Slip and falls are a common personal injury accident. If a slip and fall accident happens on the property of another, the property owner could be liable for the resulting injuries. Under the premises liability laws, property owners and managers have an obligation to safely maintain the property and they can be held liable for any accidents, injuries, or deaths which occur on their property due to their negligence in the design or maintenance of the property or their failure to warn of the danger. Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability lawsuits, but they can also involve other accidents and injuries. Common types of premises liability accidents include:
- Slip and fall accidents. Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, resulting in approximately 8.9 million emergency department visits each year.
- Dog Bites. Approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by a dog each year, according to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), with one in five of these dog bites serious enough to require medical attention. State laws vary regarding liability for dog bites, but in Illinois, dog owners are generally liable for injuries and damages caused by an unprovoked dog.
- Elevator and Escalator Accidents. Elevator and escalator accidents can include: elevator door entrapment, sudden acceleration or deceleration, improper maintenance, or defective parts.
- Stairway Accidents. Stairway accidents can be caused by slippery steps, loose or broken steps, inadequate lighting, or defective railings.
- Swimming Pool Accidents. Swimming pool owners have an obligation to take certain precautions to prevent swimming pool accidents and drowning, such as fencing the area around the pool and providing a lifeguard.
- Car Accidents. Car accidents in a commercial parking lot could involve premises liability if the property owner didn’t provide adequate safety measures or warn motorists of hazards.
What Damages Can Be Awarded in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
If a plaintiff proves liability in a premises liability lawsuit, he or she will then need to prove the amount of money damages to which he or she is entitled. Premises liability damages may include compensation for the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Household services
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish focus on representing accident and injury victims, including those who were injured in a slip and fall or other accidents involving premises liability. We can help you find the appropriate medical attention, conduct a factual investigation of the accident, file the necessary legal documents, and advocate on your behalf to get you a full and fair personal injury damage award. Contact our office at (312) 445-9084 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago premises liability lawyers. Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
