Chicago Premises Liability Lawyers for Unsafe Property Injuries

Stores, apartment buildings, office complexes, and other properties in Chicago all owe a basic duty to keep visitors reasonably safe. When they cut corners on maintenance, ignore hazards, or fail to provide adequate security, people can get seriously hurt in ways that were entirely preventable. Our Chicago premises liability lawyers help people injured by dangerous property conditions across Illinois pursue the compensation they need for medical care, lost income, and a more secure future.

Illinois Premises Liability – How Property Owner Responsibility Works

Premises liability is the area of law that addresses injuries caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. That might mean a fall on a slick floor in a grocery store, a broken handrail in an apartment stairwell, a poorly lit parking lot where an assault occurs, or a defective sidewalk outside a business. In each case, the core question is similar: did the owner or occupier of the property act reasonably to find and fix dangers—or at least warn visitors about them—before someone got hurt?


These claims are rarely as simple as “I fell, so the property owner is automatically responsible.” Owners and their insurance companies often argue that the hazard was obvious, that they didn’t have enough time to fix it, or that you should have been more careful. They may say the condition was caused by another customer, a tenant, or even you. When you work with a Chicago premises liability lawyer who understands how these cases are evaluated, you get a team focused on proving what the owner knew or should have known, how long the hazard existed, and why it was not reasonable to let visitors face that risk.

Common Types of Premises Liability Claims in Chicago and Across Illinois

Brick building with multiple windows; tall skyscraper in the background. Sunny day.
Person slipping.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards

Some of the most common premises cases involve falls caused by spills, tracked-in water or snow, loose rugs, uneven flooring, cluttered aisles, broken sidewalks, or poorly maintained stairs and handrails. A fall can lead to fractures, head injuries, back and neck pain, or joint damage that lingers for years. We look at cleaning logs, surveillance footage, incident reports, and witness statements to show how long the hazard existed, what the store or building knew, and whether they took reasonable steps to fix or warn about the problem.

Person falling off a ladder.
Unsafe Stairs, Railings, and Walkways

Stairways, ramps, and walkways should be designed and maintained with safety in mind. Missing or loose handrails, uneven steps, poor lighting, low-contrast edges, and cracked or unstable surfaces all increase the risk of serious injury. In apartments and commercial buildings, these conditions can be especially dangerous for older adults or people carrying children or packages. We investigate building codes, prior complaints, and maintenance records to determine whether the property owner ignored clear safety obligations.

Black and white icon of a multi-story building.
Dangerous Conditions in Apartments and Rental Properties

Landlords have a duty to keep common areas reasonably safe, address known hazards inside units, and comply with applicable housing and safety standards. Broken locks, faulty smoke detectors, pest infestations, water leaks, structural issues, and unsafe balconies can all lead to preventable injuries or fires. When tenants report problems and are ignored—or when an owner fails to inspect and maintain the property appropriately—they can be held accountable for the harm that follows.

Shield icon with a padlock and a checkmark, symbolizing security and verification.
Inadequate Security and Crime on the Property

While no property can guarantee perfect safety, businesses and landlords must take reasonable steps to protect people from foreseeable criminal acts. This may include adequate lighting, functioning locks, security cameras, controlled access, or security personnel in high-risk areas. When a property has a history of assaults, robberies, or other serious incidents, but ownership does little or nothing to respond, victims may have a premises liability claim for negligent security. We review crime reports, prior incidents at the location, and the property’s security measures to show what should have been done.

Pool with ladder.
Swimming Pools, Children, and Attractive Nuisances

Pools, ponds, playgrounds, abandoned structures, and construction areas can be especially dangerous for children, who may not appreciate the risks. The law often treats these hazards differently when children are involved, because owners should anticipate that kids may be drawn to them. Failure to install proper fencing, secure gates, cover pools, or restrict access to dangerous areas can lead to serious injuries or drownings. We examine what steps, if any, were taken to protect children who might come near the property.

Clouds with rain and lightning.
Weather-Related Hazards and Snow or Ice Accumulation

In a city like Chicago, snow and ice are facts of life—but that doesn’t mean property owners are free to ignore them. Depending on the situation, owners and managers may be responsible for timely shoveling, salting, or addressing dangerous accumulations in areas they control, such as walkways, parking lots, and entryways. We look at weather patterns, maintenance timing, and policies to determine whether the owner acted reasonably under the circumstances or let a known danger linger.

What to Expect From Our Premises Liability Team

From your first call, our focus is on making a confusing process feel more manageable. You can expect a Chicago premises liability lawyer from our firm to listen to what happened, review any photos or documents you already have, and give you a straightforward assessment of your options. Many unsafe property cases require a careful investigation of both the physical scene and the owner’s maintenance practices.


While you focus on your medical treatment and daily responsibilities, we typically work on tasks such as:


  • Obtaining incident reports, cleaning or inspection logs, and internal emails or memos when possible
  • Securing photographs, video, or measurements of the hazard and surrounding area
  • Reviewing your medical records to understand your injuries, treatment plan, and long-term outlook
  • Identifying and interviewing witnesses who saw the condition before or after your injury
  • Evaluating building codes, safety standards, and any prior complaints or similar incidents
  • Determining all potentially responsible parties and insurance policies, including owners, property managers, and contractors


We handle communication with insurance adjusters and defense lawyers so you are not pressured to give recorded statements, accept quick low settlements, or sign forms you don’t fully understand. Throughout your case, we explain each step in plain English, talk through decisions like whether to settle or go to trial, and keep you updated so you always know where things stand.

Standing Up to Property Owners, Businesses, and Their Insurers

After a premises injury, you may be dealing with a landlord, store manager, or corporate representative who insists they “did everything right,” or who suggests that you were careless or not watching where you were going. Insurance companies often argue that the hazard was obvious, that they had no chance to fix it, or that your injuries are minor and unrelated to the incident.


At Alberts & Eiler, P.C., we are prepared to push back. Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined experience working both for and against insurance companies and have completed over 100 jury trials as a team. We understand how premises liability claims are valued behind the scenes, what facts move the needle, and which defenses are commonly raised in Chicago and throughout Illinois.


Because we intentionally maintain a smaller caseload, your case receives focused, hands-on attention from experienced lawyers rather than being shuffled between departments. We take the time to understand how your injuries affect your work, family responsibilities, hobbies, and independence—not just what shows up in your first set of medical bills. When owners or insurers minimize your harm, blame you, or offer token settlements, our readiness to present your case to a jury helps demonstrate that we are serious about achieving a full and fair result.

Common Questions About Premises Liability in Chicago and Across Illinois

  • What is a premises liability case, exactly?

    A premises liability case is a legal claim brought by someone who was injured because a property owner or occupier failed to keep their premises reasonably safe. That can include falls, injuries from falling objects, assaults made easier by poor security, pool or playground injuries, and more. The key issues are usually whether there was a dangerous condition, whether the owner knew or should have known about it, and whether they took reasonable steps to fix it or warn visitors.

  • What should I do after I’m hurt on someone else’s property?

    Your health comes first. Seek medical care right away, even if you’re not sure how badly you’re hurt—some injuries aren’t obvious at first. If you can, report the incident to a manager, landlord, or other responsible person and ask that an incident report be created. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and take photos or video of the area, including the hazard, lighting, signage, and your injuries. Avoid arguing about fault or making statements like “I’m fine” if you’re still in pain. Before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company or signing any documents, talk with a Chicago premises liability lawyer about your rights.

  • What if I was looking at my phone or didn’t see the hazard before I fell?

    Property owners and insurers often argue that people should have seen and avoided hazards, especially if there is any suggestion of distraction. But that doesn’t automatically defeat a claim. The law recognizes that people use their phones, talk with companions, and look at products or signs—that’s part of normal life, especially in stores and public places. The bigger questions are whether the danger was unreasonably hidden, whether the owner had a chance to address it, and whether their failure to act played a major role in your injury. Even if you are accused of being partly at fault, you may still have a claim depending on how responsibility is ultimately allocated.

  • Do I have a case if there was a warning sign?

    Warning signs are important, but they are not a complete shield against responsibility. A tiny “wet floor” sign stuck in a corner may not be enough if a large area is slick and heavily trafficked. A sign high on a wall may not warn someone focused on stairs or obstacles in front of them. The law typically asks whether the warning was reasonable under the circumstances—clear, visible, and placed where a typical visitor would notice it. We look at photos, video, and witness descriptions to assess whether a warning was adequate.

  • How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Illinois, and when should I talk to a lawyer?

    In many premises liability cases involving personal injuries, Illinois law gives you a limited time—often measured in years—to file a lawsuit, but the exact deadline depends on the type of defendant and the facts of your case. Claims involving government entities may have additional notice requirements and shorter timeframes. Waiting too long is risky: hazards may be repaired, surveillance footage overwritten, and witnesses harder to find. Talking with a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury gives you the best chance to preserve important evidence and protect your claim.

  • What types of compensation are available in a premises liability case?

    Depending on the facts, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries. Many people are also entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and, in serious cases, permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement. Our job is to understand how the unsafe condition has affected your life and build a claim that reflects that full impact—not just the initial bills.

Ready to Talk With a Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer?

If you were injured because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, you don’t have to handle property owners, landlords, businesses, and their insurers on your own. Our firm combines deep insurance-industry insight, substantial trial experience, and a hands-on, small-firm approach to unsafe property cases. We offer free, confidential consultations, and you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.