Oak Park Premises Liability Lawyer
Property owners in Oak Park are obligated to ensure the safety of their premises for guests and customers. However, when negligence leads to injuries, property owners can be held liable for compensating accident victims for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Yet, navigating premises liability claims can be complex, requiring professional expertise to ensure fair compensation. Our experienced Chicago premises liability attorneys are here to assist you through every step of the process, working diligently to secure the rightful settlement you deserve.
Oak Park Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Injuries sustained on others’ property can vary greatly, with some of the most common including complex broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord damage leading to paralysis, sprains, traumatic brain injuries, facial injuries, burns, smoke inhalation, crushed limbs, neck and back injuries, infections, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. These injuries can have devastating consequences, impacting not only the victim’s physical health but also their emotional well-being and quality of life. Seeking legal assistance is crucial for individuals injured on someone else’s property to understand their rights and pursue fair compensation for their losses.
Contact a Oak Park Premises Liability Lawyer Today
In Oak Park, proving a premises liability case is challenging, but with our experienced attorneys on your side, you can trust that we’ll build a robust case for you. Our process begins with a comprehensive investigation to gather evidence supporting your claim, including accident reports, medical records, scene photographs, witness testimonies, surveillance footage, and documentation of lost wages. Identifying liable parties is crucial, as premises liability claims often involve multiple responsible parties. We’ll meticulously analyze the evidence to determine who should be held accountable for your injuries. Promptly securing witness statements is vital, as memories fade over time. We’ll work with expert witnesses to provide additional insight into your injuries and the accident’s circumstances. Valuing your claim accurately is essential, considering both current and future losses. We’ll ensure you receive full compensation to cover all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. In negotiations with the insurance company, we’ll advocate vigorously to obtain the settlement you deserve. If the insurance company fails to act in good faith, we’re prepared to take your case to trial and provide dedicated representation throughout.
FAQ
About Premises Liability Claims
What Damages are Available in a Premises Liability Claim?
Through a premises liability claim, you can recover any loss you suffered as a result of your accident. The most common damages available in these cases include:
- Current and future lost wages
- Current and future medical expenses, physical therapy, and rehabilitation costs
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Medication costs
- Permanent disability
Can I Sue a Government Entity if I was Hurt on Public Property?
Possibly. Just like owners of private property, government entities have a legal duty to make sure all public property is also safe for people to enter. While filing a premises liability claim is always challenging, it becomes even more difficult when the liable party is a government entity because governmental entities have certain immunities under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Premises liability claims against local governmental entities in Illinois are subject to a one year statute of limitations. It is critical to work with an attorney who has the necessary experience to go up against government entities.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Premises Liability Claims?
In the majority of premises liability cases, accident victims have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. There are some exceptions to the law, but they are very limited. If you are filing a claim against a government entity, you have just one year to file a lawsuit. It is critical to speak to an attorney right away so an investigation can be conducted and to make sure your claim is filed on time.
What Defenses Do Negligent Parties Use in Premises Liability Cases?
You can expect property owners to raise many defenses when filing a claim against them. They may claim that you are at fault for your injuries because you ignored a dangerous condition. Or, they may state that the incident was not what caused your injuries. One of the most common defenses property owners raise in premises liability cases is that they were not aware of the dangerous condition. Although this defense may be successful at times, property owners are generally responsible for making sure they know of dangerous conditions and fixing them when they arise.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Offer?
The insurance company representing the liable party may contact you shortly after the accident. They may even offer you a settlement. You should never accept a settlement offer, or sign anything, from the insurance company until you have spoken to a Chicago premises liability lawyer.