the open, and an entrant could reasonably be expected to see it, the property owner may not be liable for damage caused.
  • Signs and Warnings: Signs alerting entrants to potentially hazardous conditions, such as wet floor signs or employee-only areas, may protect the property owner from a premises liability claim.
  • Assumption of Risk: If someone has knowledge of dangerous conditions and still decides to proceed, the court may determine that they assumed the risk of injury.
  • Release from Liability: If the individual or the guardian of a minor signs a waiver releasing the establishment from liability, the property owner may not be held liable.

Chicago Property Accident FAQs

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common premises liability claims. These claims are often related to property not well maintained or ice and snow. If the property owner was negligent, then you can win money to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

If you were hurt on someone else’s property, you should immediately call a Chicago premises liability lawyer. However, you can also notify Chicago 311 about building violations by calling 3-1-1 or using their online forms. If the dangerous property is public housing, you may notify the Chicago Housing Authority as well.

If you are injured on someone else’s property, you will likely make a personal injury claim through their insurance company. Insurance companies need proof of injuries and medical treatment will provide that proof. It’s important to seek emergency medical treatment as well as continued care so the insurance company will see the severity of your injuries.

You can receive emergency medical care at any ER or urgent care location, such as Chicago Urgent Care, which has many locations throughout the city.


Is There a Premises Liability Lawyer Near Me?

We cover the whole of the Chicagoland area:

Chicago, Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Naperville, Joliet, Waukegan

Our Process

Our Proven Process for Premises Liability is all About YOU

Our process is people-focused. It’s designed not only to win but to reduce stress levels and make the whole process easier.

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Or learn more about our process...

Share Your Story with Us
We'll do the rest
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01

Consultation

02

Case Value

03

Evidence

04

Settlement

If Needed

Trial

Start with a Free Consultation

This is your chance to discuss your case with our attorneys. We’ll talk about the property’s condition, the duty the manager or owner had, and what you might expect from an insurance claim or lawsuit.

When you meet with your lawyer, here are some things you may want to have or be ready to discuss:

  • Your Story- We’ll want to know why you were on the property in question, what conditions you experienced, and anything you saw before or after the accident.
  • Documents & Photos- Did you take photos of the scene or your injuries? This can help show the dangers associated with the property or the severity of your pain.
  • Receipts for Expenses: A significant accident will result in various out-of-pocket costs. These costs add up and should be accounted for.
  • Witness & Property Info: Any information you have about the property, employees, or owner will be helpful. Also, try to keep any potential witnesses’ names and contact information if possible.
  • Insurance Communication: You’ll be surprised by how quickly the property owner’s insurance company reaches out for a statement, release form, or settlement offer. Avoid agreeing to anything until you’ve consulted a lawyer, and keep a record of any communications you have with the insurer.
  • | Next Step:Determine the Value of Your Case

Determine What Your Premises Liability Case is Worth

We won’t waste time.

Staver gets to work fast to assess the full financial effect of being injured on someone’s property. Premises claims vary wildly in the injuries and severity of the damage. It could go beyond simple medical bills and hours of missed work. A serious incident of negligence could result in tremendous pain and suffering – even fatalities.

Staver looks long-term and considers everything you endured and will have to endure. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to special damages, punitive damages, general damages, and, in some cases, survival damages.

For a full run-down of types of damages, take a look here.

| Next Step:Collect Evidence

Collect Evidence That Supports Your Premises Claim

To make your case, you’ll need various evidence that the property owner acted recklessly and you suffered as a result. This usually includes bills, photographs, or expert testimony.

For example, to prove that you experienced pain and suffering in a slip and fall or dog bite, testimony from your doctor about your limited mobility and facial scaring will be helpful. Keeping a diary or a ‘day in the life’ video showing how the accident affected your life could be effective too.

| Next Step:Settlement

We’ll Settle with the Property Owner or Insurer if the Price is Right

The insurer may reach out with a settlement offer quickly. But usually, their first offer is too low.

Insurance companies want to make premises liability claims go away fast. But at Saver, we’ll take out time to make sure all your damages are covered. Our attorneys won’t let you be pressured or settle for less than what’s fair. We’re also relentless in identifying who to hold accountable, so they pay what’s right, and no one else gets hurt.

| Next Step:Trial

If Necessary, We’ll Take Your Case to Trial

Most dangerous premises cases settle before court. However, sometimes sides don’t agree, or a trial is the best way to get the outcome you need. Whatever the case, we’ll explain the process step by step and say when it’s time to take a case to court..

| Next Step:Consultation
Ready to get started?

It all starts with a free consultation.

Why Staver?

Staver Knows What Property Injuries Take

Our premises liability lawyers have handled virtually every type of accident that’s happened on someone else’s property. From slip and falls and negligent security incidents to swimming pool accidents and more, we’ve dealt with the insurance companies, identified those to blame, and helped people in situations like yours get full compensation.

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3500+
Clients Helped
Why Staver?

We’re Advocates for Property Accident Victims

When you’re hurt on someone’s property, you shouldn’t be made to feel your pain doesn’t matter. You also should NOT bear the financial burden. At Staver, we have seen the bills that come with these accidents and what it takes to move on. Our passion for speaking up for injury victims keeps us coming to work – day in & day out.

We’ve made thousands heard, and we’ll do it for you.

We Earn Client Trust

Insurers are not worried about you after being hurt on a dangerous property. But Staver puts you first. It's why we have a 4.95 star Google rating based on client reviews.

I was very pleased with my experience with Staver Law Group. They assisted me when I wasn't sure what to do and did what they said they would do for me, without any stress on my part. Thanks for all your assistance!

Terri A.

★★★★★

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We Get Results in Premises Liability Cases

At Staver, we fight hard and, our case history shows it. Over the years, our premises lawyers have helped recover millions so people can move on after dangerous conditions on someone’s property caused them harm.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

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Our Award-Winning Lawyers Are on YOUR Side

With every award, the more we prove ourselves as leaders in premises liability law and litigation. Our BBB rating demonstrates our commitment to our clients and what they care about. And being named among the top 100 trial lawyers of America proves we don’t mess around.

Our Recognition & Rep Speaks Volumes.

Awards Memberships
Jared Staver: Named 2024 SuperLawyer
Tyler Kobylski: Named 2024 SuperLawyer
Paul Ciesielski: Super Lawyers Rising Star
Patrick Gill: Super Lawyers Rising Star
Melanie Buckmaster: Super Lawyers Rising Star
Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
American Association of Personal Injury Attorneys
The AV Peer Rating
Top 100 Trial Lawyers of America
The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Attorney & Practice Magazine's Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firm
The Chicago Bar Association
The Illinois State Bar Association
The American Bar Association
Brain Injury Association of America ‘Preferred Attorney’

Visit our Awards Page  

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