When Is a Commercial Property Owner Liable for a Customer’s Injury?

The last thing people expect when visiting a retail store, mall, restaurant, bar, or other commercial property is to suffer a major injury. It is typically assumed that these types of properties are well-maintained and do not represent a major risk to patrons’ safety. However, commercial property injuries do occur, and they can be severe. Someone who suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), back or spine damage, broken bone, or other major injury on commercial property may be left with overwhelming expenses. In some cases, a premises liability claim can help the injured person collect compensation for these costs.

Property Owners and Managers Have a Legal Duty to Keep Premises Safe

Whether or not a property owner or property manager is legally responsible for a customer’s injury is not always easy to determine. Understandably, building owners and managers cannot prevent every injury that occurs on their properties. However, they do have a responsibility to keep premises reasonably safe for visitors to the property. If an owner knew about a dangerous condition on the property and did nothing to address this hazard, he or she may be liable for injuries caused by this negligence. Issues that may lead to a premises liability lawsuit include but are not limited to:

●      Hazards that present a slip and fall risk such as spilled liquid or icy walkways

●      Exposed electrical wiring

●      Uneven concrete on parking lots and walkways

●      Falling merchandise

●      Inadequate security that leads to assault

Most often, a property owner or manager is liable for an injury caused by a dangerous condition if the owner knew that the condition was dangerous and did not take steps to eliminate customers’ exposure to the risk. For example, if several assaults have already occurred in a mall parking lot, the owner of the parking lot should take steps to increase security such as installing bright lights or hiring security guards. If a property owner does not address obvious dangers, he or she may be responsible for an injured patron’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages, such as a vehicle that was broken into.

Contact a Woodstock Premises Liability Lawyer

Property owners in Illinois have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for their customers or guests. If a hazardous condition on a commercial property caused you or your loved one to sustain injuries or damages, contact the accomplished legal team at Prime Law Group, LLC. We will examine the circumstances of your incident and explore your options for pursuing compensation. To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced McHenry County personal injury attorney from our firm, call us today at 815-338-2040.

Source:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048