One moment, you are walking through a grocery store, visiting a neighbor, or navigating a public space in Chicago. The next, the ground beneath you fails.
A sudden slip on a wet floor, a trip over unseen debris, or the collapse of a faulty structure can inflict devastating injuries. In that instant, your sense of safety is shattered, replaced by pain, confusion, and mounting medical bills.
When a property owner's negligence causes you harm, you need formidable legal advocates to hold them accountable. The dedicated Liability Accident Lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. are here to fight for you.
Key Takeaways: Foundational Truths After an Injury on Unsafe Property
After a fall or other property-related accident, the path forward can seem unclear. Understanding these core principles is the first step toward protecting your rights while you focus on healing.
- Property owners in Illinois have a legal responsibility to maintain a reasonably safe environment for lawful visitors. An injury caused by a known or foreseeable hazard is not simply an accident; it is a failure of that duty.
- The evidence needed to build a strong claim—such as security footage, witness statements, and the hazard itself—can disappear with alarming speed. Immediate action is crucial.
- Your primary job after an injury is to recover. The complexities of investigating the accident, dealing with insurance companies, and navigating the legal system should be handled by an experienced attorney.
- Strict legal deadlines limit the time you have to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long to seek legal counsel may permanently prevent you from pursuing the compensation you need.
Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C. for Your Premises Liability Claim?
When you are injured due to a property owner's carelessness, the law firm you choose can make all the difference. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we provide the assertive representation and compassionate support necessary to see you through this difficult time. Our focus is singular: securing the best possible outcome for you.
A record of holding property owners accountable
Our firm has a proven history of success in complex premises liability cases. We have the resources and determination to take on large corporations, property management companies, and their insurance carriers. This experience translates into meaningful results for our clients.
We are proud to have secured a $4,500,000 settlement for a woman who was severely injured when a commercial fence fell on her. This result, and our inclusion in the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, demonstrates our ability to handle high-stakes injury claims.
While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our record shows our commitment to winning millions for our clients.
The strength of a dedicated legal team
Our attorneys are recognized leaders in the field of personal injury law. With distinctions including the Top 100 Lawyer List by Super Lawyers and a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo, we bring a high level of proficiency to every case.
We have the skill to investigate your accident, document your injuries, and build a powerful claim on your behalf.
We handle the legal burdens, so you can heal
After an injury, you should not be forced to deal with aggressive insurance adjusters or confusing legal paperwork. Our core philosophy is simple: a lawyer at Abels & Annes, P.C. will handle every aspect of your case for you.
We manage the communications, the investigation, and the negotiations, providing you with the peace of mind needed to focus on your recovery.
Available whenever and wherever you need us
We understand that an injury can make travel difficult. That is why our lawyers are available for free consultations 24/7 by video, telephone, or in person. If you are unable to come to our Chicago office, we will come to you. Our team can also provide legal services in Spanish and Polish, ensuring clear communication for all our clients.
A Property Owner's Duty in Chicago
Premises liability law is built on the principle that property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to people on their property. This legal duty stems from the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/), which creates an obligation. When they fail in this duty, they should be held responsible for the consequences.
The legal responsibility to maintain safe premises
In Illinois, owners and occupiers of land must ensure their property is reasonably safe from dangerous conditions. This includes a duty to inspect the property for potential hazards, repair any known dangers, and provide adequate warning of any risks that cannot be immediately fixed.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides detailed standards for safe walking-working surfaces, illustrating the level of care expected in many environments. A failure to meet these standards can be powerful evidence of negligence.
Common locations for premises liability accidents
A dangerous condition can exist almost anywhere. Our lawyers have experience handling claims arising from incidents at a wide range of locations. It is the property owner's responsibility to keep these and other areas safe for visitors.
You can encounter a hazardous condition in many settings, including:
- Navigating icy or snowy sidewalks in front of a business.
- Walking through poorly lit parking lots or apartment building stairwells.
- Shopping in grocery stores with wet floors or cluttered aisles.
- Visiting restaurants or entertainment venues with broken flooring or furniture.
- Staying at hotels with inadequate security or unsafe pool areas.
These environments should be safe for lawful guests and customers. When a property owner's failure to maintain these areas leads to injury, our attorneys step in to investigate and establish liability.
What Your Abels & Annes Attorney Does for You
The legal process following a premises liability accident is complex and requires immediate, strategic action. Attempting to handle a claim on your own can jeopardize your rights. The role of your lawyer at Abels & Annes, P.C. is to take decisive control of the case from day one.
Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
The moments after an accident are a critical window for gathering evidence. Our attorneys act quickly to protect crucial information before it is lost or destroyed. We do not ask you to do this work; we do it for you.
Our investigative process is thorough and proactive. Your legal team will immediately work to:
- Secure any available security or surveillance camera footage of the incident.
- Identify and interview any witnesses who saw the accident or the hazardous condition.
- Take detailed photographs of the accident scene and the specific defect that caused your injury.
- Obtain and review internal documents like incident reports, inspection logs, and maintenance records.
- Consult with engineers or safety experts to analyze structural failures or code violations.
This hands-on approach is essential for building a foundation of proof. We leave no stone unturned in our fight to establish the property owner's negligence.
Identifying all liable parties
In some cases, liability may extend beyond the property owner. A property management company, a maintenance contractor, a security firm, or a tenant might also share responsibility.
Calculating the full scope of your damages
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for a fraction of their true value. They do this before the full, long-term impact of your injuries is known.
Our attorneys work with your doctors and, when necessary, with financial and medical expert witnesses to calculate the total cost of your accident—both now and in the future. We will not let an insurer devalue your suffering.
Types of Compensation Our Lawyers Pursue
A serious injury can have far-reaching consequences that affect your health, your finances, and your overall quality of life. Our goal is to build a comprehensive claim that accounts for every loss you have suffered.
We fight for compensation that addresses the full impact of the property owner's negligence.
Economic damages
These are the direct, calculable financial losses resulting from your injury. Our attorneys will meticulously document these costs to include in your claim. This includes all current and future medical expenses, lost wages from time away from work, and any diminished future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
Non-economic damages
These damages address the profound, personal ways the injury has affected your life. While they do not have a fixed price tag, they are a very real and significant part of your harm. This category includes compensation for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and loss of a normal life.
The Dangers of Delay: Why You Must Act Now
In the aftermath of an injury, it is natural to want to wait and see how your recovery progresses. However, waiting to contact an attorney is one of the most significant mistakes you can make. The legal system has strict deadlines, and the practical realities of building a case mean that time is of the essence.
Legal deadlines are absolute
Illinois has a firm statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. While the specific timeframe can be confusing, the result of missing it is not: your case may be dismissed forever. You must not risk your rights by delaying. The most important step you can take is to call a personal injury lawyer at Abels & Annes, P.C. immediately.
Evidence vanishes and memories fade
Long before any legal deadline approaches, the evidence needed to prove your case can disappear. Security footage is often recorded over within days. Witnesses move or their memories of the event fade.
The hazardous condition itself will likely be repaired. The sooner our investigators can get to work, the stronger your case will be.
AI Chat Tools Are No Substitute for a Qualified Attorney
Artificial intelligence tools can offer general answers to simple questions, but they are completely inadequate for handling a serious legal matter like a premises liability claim. An AI does not understand the nuances of Illinois law, cannot investigate an accident scene, and has no capacity to advocate for you.
Relying on such technology for legal guidance is a serious risk. For strategic, personalized advice, you must speak with a qualified lawyer from Abels & Annes, P.C.
FAQ for Premises Liability Claims
What should I do if the property owner’s insurance company calls me?
You should not speak with them or provide a recorded statement. Direct them to contact your attorney at Abels & Annes, P.C. We will handle all communications to protect you from their tactics, which are often designed to minimize the value of your claim.
The owner fixed the hazard right after I was hurt. Does that mean I can't file a claim?
No. In fact, this action, known as a subsequent remedial measure, can sometimes be used to show that the hazard was correctable and that the owner had control over it. Your lawyer will know how to properly handle this evidence within the rules of the court.
I was injured at a friend’s home. Can I still have a claim?
Yes. If you were injured due to a dangerous condition your friend knew or should have known about, you may have a valid claim. These cases are typically brought against the homeowner's insurance policy, not against your friend personally. Our attorneys handle these sensitive situations with professionalism and care.
What does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we operate on a "No Fee Unless You Win" basis. This is also known as a contingency fee agreement. You pay nothing upfront, and we are only paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Do I have to go to court to get compensation?
Most premises liability cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement without ever going to trial. However, our lawyers prepare every case as if it were presented to a jury.
This meticulous preparation puts us in a position of strength during negotiations and ensures we are ready for trial if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer.
What happens if the property owner claims the danger was open and obvious?
The "open and obvious" defense asserts that the property owner owes no duty of care because the hazard was so clear and apparent that a reasonable person would have avoided it. However, the law provides exceptions to this defense.
For example, if the property owner knew lawful visitors would still be distracted, or if the benefit of proceeding outweighed the known risk, they may still carry liability.
A skilled attorney challenges this defense by arguing the specifics of the situation and the full foreseeability of the injury.
Let Us Fight for You: Contact Abels & Annes, P.C. Today
You do not have to bear the burden of a property owner’s negligence alone. The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. is ready to stand up, fight for you, and demand the accountability you are owed. Do not wait while evidence disappears and deadlines approach.
Call our Chicago office now at (312) 924-7575 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call. Let us put our strength, experience, and dedication to work for you.