Chicago Apartment Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an apartment building, then you may think your only recourse is against the landlord. But that is not necessarily true. To find out why you should call the apartment injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael J Brennan. We offer free consultations in our Chicago office.
Apartment Building Accidents in Chicago: Who Is Liable?
When accidents occur in apartment complexes, it falls under premises liability law. Property owners must keep apartment buildings, playgrounds, and common areas safe for the people who live there and for those who visit. Failure to do so could result in a personal injury lawsuit. If you or a loved one have been involved in an apartment building accident, seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer to learn about the options available to you.
What Responsibility Does the Property Owner Have?
The property owner or landlord has a duty to maintain the apartment building and surrounding common areas in a manner that is safe. In order to obtain a settlement in an apartment building accident lawsuit, you will be required to prove that those responsible did not maintain an appropriate standard of care and caused your injuries. The rules regarding the standard of care in regard to apartment building landlords and owners are as follows:
- The Tenant Must Use the Property in a Normal Manner
- The Property Owner or Landlord Must Keep the Property Safe for Tenants
These are some of the potential issues of a poorly maintained building:
- Slippery floors
- Stairs in disrepair
- Cracked ceilings and falling residue from ceilings
- Poorly maintained elevators
- Poor lighting throughout the premises
- Failure to provide necessary security
- Fires
- Ceiling Collapses
- Building code defects
- Children harmed due to lead poisoning
- Accidents in parking lots
Premises liability law requires landlords to maintain hallways, entryways, and staircases in a safe and appropriate manner. Things that cannot be moved inside the apartment are also their responsibility. These things include flooring, walls, and any fixtures that come with the rented apartment.
Proving Landlord Negligence
Proving that the property owner or landlord was negligent and caused your injuries may not always be an easy task. Some injuries that happen outside the apartment in common areas may be easier to prove, while those that occur inside your apartment may be more difficult. For this reason, it is typically best to speak with a lawyer to determine if you can prove negligence on the part of the landlord or property owner.
Potential Damage Awards From Apartment Building Accidents
If you are successful in your apartment building accident case, you may be able to obtain money for certain damages and expenses related to the accident. Some of these damages may include:
- Cost of Doctor Visits
- Emergency Room Fees
- Ambulance Transport Costs
- Unpaid or Outstanding Hospital Bills
- Cost of Physical, Speech, or Occupational Therapy
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Lost Wages
If you are permanently disabled due to the accident and cannot return to work, you may be able to obtain compensation for future lost wages. This is money designed to repay you for the money you will no longer be able to earn over the course of your career. It is extremely important to calculate future lost wages accurately in personal injury case, so it is best done by a lawyer who has experience in this area of the law.
What Can a Chicago Apartment Accident Lawyer Do to Help You Win Your Case?
Apartment building accidents can get complicated because there may be multiple parties involved. Your lawyer may be able to help you win your case by:
- Hiring Accident Investigators
- Speaking with Your Doctors to Prove Your Injuries
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company for the Apartment Building or Landlord
- Filing Court Documents
- Representing You at Trial
While it is never a pleasant experience going through an accident or injury, you may be able to obtain a financial settlement to help you. Hiring an attorney may increase your chances of proving that your landlord or property owner was negligent and caused the injuries that keep you from working to support yourself and your family.
Talk to a Premises Liability Attorney in Chicago
If you need an experienced apartment accidents lawyer who is used to handling, and winning, such cases, get in touch with us today. Book your consultation so we can discuss the way forward with your case. We will not charge you any fees until we settle or win your case!
Our firm has a reputation for providing quality and sensitive legal services. We respond to all phone calls and emails within a period of 24 hours and ensure that you are frequently updated about the progress of your case. Our attorneys are always available to answer your questions.