Whether you are on the property of another individual or of a business, you naturally expect that the property is reasonably safe for you to visit. Suffering an injury because a property owner failed to maintain a safe environment can impact you in many ways, very few of which—if any—are positive.
You may suffer physical pain and discomfort from your injury, as well as financial difficulties due to medical expenses or time off work. However, you do have the right to seek compensation with a dedicated injury attorney help through the Illinois civil court system. If you were injured due to the negligent actions or inactions of a property owner, an Oak Lawn premises liability lawyer may be able to help.
Premise Liability Laws in Oak Lawn
According to 740 ILCS 130, property owners must take reasonable care regarding the condition of their property, as well as what is or is not done to maintain that property. If a property owner fails to maintain their property and someone is injured as a direct result, they could be found liable in civil court for that person’s injuries. An Oak Lawn premises liability lawyer may be able to seek compensation on behalf of someone injured in this manner.
Examples of Oak Lawn Premises Liability Cases
While many injuries can occur no matter how well a piece of property is maintained, there are others that could have been avoided if the property owner acted with more care. To that end, there are several different types of premises liability injuries that may be grounds for a civil lawsuit:
- Falls
- Biohazards
- Drowning
- Structural Defects
Falls and Drowning
Property owners with pools should keep the area secure and inaccessible to the public when it is not under supervision. Failing to do so can lead to tragic accidental drownings or injuries.
Falls are the most common source of injury in the United States and are usually due to slipping or tripping. They can occur on improperly maintained staircases, hallways, and walkways, or if a floor or walkway is wet, icy, or in ill repair. Property owners are legally obligated to keep these areas clean, dry, and well-lit to help avoid any slips or trips that could lead to a fall injury. For help with filing an injury claim, contact an Oak Lawn premises liability lawyer today.
Biohazards and Structural Defects
Property owners are also responsible for minimizing or eliminating biohazards on their property such as mold, lead, and carbon monoxide. These can all potentially harm anyone on the property. Checking for gas leaks, installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and cleaning up wet areas can all decrease the chances of a biohazard injury.
All areas of a building should be properly maintained and repaired as necessary. A prime example of how a failure to do this could lead to injury is if a balcony or deck that was poorly structured or falling apart collapses and harmed a visitor standing on or near it.
Getting Help from an Oak Lawn Premises Liability Attorney
If you are the victim of a premises liability injury, you may be worried about how you will pay your bills, how much time you will miss at work, or even how much longer you will be in pain. However, you do not have to suffer in silence from an injury you suffered at the fault of someone else.
Contact an Oak Lawn premises liability lawyer for a full case review. A dedicated attorney could potentially help you recover your damages, so call today to get help with your premises liability case.