EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Cook County Premises Liability Lawyers
Experienced Slip and Fall Injury Attorneys Serving Cook County and the Greater Chicago Area
When you are hurt on someone else’s property, whether you slipped on a wet supermarket floor, tripped on uneven public sidewalk, were attacked because a landlord failed to provide adequate security, or suffered injury from a broken handrail, the road to recovery starts with understanding your rights. Premises liability law in Illinois holds property owners, managers, and occupiers responsible when their negligence creates an unreasonable risk of harm. In Cook County, these cases are common and often complex. They require quick evidence gathering and an experienced legal team that will stand up to large property owners and insurers.
At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning team of personal injury lawyers has represented clients across Cook County who have been seriously injured due to unsafe property conditions. With offices serving the Chicago metropolitan area, we’ve built a reputation for securing substantial recoveries for victims hurt in slip and falls, negligent security cases, and other preventable accidents caused by careless property owners. Our Cook County slip and fall accident attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex premises liability claims throughout Illinois. When property owners fail to keep their premises safe, our firm stands ready to hold them accountable and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
“At our firm, we believe no one should suffer because a property owner failed to take basic safety precautions. When negligence leads to serious injury, our job is to stand up for victims, demand accountability, and recover full compensation for what they’ve lost.” — John J. Malm, Founder, Chicago slip and fall accident attorney
Understanding Premises Liability in Cook County
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners, landlords, and business operators have to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. When someone is injured because of an unsafe condition, such as a wet floor, broken stair, or inadequate lighting, the property owner may be liable for damages.
Under Illinois law (740 ILCS 130/2), property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to lawful visitors. This duty includes inspecting for hazards, repairing dangerous conditions, and warning guests of potential risks. Failing to do so can result in a civil claim for compensation when an injury occurs.
In Cook County, these claims can arise in many different settings, including:
- Grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping malls
- Apartment buildings and rental properties
- Office buildings and parking garages
- Hotels and entertainment venues
- Private homes and outdoor properties
Whether the injury occurs in downtown Chicago or in a suburban location like Skokie or Tinley Park, victims have the right to pursue a claim against the responsible party.
Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability covers a broad range of incidents, not just traditional “slip and fall” accidents. Some of the most common types include:
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Wet floors, icy sidewalks, loose carpeting, or spilled substances are leading causes of premises-related injuries. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits each year, representing the leading cause of premises liability claims in the U.S.
2. Trip and Fall Hazards
Uneven pavement, broken stairs, or cluttered walkways can lead to serious injuries. Property owners are expected to inspect for and repair such defects promptly.
3. Inadequate Security
Businesses, apartment complexes, and hotels have a duty to provide reasonable security measures, such as proper lighting, surveillance cameras, and controlled access. When property owners fail to prevent foreseeable criminal activity, they can be held liable for assaults, robberies, or other violent incidents.
4. Structural Defects and Building Code Violations
Poor maintenance or code violations, such as faulty railings, unsafe balconies, or collapsing decks and balconies, can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
5. Swimming Pool Accidents
Drownings and near-drownings can occur due to a lack of fencing, inadequate supervision, or defective pool equipment. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that approximately 350 children die annually from drowning incidents in pools, many linked to negligent property maintenance.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Premises Liability Cases
Premises-related injuries can range from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. At John J. Malm & Associates, we regularly handle cases involving:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe sprains and torn ligaments
- Lacerations and disfigurement
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Wrongful death
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls alone cause over 800,000 hospitalizations each year, often due to head injuries or hip fractures. These injuries can lead to costly medical bills, prolonged recovery, and long-term disability, all of which may be compensable through a premises liability claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Premises Liability Accident in Cook County?
Determining liability requires identifying all parties responsible for maintaining or controlling the property. Potential defendants can include:
- Property owners (residential, commercial, or municipal)
- Tenants or lessees who control the space
- Property management companies
- Maintenance or janitorial contractors
- Security companies
In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility for an injury. For example, a shopping mall owner and a maintenance contractor could both be liable if a customer slipped on an unmarked wet floor that was negligently left unattended.
Illinois follows a comparative negligence system, meaning an injured person can still recover damages if they were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Their recovery, however, may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Proving a Premises Liability Claim in Cook County
To succeed in a premises liability case, the injured party must establish:
- Duty of Care: The property owner owed a legal duty to maintain the premises safely.
- Breach of Duty: The owner or manager failed to correct or warn about a dangerous condition.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the injury.
- Damages: The victim suffered actual harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Evidence often plays a crucial role in proving these elements. Key forms of evidence include:
- Surveillance footage or photographs of the hazard
- Incident reports or maintenance logs
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records and expert testimony
- Building inspection or code violation reports
Our firm conducts a thorough investigation to collect and preserve the evidence necessary to build a strong claim on behalf of our clients.
Compensation Available in a Cook County Premises Liability Claim
Injury victims of unsafe property conditions may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future care)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of normal life
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
At John J. Malm & Associates, we work with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to ensure every client’s losses are fully documented and valued appropriately before negotiating or litigating for fair compensation.
The Legal Process in Cook County Premises Liability Cases
If you’ve been injured on unsafe property, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and witness memories can fade. Our firm takes immediate steps to preserve evidence and file a claim within the Illinois statute of limitations, which gives most injury victims two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit.
The process typically includes:
- Investigation and Evidence Collection
- Filing a Claim with the Property Owner’s Insurance Company
- Settlement Negotiations
- Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary)
- Discovery, Mediation, and Trial Preparation
Throughout each step, we maintain open communication with our clients and fight aggressively to achieve the best possible result, whether through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook County Premises Liability Claims
1. What should I do immediately after being injured on someone else’s property?
Seek medical attention first, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the property owner or manager, take photos of the scene and the hazard, gather witness contact information, and contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
2. Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault.
3. How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Illinois?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury. However, claims against a municipality or government entity may have shorter deadlines.
4. What if the property owner denies responsibility?
Many property owners and insurers initially deny liability. Our firm investigates thoroughly to uncover negligence and present strong evidence to prove your case.
5. What if I was injured at a business like a grocery store or hotel?
Businesses open to the public have a heightened duty to keep their premises safe. If an unsafe condition caused your injury, the business owner or their insurer may be responsible for your damages.
Contact the Trusted Cook County Premises Liability Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the devastating impact that a serious premises-related injury can have on your health, finances, and future. Whether your accident occurred in a Cook County grocery store, apartment complex, or public space, our experienced attorneys are ready to investigate, identify the responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured because of unsafe property conditions in Cook County, contact our office today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and outline your best legal options. There are no fees unless we win your case.
Don’t face the aftermath of a premises liability accident alone, let the dedicated Cook County slip and fall accident lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates protect your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.