Premises Liability Lawyer in Lasalle County, IL

Premises liability lawyer in Lasalle County, IL. If you or someone you love were seriously injured on someone else’s property, you are owed compensation under the law. Call the Lasalle County, IL personal injury lawyers of Burger Law at (618) 500-HURT or fill out our online form for justice and maximum compensation.

If you were injured because a property owner did not keep their property safe in Lasalle County, IL, see how much your injuries may be worth by filling out our free personal injury calculator.

If you were injured by a hazardous property condition, get medical care as soon as possible. Then, contact Burger Law. Our attorneys have over 80 years of combined litigation experience holding negligent people in Lasalle County, IL responsible for their actions. You did not deserve to be injured, but with our dedicated team and extraordinary level of legal advocacy, you can be made whole again. The decision to hire a premises liability lawyer is an important one; you only have one opportunity to get a full financial recovery for your accident. You deserve it, and we will insist that you get it. Over our 30 years of practice, we have gotten more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements for the injured in a wide range of personal injury cases. Let us deal with the insurance company so you can focus on healing. Reach out to a Burger Law Lasalle County, IL premises liability lawyer immediately at (618) 500-HURT for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation.

Recognized Leaders in Premises Liability Claims

To ensure you get full compensation, you need to put your case in the capable hands of a premises liability lawyer who has earned the respect of the Lasalle County, IL legal community and knows how to get results. In order to have a good understanding of the abilities of a law firm, you need to look at their previous victories, and their reputation among their clients and peers. The many awards, honors and accolades Burger Law has received from other attorneys include:

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a remarkable achievement awarded to not more than 5 percent of all lawyers nationwide
• Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Honor — Members of the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor only given to 1 percent of attorneys in the United States.
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers Honor — Selected to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only honor that is made up of the most qualified attorneys in each state.
• Board Certified By the National Board of Trial Advocacy — Board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Less than 4 percent of all practicing attorneys are certified by an American Bar Association accredited certification board.

Any premises liability lawyer can say they know how to handle your case, but having a proven track record of success is another matter entirely. Some of our recent premises liability case victories are:

• $1.435 Million Settlement After Extensive Litigation For Deck Collapse That Injured Couple
• Widow in ATV Accident Settles with Property Owner – $600,000 Settlement
• $400,000 Settlement in Employer Sexual Assault Case
• $350,000 Settlement in Ladder Case
• $300,000 Settlement for Slip and Fall Case
• $270,000 Settlement For Construction Site Bike Accident
• $250,000 Slip and Fall Settlement
• $250,000 Settlement in Icy Slip and Fall Suit
• $232,000 Workers’ Compensation Settlement
• $150,000 Settlement Days Before Trial
• $125,000 Slip and Fall Success
• $125,000 Settlement in Trip and Fall Case
• $125,000 Settlement in Auditorium Fall
• $120,000 Settlement For Gateway Arch Worker Injured on Tram
• $117,500 Slip and Fall Settlement
• $0 to $70,000 in Parking Lot Injury Case

Understanding the Illinois Premises Liability Act

Under The Illinois Premises Liability Act, the owner or occupier of a property typically has a duty of reasonable care to protect people legally on their property from foreseeable injuries because of dangerous conditions on the premises, by either fixing the dangerous condition or by warning of its existence. This includes hazards that they either had direct knowledge of or should have known about. If the dangerous condition was “open and obvious,” for example, open flames, you may not be able to make a claim.

Examples of a known hazard can include:

• Spills that are not mopped up or are not marked with a warning sign
• Broken pavement
• Loose railings
• Unsecured flooring
• Unsecured cables
• Broken steps
• Faulty doors
• Snow or black ice
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Poorly designed or maintained playground equipment
• Bad building craftsmanship
• Poor lighting
• Falling debris
• Broken locks or negligent security measures
• Pools without fencing or lifeguards on duty
• Unrestrained animals
• Poor electrical wiring

If you were misusing the property, for example, “goofing off” or being on a part of the property you were not allowed to be on, the person in control of the property usually does not owe you a duty of care.

To prove a premises liability claim in Lasalle County, IL, you must fulfill the following four elements:

1. That the defendant owed you a duty of reasonable care
2. That there was a dangerous condition on the premises
3. That the party in possession of the property knew or should have known about it
4. That they did not use reasonable care to warn, fix or discover the dangerous condition
5. That the dangerous condition caused you injuries

Two Exceptions to “Open and Obvious” in Illinois Premises Liability Laws

There are two instances in which “open and obvious” may not apply:

1. The “Distraction” ExceptionIn Ward v. K Mart Corp (185 Ill. App. 3d 153 (Ill. App. Ct. 1989)), the Illinois Supreme Court adopted a “distraction exception.” If an owner thinks you may not appreciate the danger because you may be distracted by something else on the property, they still need to repair or guard against the hazard. For example, if a retail store has posters on the wall promoting their sales, and you tripped because you were not looking at the ground, the distraction exception may apply. The exception does not apply distractions that are your fault, for example looking at your phone.
2. The “Deliberate Encounter” ExceptionThe second instance in which “open and obvious” does not apply is when the dangerous condition may be easily discovered, but the benefits to proceeding outweigh the risks. In LaFever v. Kemlite Company (185 Ill. 2d 380 (Ill. 1998) 706 N.E.2d 441), the Illinois Supreme Court found that the person in charge of a property owed a duty of care to a man who slipped on slippery material near a dumpster. The condition was known to the injured man, but as it was the man’s job to empty the dumpster, the owner should have anticipated that the man would encounter the material.

Types of Visitors in Lasalle County, IL Premises Liability Claims

The extent of the duty the property owner or manager owes you is based on what kind of visitor you are. In Illinois, there are three categories of visitors:

Invitees and Licensees

Invitees are people that are on the premises for business purposes, for example patrons at a bar or attendees of a movie theater. People on public land, such as libraries or parks, are also considered invitees.

A licensee is someone that is on the premises with the permission of the owner or manager, but not for business purposes. Common examples include friends over for dinner, a utility technicians working on your property, someone you allow to hunt on your property at no cost or someone stopping into a store just to ask for directions.

Illinois law used to distinguish between invitees and licensees — and many states still do. However, since the current Illinois Premises Liability Act was passed on September 12, 1984, that distinction has been abolished. Licensees are owed the same duty of care as invitees.

Trespassers

A trespasser is someone who enters a property without permission or an invitation. Because the the trespasser is not supposed to be on the property, the Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions states that owners owe no duty to a trespasser, with a few exceptions:

• If a property owner knows or should know that a trespasser is on the premises, they cannot deliberately injure the trespasser.
• If an owner knew there was an artificial structure that could seriously injure a trespasser, and the owner knew or should have known of a trespasser’s presence, they have a duty to warn against the condition.
• If the owner is conducting activities, for example landscaping, and knows that activity could harm a trespasser, they have a duty to try to avoid injuring the trespasser.
• Under the common law principle of attractive nuisance, in some states, property owners are strictly liable – or automatically liable – if a dangerous condition entices a child onto the property and injures them. Common attractive nuisances include swimming pools, playground equipment, abandoned wells or construction sites. In Kahn v. James Burton Co. (5 Ill. 2d 614 (Ill. 1955) 126 N.E.2d 836), the Illinois Supreme Court rejected strict liability in attractive nuisance cases. Instead, the child and their family would have a general negligence claim. To have a successful attractive nuisance claim, you must demonstrate:
  • The owner could reasonably expect a child may come onto the premises,
  • The nuisance could cause harm to a child
  • A child would likely not understand the danger, and
  • The cost of remedying the danger or restricting access was relatively low

If you are unsure what your visitor status was when you were injured, your experienced premises liability lawyer at Burger Law will help you make sense of your situation and get you the best possible legal outcome in your situation. Speak to a premises liability lawyer in Lasalle County, IL about your claim immediately at (618) 500-HURT or fill out our online form.

Common Premises Liability Injuries in Lasalle County, IL

We have gotten maximum compensation for our Lasalle County, IL clients with a wide range of premises liability injuries, including:

• Fractures
• Back, neck and spine injuries
• Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
• Burns
• Electric shocks
• Joint injuries

How Can a Premises Liability Lawyer in Lasalle County, IL Help Me?

Insurance companies fight back hard against premises liability claims. They may try to blame you for your injuries, or say that the possessor did not owe you a duty of care. An aggressive premises liability lawyer in Lasalle County, IL like those at Burger Law will not let them get away with avoiding their obligation to compensate you. A premises liability lawyer in Lasalle County, IL can help level the playing field against a powerful insurance company. When you hire us, we will immediately get to work demanding full compensation. As part of our legal services we will:

• Conduct a complete investigation into the circumstances surrounding your injuries and determine who is at fault
• Gather evidence such as employee and eyewitness testimony, accident reports, pictures, video surveillance and expert testimony
• Identify how a property owner or manager did not take reasonable steps to ensure their property was safe
• Calculate the full extent of your damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering and emotional distress, to make sure you get the best compensation possible
• Fight back against dishonest tricks from the insurance company attempting to minimize your claim
• Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company
• Keep you up-to-date on the status of your case
• Take the fight to trial if we cannot get you the full compensation you deserve in negotiations

We have earned both our stellar reputation and our clients’ great recoveries through tenacity diligence and a “never back down” frame of mind. We start working on your case right away and do not give up until you get the full compensation you deserve.

Resources For Your Premises Liability Case in Lasalle County, IL

Most of our clients have never had to seek compensation for an injury before, and are not sure how to go about making their claim, or even how to the right attorney for their case. Fortunately, we have literally written the book on essential questions to ask before picking a lawyer or settling your case, which you can download at no cost by providing your information below.

We also offer numerous other free resources on our website.

• Illinois Personal Injury Resources
• How a Lawsuit Works
• Legal Terms Glossary
• Legal Podcasts
• Premises Liability Blog

What Are the Most Common Types of Lasalle County, IL Premises Liability Claims?

What Are the Most Common Types of Lasalle County, IL Premises Liability Claims?

At Burger Law, we have had success in a variety of premises liability claims in Lasalle County, IL, including:

• Slip and falls
• Inadequate security
• Claims against restaurants
• Assault and sexual assault
• Elevator and escalator accidents
• Fire and smoke injuries
• Grocery or retail store injuries
• School and daycare accidents
• Claims against bars and restaurant
• Claims against landlords
• Claims against hotels
• Swimming pool accidents
• Amusement park accidents
• Exposure to toxic chemicals or substances
• Dog bites and other animal attacks

If you were sustained a premises liability injury, you need a full financial recovery, no matter the circumstances. Never believe an insurance company or property owner when they say they do not have to pay you.

Lasalle County, IL Premises Liability Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Can I Receive in Compensation?

How much your injuries are worth depends on the particulars of your injuries:

• The severity of your injuries and how much they have affected your life
• If your injuries led to permanent disability
• Whether you will need future medical treatment
• Whether or not you are partially to blame for your injuries
• The insurance coverage’s policy limits, and whether there is more coverage available

Your Lasalle County, IL premises liability lawyer at Burger Law will be able to ensure that no money is left on the table when settling your claim.

Can I Still Receive Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for My Accident?

You can still make a claim for compensation, although it will not be as much as if you shared no blame. Illinois is what is considered a modified contributory fault state, which means that you will be compensated for the percentage of the accident that is not your fault.

Meaning, if a jury awards you $100,000 in damages, but finds that you share 30 percent of the fault for your injury, you can recover $70,000. Keep in mind that 735 ILCS 5/ §2-1116 states that:

The plaintiff shall be barred from recovering damages if the trier of fact finds that the contributory fault on the part of the plaintiff is more than 50 percent of the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which recovery is sought.

Meaning, if you are over 50 percent to blame for the accident, you will not be able to recover any compensation in Lasalle County, IL. Your Burger Law premises liability lawyer will know how to prove that you are not responsible for the harm someone else caused.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Premises Liability Claim in Lasalle County, IL?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations is shorter than most states at two years, pursuing to 735 ILCS 5/. That means you must file a claim within two years of when the injury occurred. However, there are a couple of notable exceptions:

1. If you were under 18 when the injury occurred, you have two years to file a claim after your 18th birthday.
2. If you were under a “legal disability” at the time of your injury, you have two years from the date the disability was “removed.”

After a premises liability injury, there is no time to wait. You only have one chance to receive full compensation, and the clock is already ticking. Do not wait, call us as soon as possible at 312-500-HURT.

What if I Was Injured at a Friend or Family Member’s House?

If you were injured as a guest in somebody else’s home, you should still seek compensation from their insurance company. While the notion of “suing” a family member or friend is awkward at best, the truth is the reason we have insurance is to keep ourselves and those we love safe in the unfortunate event of an injury. No good friend or family member would want to see you under financial hardships because of an injury.

Can I Sue the State of Illinois or Another Government Entity in Lasalle County, IL for Premises Liability?

Generally, the Illinois State Lawsuit Immunity Act gives immunity to the state of Illinois. However, the Illinois Court of Claims Act allows you to make a claim against the state for damages that could also be sought against a private entity. So, the state has the same duty to warn against or fix dangerous conditions on public lands, such as sidewalks or libraries, as any other property owner would be.

Instead of having two years to make a claim, claims against Illinois must be made within one year of the injury. There are also unique rules for filing your claim with the State Attorney General and Clerk of the Court of Claims. By hiring an experienced premises liability lawyer, you can ensure everything goes smoothly.

In addition to premises liability, other claims we take on in Lasalle County, IL include:

• Truck Crash Lawyers in Illinois
• Wrongful Death Lawyers in Illinois
• Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Illinois
• Car Accident Attorney in Illinois

Hire Burger Law

Speak to a Premises Liability Lawyer in Lasalle County, IL Today

Property owners and their insurance companies often do not want to take responsibility for their negligence. Burger Law fights against bullies like resistant insurance companies and people who do not want to take responsibility for their actions every day. We know you did not expect to be injured, but, with Burger Law, you can expect full compensation and the best possible results in your claim. We demand nothing but the highest compensation, and offer nothing but the highest quality legal advocacy. Call a Burger Law Lasalle County, IL premises liability attorney today at 312-500-HURT or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case at no cost to you.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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