Urbana Premises Liability Lawyer
When you enter another person’s property lawfully, you should be able to expect that the property is reasonably safe and that you will not sustain serious injuries due to a hazard on the property. When a property owner or anyone in control of the premises fails to maintain the property in a manner that is reasonably safe, that party can be liable for injuries that occur according to Illinois premises liability law. There are many different types of premises liability lawsuits, and you should seek advice from an advocate at Patel Law, PC about filing a claim to seek compensation for your losses. Contact our experienced Urbana premises liability lawyer for assistance with your case.
Premises Liability Claims in Urbana, Illinois
At Patel Law, PC, we handle a wide range of premises liability claims in Urbana. Some of the most common types of premises liability lawsuits include, for example:
- Slip and fall accidents;
- Trip and fall accidents;
- Pedestrian accident claims;
- Negligent security cases;
- Swimming pool accidents;
- Elevator accidents; and
- Escalator accidents.
Common Injuries from Premises Liability Accidents
Injuries resulting from slip, trip, or fall accidents can range from minor to severe, including:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Falls can result in broken limbs, wrists, or ankles, requiring surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Impact from falls can cause concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal Injuries: Severe falls may lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in chronic pain or mobility issues.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises are common in slip and fall accidents, often leading to extended recovery periods.
- Dislocations: Falls can cause dislocated joints, which may require medical intervention to treat.
Common Accident Locations in Urbana, IL
Premises liability accidents can occur in various locations, often due to negligence or failure to maintain safe conditions:
- Retail Stores: Slips and falls are common in retail environments due to wet floors, spills, or obstacles in aisles. Locations like Urbana’s Market at the Square or local grocery stores are examples where accidents might occur.
- Public Parks: Parks such as Crystal Lake Park or Urbana Sweetcorn Festival grounds may have uneven surfaces, broken equipment, or inadequate lighting, leading to slips and falls.
- Restaurants and Cafes: Establishments with slippery floors or poorly maintained areas can be hazardous. Dining spots with high foot traffic may see accidents due to spilled food or drinks.
- Apartment Complexes: Common areas in apartment buildings, including hallways, stairs, and parking lots, can be prone to slip and fall accidents if not properly maintained.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities, such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, can have hazards in classrooms, hallways, or recreational areas that lead to accidents.
Elements of an Urbana Premises Liability Lawsuit
The general elements of an Urbana premises liability lawsuit include:
- The property owner owed a duty of care;
- The property owner breached the duty of care by being negligent in providing reasonable care;
- The breach of the duty of care caused the plaintiff’s injuries; and
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the injuries.
Understanding Urbana Premises Liability Law
While some states distinguish between an “invitee” (i.e., someone on the property for business purposes) and a “licensee” (i.e., someone on the property for social purposes), the Illinois Premises Liability Act is clear that “the distinction under the common law between invitees and licensees as to the duty owed by an owner or occupier of any premises to such entrants is abolished.”
The law clarifies that property owners owe a duty of “reasonable care under the circumstances regarding the state of the premises or acts done or omitted on them” to anyone on the property lawfully. What is involved in the duty of reasonable care? The statute defines the duty of reasonable care by what it does not include. Property owners have no duty to do any of the following:
- To “warn of or otherwise take reasonable steps to protect such entrants from conditions on the premises that are known to the entrant, are open and obvious, or can reasonably be expected to be discovered by the entrant”;
- To “warn of latent defects or dangers or defects or dangers unknown to the owner or occupier of the premises”;
- To “warn such entrants of any dangers resulting from misuse by the entrants of the premises or anything affixed to or located on the premises”; or
- To “protect such entrants from their own misuse of the premises or anything affixed to or located on the premises.”
Popular Attractions in Urbana, IL
Urbana offers several popular attractions that are frequented by locals and visitors alike:
- Crystal Lake Park: A large park with walking trails, a lake, and recreational facilities.
- Urbana Sweetcorn Festival: An annual event featuring food, entertainment, and community activities.
- The Urbana Free Library: A historic library offering a range of resources and community programs.
- Spurlock Museum: A museum with exhibits showcasing world cultures and history.
- Busey Woods: A natural area with trails and wildlife, providing a peaceful outdoor setting.
Contact Patel Law, PC
At Patel Law, PC, we are committed to helping victims of premises liability accidents in Urbana, IL. Our experienced legal team can assist you in navigating the complex legal process and securing the compensation you deserve. When you have been injured by a danger on another person’s property that should have been remedied, you may be eligible to file a premises liability lawsuit. Contact an experienced Urbana premises liability lawyer to learn more about slips and falls, negligent security, and other types of premises liability claims in Illinois.
