Orland Park Premises Liability Lawyer

Attorney in Orland Park, IL for Slip and Fall Matters

You probably go to various places throughout an average week with the expectation that you will be safe. Safety can mean different things, depending on the kind of property or business you are visiting. You may live in an apartment or rental property with the understanding that your landlord keeps things in good repair. You may also expect that a store you visit will be free from hazards that could put you at risk of harm.

What if the property owner or business responsible for a property neglects safety measures, which causes you to be injured? As long as you are on the premises legally, you may be able to obtain compensation by filing a premises liability claim. These cases are somewhat tricky to handle alone. At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we understand the applicable laws and how to find the evidence you need to support your claim. Attorney J. Francis Barker will not pass your case to an associate; he handles every case personally. This level of dedication can make a true difference in the outcome of your claim.

Premises Liability in Orland Park

Premises liability claims are a type of personal injury case. They rest on your ability to prove negligence on the part of the party responsible for the property where an injury occurred. Property owners and businesses have a legal obligation to use reasonable care to keep their premises safe for invitees and guests. This obligation varies depending on the specific situation, but it may include:

• Providing appropriate security
• Keeping outdoor areas clear of ice and snow buildup
• Ensuring that there is enough lighting
• Cleaning up spills promptly
• Repairing or replacing known hazards, such as broken handrails, loose or uneven flooring, and potholes in parking areas
• Keeping loose objects out of walkways
• Hiring enough security guards

Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common kinds of premises liability claims. Unfortunately, a lack of security, poor lighting, and broken locks sometimes invite criminal assaults, which can also result in injuries and losses.

Premises liability can apply to someone else's home, such as in dog bite cases, but more common kinds of properties involved in premises liability cases include:

• Offices
• Schools
• Public spaces like sidewalks, swimming pools, and parks
• Entertainment and sports venues
• Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs
• Retail stores
• Apartment complexes
• Parking garages
• Workplaces

An individual, company, organization, or government agency may be responsible for these various properties. If you prove they were negligent, you probably qualify to file a premises liability claim.

Proving Negligence in Premises Liability Claims

To hold someone liable in this type of claim, you need to prove several things, such as:

• You were on the property legally when the incident occurred.
• The party responsible for the property knew, or should have known, about the hazardous condition yet failed to address it. If it could not be repaired immediately, they must have taken steps to warn people by posting prominent warning signs or restricting access to the area.
• You were using the property as intended.
• The hazard was not open and obvious.
• There was a reasonable expectation that the dangerous condition could cause an accident.

Timing is a critical factor in a premises liability claim. The responsible party must have had sufficient time to address the hazardous condition after they became aware of it. If there was not enough time, you may not qualify for compensation.

For example, suppose you are walking down an aisle in a grocery store. A child next to you spills his drink on the floor. You immediately step into the slick spot and fall, resulting in injuries. Store management had no way of knowing that the child might spill his drink. Since your accident happened right after the spill, management did not know about it and did not have time to place wet floor signs or mop it up. In this case, you likely cannot receive a settlement.

When you partner with the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident. If your case qualifies, we will work diligently to ensure that the negligent parties pay compensation for your damages.

Contact Our Orland Park, IL Premises Liability Attorney

At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we understand that choosing the right lawyer to represent your best interests is an important decision. Our track record demonstrates how effective our legal knowledge, skills, and experience are. Call us now at 708-321-1223 or contact us online to speak with our dedicated Orland Park premises liability attorney. We serve the greater Chicago area from our conveniently located office in Orland Park. You will not pay us any fees unless we win compensation for you.