Yes — in Illinois, a property owner may be held legally responsible for your injury if their negligence directly caused the accident. These types of cases fall under premises liability law, which requires owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors.
If they fail to fix or warn about a dangerous condition, and someone gets hurt as a result, the owner may be held liable.
Key Questions That Determine Liability
Did the property owner know about the hazard?
This is often the first question in a premises liability case. If there was a dangerous condition — like a broken stair railing, wet floor, or exposed wiring — the issue becomes whether the owner knew about it and failed to act. If they were aware and ignored the danger, that’s a strong indicator of negligence.
Should the property owner have known about the hazard?
Even if the owner claims they didn’t know, the law may still hold them accountable if a reasonable person would have discovered the issue. Property owners are expected to conduct regular inspections and maintenance — failing to do so could make them liable.
Did the property owner take reasonable care?
Reasonable care means addressing obvious hazards promptly — such as fixing broken steps, ensuring proper lighting, and salting icy walkways. If no action was taken, or if the area lacked warning signs, the owner’s failure to act could be considered negligent.
What type of visitor were you?
Illinois law recognizes three categories of visitors:
- Invitees (e.g., customers or delivery workers) are owed the highest duty of care.
- Licensees (e.g., social guests) are still protected but with a slightly lower standard.
- Trespassers receive limited protection, though there are exceptions — especially for children under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine.
Building a Strong Premises Liability Case
To support your claim, you’ll need evidence that clearly connects the property owner’s negligence to your injury. This can include:
- Photos or video of the hazard
- Witness statements
- Maintenance logs (if available)
- Medical documentation linking the injury to the incident
- Any past complaints or violations related to the property
Our Law Firm has extensive experience handling premises liability claims across Illinois. From investigating property conditions to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll fight to secure the compensation you’re entitled to. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, contact us today for a free consultation — and let us help you understand your rights and legal options.
