In the bustling state of Illinois, accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Whether it is a slip and fall in a grocery store or a dog bite in a park, these incidents can land you with serious injuries and unexpected medical expenses.
If you find yourself in such a situation, you must understand your rights and how to navigate the complex world of premises liability claims.
Understanding premises liability claims
Property owners and occupiers often have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. They fail to fulfill their duty of care if they create or allow a hazardous condition to exist. If the hazard directly causes an accident and you end up suffering physical, emotional or financial harm, you may have a premises liability claim on your hands.
Pursuing a premises liability claim
If you decide to pursue a premises liability claim, take photographs or videos of the accident scene to highlight any hazardous conditions. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to obtain their contact information and ask for a written statement detailing what they saw. You should also maintain a detailed record of all expenses related to your injuries.
Keep in mind that Illinois follows the comparative negligence rule, which means that a court may reduce your compensation if they find that you have contributed to the accident in any way. You also must show that the accident was less than 50% your fault in order to get any compensation at all.
Your mindset plays a crucial role in navigating premises liability claims. If you stay proactive, informed and determined throughout the process, you may get the compensation you deserve.