Getting hurt on someone else’s property is never something you expect. Generally speaking, you have the right to assume that the conditions will be safe. When someone suffers an injury on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, it raises questions about the property owner’s duty of care.
In an Evanston premises liability claim, the injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent or failed to maintain a safe environment. Establishing this may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the applicable laws.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, don’t hesitate to seek the legal guidance of Abels & Annes, P.C. Our experienced Evanston premises liability lawyers are here to advocate for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Evanston Premises Liability Guide
- Why Choose Our Evanston Premises Liability Lawyers
- What Does Premises Liability Mean?
- How Much is Your Premises Liability Case Worth?
- Where Do Premises Liability Accidents Happen in Evanston?
- Common Premises Liability Accident Injuries
- Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering Premises Liability Accident Injuries
- Steps to Take After Suffering Injuries in Evanston Premises Liability Accident
- Consult an Evanston Premises Liability Attorney Today
Why Choose Our Evanston Premises Liability Lawyers
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a premises liability accident can have on your life. We have a team of dedicated attorneys with extensive experience in a variety of personal injury claims, including premises liability cases. When you choose us to represent you, you can expect the following:
Free Case Consultations
We offer free case consultations to injured victims and their families. During the consultation, we will listen to your story, gather essential details about your case, and provide an honest evaluation of your legal options.
Availability 24/7
Accidents can happen anytime, so our firm is available 24/7 to take your call. We understand that you may have urgent questions or concerns, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need whenever you need it.
Contingency Fees
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no fee unless you win. We believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. You can focus on your recovery while we handle your case, and you won’t have to worry about upfront costs or legal fees.
What Does Premises Liability Mean?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners and occupiers have to maintain a safe environment for individuals who enter their property. When a property owner fails to uphold this duty of care, and someone suffers an injury as a result, they may be held liable for the damages.
There are different categories of individuals who may enter a property, and the level of duty owed by the property owner varies depending on the category. These categories include trespassers, licensees, and visitors.
Trespassers
Trespassers are individuals who enter a property without permission. In general, property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers, but there are exceptions. If the property owner is aware of trespassers’ regular presence, they may have a duty to warn them of any dangerous conditions or take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Licensees
Licensees are individuals who enter a property with permission but for their own benefit rather than the property owner’s benefit. Examples of licensees include social guests or individuals who enter a property to solicit services. Property owners owe a duty to licensees to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition and to warn them of any known dangerous conditions that the licensee may not discover on their own.
Visitors
Visitors are individuals who enter a property to benefit the owner. This category includes customers, clients, and tenants. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to visitors and must take reasonable steps to ensure the property is safe and free from hazards. They must also warn visitors of any dangerous conditions that are not obvious.
How Much is Your Premises Liability Case Worth?
The value of a premises liability case depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and the degree of negligence on the property owner’s part.
In general, compensation for a premises liability case may include:
- Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and medication expenses related to the injuries.
- Lost income: If the injuries lead to missed work or a decreased ability to earn an income in the future, compensation may be sought for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Premises liability accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. Compensation may be awarded for these intangible damages.
- Property damage: If personal property, such as a vehicle or personal belongings, was damaged in the accident, compensation may be sought for repair or replacement.
- Punitive damages: In some cases where the property owner’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
Determining the exact value of a premises liability case requires a knowledgeable premises liability attorney from our firm to evaluate the specific circumstances thoroughly.
Where Do Premises Liability Accidents Happen in Evanston?
Premises liability accidents can happen in various locations in Evanston. Some familiar places where these accidents occur include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and fall accidents can occur in grocery stores, retail establishments, restaurants, apartment complexes, public buildings, and private residences. They can occur due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, or obstacles in walkways.
- Dog Bite Incidents: Dog bite incidents can occur on public and private properties. If a dog owner fails to properly restrain or control their dog, resulting in an attack, they may be held liable for the injuries caused.
- Construction Sites: Construction sites can be hazardous due to heavy machinery, uneven terrain, falling objects, and other dangers. Property owners and contractors have a duty to maintain a safe environment and provide necessary safety measures for workers and visitors.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Swimming pool accidents can occur in private residences, hotels, recreational facilities, or public pools. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe pool conditions, proper signage, and appropriate supervision to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Negligent Security: If a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures, such as proper lighting, surveillance cameras, or security personnel, and a person suffers an injury due to criminal activity, the property owner may be held responsible for the harm suffered.
- Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Malfunctioning elevators or escalators can cause accidents, resulting in injuries to individuals using them.
These are just a few examples, and it’s important to remember that premises liability accidents can happen in any location where unsafe conditions exist. Each case is unique. If you have suffered an injury in any type of premises liability accident, reach out to Ables & Annes, P.C., to meet with a reputable Evanston premise liability attorney who can assess the specific circumstances of your case and guide you through the legal process.
Common Premises Liability Accident Injuries
Premises liability accidents can result in various types of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-altering injuries. Some common injuries in premises liability cases include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Slip and fall accidents and other types of accidents on hazardous premises can lead to fractures and broken bones. These injuries can cause significant pain, require extensive medical treatment, and result in long-term complications.
- Head and Brain Injuries: A fall or other accident can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or other head injuries. These injuries can long-term affect cognitive abilities, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Slip and fall accidents, accidents involving falls from heights, or other incidents on unsafe premises can result in spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis and require lifelong medical care.
- Burns: Burns can occur in premises liability accidents due to fire, explosions, or exposure to hazardous substances. Burns can cause severe pain, disfigurement, and long-term physical and emotional trauma.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments, can occur in slip and fall accidents or other incidents on unsafe premises. These injuries can cause pain and limited mobility and require ongoing medical treatment.
Be sure to seek medical attention immediately following a premises liability accident, even if the injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and early medical intervention can prevent complications and establish a record of your injuries for future legal purposes.
Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering Premises Liability Accident Injuries
After suffering injuries in a premises liability accident, you may need to deal with the property owner’s insurance company to seek compensation for your damages. It is important to remember that insurance companies are focused on minimizing their financial liability and may attempt to undervalue or deny your claim.
Here are some tips for fighting the insurance company and protecting your rights:
Don’t Provide Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may request your recorded statements regarding the accident and your injuries. It is best to consult with your attorney before providing any recorded statements, as they can guide you on what information to share and protect you from potential pitfalls.
Don’t Accept Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies may try to offer early settlement offers that may not fully compensate you for your injuries. Instead, consult with your attorney to assess the true value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Be Cautious on Social Media
Insurance companies may monitor your social media posts to gather evidence that can be used against you. Avoid posting about your case or discussing your injuries on social media until your claim is resolved.
Remember, insurance companies have legal teams working to protect their interests. Having a qualified Evanston premise liability attorney from Ables & Annes on your side can level the playing field and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After Suffering Injuries in Evanston Premises Liability Accident
If you have suffered injuries in a premises liability accident, take the following steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights:
- Report the Incident: Report the accident to the property owner or manager and ensure they create a written record of the incident. Request a copy of the report for your records. In some cases, it may be appropriate to file a police report.
- Preserve Physical Evidence: Preserve any physical evidence related to the accident, such as torn clothing or damaged personal belongings. These items can serve as evidence of the severity of your injuries and the impact of the accident on your life.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a detailed record of your injuries, including medical records, prescriptions, and receipts for medical expenses. Also, keep a record of any missed workdays and any impact the injuries have had on your daily life.
- Consult an Evanston Premises Liability Attorney: An Evanston premises liability attorney from our firm can assess the merits of your case, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for your rights.
Consult an Evanston Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a premises liability accident in Evanston, don’t face the legal process alone. The experienced premises liability attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are here to help you manage your case and seek the compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that premises liability accidents can have on your life. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate legal representation to injured victims and their families. We will work tirelessly to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the maximum compensation.
Contact Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (224) 998-6007 for a free consultation with our skilled Evanston personal injury lawyers. We are available 24/7 to take your call and provide guidance to pursue justice and recovery. Remember, there is no fee unless you win. Don’t delay; contact us today to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Abels & Annes, P.C.
Address: 2822 Central St #300,
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (855) 529-2442