Property owners in Cook County are expected to keep sidewalks, stairways and other paths free of ice during the cold winter months. Failing to do so can lead to serious injuries if someone slips on the icy surfaces. When the icy surface is in a dark or dimly lit area, the potential for injury is significantly increased. For the owners of one property in Crestwood, failing to keep a stairway free of ice led to a serious injury.
A couple filed a lawsuit for premises liability on April 21. The female who was injured is making claims related her injuries and citing negligence on the part of the property owner. Her husband filed claims for loss of consortium. They are seeking damages that are more than the minimum for the jurisdiction.
The incident occurred while the woman was working as a security guard. She was providing security services through Steiner Security Services at a property on South Cicero Avenue that is owned by a couple named in the lawsuit. The lawsuit asserts that the woman was at work on Feb. 3, 2014 when she fell. It states that there was an insufficient handrail and inadequate lighting when the woman fell down the icy stairway.
Ensuring that any premises you own remains safe for people who have permission to frequent the property is part of being a responsible property owner. When that expectation isn’t met, injuries can occur. Anyone who is injured in an accident that was caused by unsafe conditions on a property might have the right to seek compensation for those injuries and other losses.
Source: The Cook County Record, “Crestwood property owners sued after security guard fell on icy stairwell” Annie Cosby, Apr. 24, 2014