Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer
Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer – Get the Compensation You Deserve
Injured on someone else’s property in Chicago? At Phillips Law Offices, we fight aggressively to secure the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. With a strong record of precedent-setting results and statewide recognition, our seasoned legal team stands ready to protect your rights and demand accountability from negligent property owners. Phillips Law Offices has been recognized by clients, fellow attorneys, and industry experts as one of the premier premises liability law firms in Chicago.
Free Consultation | No Fees Unless We Win | Call (312) 598-0917
A Reputation Built on Results, Recognition & Trust
After a slip and fall or another injury on unsafe property, choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference. At Phillips Law Offices, our attorneys bring over 75 years of combined experience advocating for victims of property negligence and their families across Illinois. Whether your injury resulted from a fall at a store, unsafe apartment staircase, or dangerous construction site, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions on behalf of injury victims—and we never back down from holding property owners accountable.
- 75+ Years of Legal Experience: Our team includes trial attorneys deeply experienced in Illinois premises liability law. Founded over 75 years ago by Attorney John G. Phillips, our firm has a long-standing commitment to injury victims’ rights.
- Millions Recovered for Clients: We’ve achieved life-changing settlements and verdicts for clients injured in shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, apartment buildings, offices, and public spaces.
- 4.9/5.0 Google Rating from 95+ Clients: “Phillips Law guided us through a difficult injury claim after a dangerous fall in a store. Their expertise and dedication brought peace of mind and a successful outcome.”
- 10.0 Avvo Rating – Top Personal Injury Lawyers
- National & Statewide Recognition:
- Nation’s Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers – The National Trial Lawyers
- America’s Top 100 – Personal Injury & Premises Liability Attorneys
- Leading Lawyers – Based on peer recognition and performance
- Expertise.com 2023 – Best Injury Law Firms in Chicago
- AV Preeminent® Rating – Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal skill
- Nation’s Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel
We’re proud active members of the legal community, including:
American Association for Justice (AAJ)
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA)
Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
Each recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to client service and justice.
How We Help After a Premises Liability Accident
Unsafe conditions on property can lead to serious, lifelong injuries. At Phillips Law Offices, we act decisively to protect your rights and help you pursue full compensation.
Here’s how our Chicago premises liability attorneys can assist you:
Comprehensive Investigation
After your accident, we start by carefully looking into what happened. This means we collect as much evidence as possible—like taking photos of where you fell or were hurt, finding and talking to any witnesses, and checking if there are videos or accident reports. By investigating thoroughly, we make sure we understand exactly how you got hurt and why.
Identifying All Liable Parties
In many premises accidents, it’s not just the property owner who may be responsible. Sometimes, managers, cleaning companies, security guards, or contractors might also have played a part in causing unsafe conditions. We carefully look at everyone involved and figure out exactly who should be held accountable, so you can get the full compensation you deserve.
Expert Knowledge of Safety Codes and Law
Our lawyers are very familiar with all the rules that property owners must follow, like building codes and safety regulations. We look to see if any of these rules were broken. If they were, we use that information to build your case and show that the property owner or others didn’t take the right steps to keep you safe.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Talking to insurance companies can be confusing and stressful. We handle all communication and negotiations with them, so you don’t have to worry. Our job is to make sure they don’t offer you less than you deserve and to stand up for your rights if the insurance company tries to avoid paying a fair settlement.
Advocacy for Serious or Catastrophic Injuries
Getting hurt on someone’s property can lead to serious injuries that change your life, like broken bones or brain injuries. We work with doctors and experts to understand exactly how your injuries affect you now and in the future. That way, we can make sure you get enough money to pay for your recovery, missed work, and any ongoing care you might need.
Trial-Ready Representation
Most cases are settled, but sometimes the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount. If that happens, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our lawyers have experience in front of judges and juries, and we’re ready to fight for you until you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Premises liability law covers a range of incidents, from slips and falls to negligent security. Some of the most common types we handle include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
These happen when someone falls because the floor or ground is wet, slippery, uneven, or otherwise unsafe. Common examples include slipping on a wet grocery store floor, icy sidewalks, or tripping over loose rugs or broken stairs. Property owners should keep walking areas safe and fix or warn about any hazards.
Trip and Fall Accidents
Trip and fall cases occur when you trip over obstacles like uneven floors, torn carpeting, clutter, or cords. Unlike slipping, these accidents usually involve a sudden change in height or something blocking your way. Property owners must make sure walkways are clear and in good condition.
Negligent Security
This type involves injuries from crimes such as assaults or robberies that happen because a property owner didn’t provide enough security. For example, this could be poor lighting in parking lots, broken locks, or not hiring security personnel in areas with a history of crime. Property owners are expected to help keep people safe from foreseeable dangers.
Unsafe Public Places
Accidents in places like shopping malls, parking lots, hotels, and amusement parks can happen if the property has unsafe conditions—like broken handrails, poor lighting, or dangerous playground equipment. Owners should keep public areas safe for everyone who visits.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
If you’re bitten or attacked by a dog or other animal while on someone’s property, the owner can often be held responsible, even if the animal had never been aggressive before. Owners should make sure their pets don’t pose a risk to visitors.
Swimming Pool Accidents
These include injuries or drownings at pools that aren’t properly secured or maintained. For example, if a pool doesn’t have a fence, lock, or lifeguard, and someone gets hurt, the property owner might be liable. Pools must have safety features, especially when kids are around.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
If an elevator gets stuck, drops suddenly, or an escalator jerks or breaks, people can get injured. Property owners and managers are supposed to keep all elevators and escalators in safe working order through regular inspections and maintenance.
Construction Site Hazards
When construction areas are not properly closed off or marked, people walking by can get hurt by things like falling debris, uncovered holes, or unsafe walkways. It’s the responsibility of the site managers and property owners to secure these areas to protect everyone nearby.
Falling Merchandise or Inventory
Sometimes, items can fall from shelves in stores or warehouses and cause injury. Store owners and employees are responsible for making sure goods are stacked safely and aren’t at risk of falling on customers.
Fires and Exposure to Toxic Substances
If someone is injured due to a fire or is exposed to things like toxic mold, chemicals, or gases on a property, the owner can be held responsible for not maintaining safe conditions or not properly warning visitors.
Injuries at Schools and Daycares
Children can get hurt at schools or daycares if hazardous conditions exist—like unsafe playground equipment or lack of supervision. The facility must provide a safe environment and take extra care to prevent accidents.
Each of these situations involves the property owner or manager failing to keep their premises safe, which leads to someone getting hurt. That’s why these are called premises liability cases.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents in Chicago
Many premises liability claims arise from avoidable property owner negligence. At Phillips Law Offices, we frequently investigate accidents caused by:
- Failure to Clean Up Spills or Icy Sidewalks Promptly
If a floor is wet from a spill or a sidewalk is slippery from ice or snow and the property owner doesn’t clean it up quickly, people can easily slip and fall. Property owners must fix these hazards as soon as possible to prevent accidents. - Code Violations (Broken Stairs, Inadequate Lighting, Faulty Handrails)
Sometimes, property owners don’t keep stairs, handrails, or lighting in good and safe condition. If stairs are broken, handrails are loose, or areas are badly lit, it’s easy for someone to fall and hurt themselves. Owners are responsible for following building and safety codes to make sure everything is safe for visitors. - Inadequate Security (Doors, Locks, Surveillance)
If there is not enough security on a property—like broken locks, no security cameras, or weak doors—people are at greater risk of being victims of theft or attack. Property owners should make sure their buildings and parking lots are safe, especially in places where crime could happen. - Poor Maintenance of Public Areas
When property owners don’t regularly check and fix things like sidewalks, parking lots, and hallways, these areas can become dangerous. Uneven walkways, potholes, and unattended hazards can cause people to trip or fall, leading to injuries. - Unrepaired Hazards Known to the Property Owner
If the owner knows about something dangerous—like a loose step, torn carpet, or a hole in the ground—but doesn’t fix it or warn visitors, they can be held responsible. They must repair known problems or put up signs to warn people until repairs are made. - Lack of Warning Signs for Known Dangers
If there is a hazard, like a wet floor or repairs underway, property owners need to put up clear signs so everyone knows to watch out. Not warning people makes it more likely someone will get hurt from something that could have been avoided. - Unsafe Construction Zones Left Unprotected
Construction sites can be very dangerous if they’re not blocked off properly. If workers or owners leave holes, equipment, or debris where anyone can get to them, someone can easily get injured just by passing by. These areas should always be marked and blocked off to keep everyone safe.
Each of these reasons comes down to one thing: property owners need to take care of their property and fix or warn about things that can cause people to get hurt. If they don’t, and someone is injured as a result, the owner can be held responsible under the law.
Premises Liability in Illinois: Legal Standards & Statutes
Under Illinois law, property owners and managers have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. The Illinois Premises Liability Act requires owners to protect invited guests, customers, tenants, and in some cases, trespassers, from foreseeable hazards. If you are hurt due to an unsafe condition and the property owner knew (or should have known) about the hazard but failed to address it, you may have a strong claim for compensation.
Typical compensation in these cases may cover:
- Medical Bills: Immediate and future treatment, surgeries, therapy, and medication.
- Lost Wages & Earning Potential: If injuries prevent you from working now or in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Lifelong medical needs, scar compensation.
- Property Damage: Lost or damaged personal items.
Wrongful Death: For families who lose a loved one in a fatal premises accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability in Chicago
What qualifies as a premises liability case in Chicago?
Premises liability cases arise when someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions, such as wet floors, inadequate security, broken stairs, or poor lighting. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors.
Do I have a case if I was trespassing when injured on someone else’s property?
Generally, property owners are not liable for injuries to trespassers, but there are exceptions. If the owner deliberately created hazards or if children are involved under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, you may still have a valid case.
What damages can be recovered in a premises liability lawsuit?
Victims may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and long-term disability if the injury impacts future earning capacity. Each case varies depending on injury severity and liability.
How do I prove negligence in a premises liability case?
You must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. Evidence such as maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness testimony often helps establish negligence.
Is the landlord responsible if I am injured in a rented apartment building?
Yes, landlords are typically responsible for maintaining common areas like hallways, staircases, and elevators. If they fail to correct known hazards and a tenant or visitor is injured, they may be held liable.
Client Reviews & Case Results
$10 Million Settlement in Escalator Accident
January 30, 2024 – After 6 years of litigation, Stephen D. Phillips and Phillips Law Offices secured an outstanding $10 million settlement on behalf of a child injured in a harrowing escalator incident at a Chicagoland commercial building. The unfortunate incident occurred when the child bent down on the escalator to pick up a toy he dropped and his hand became caught between the step and the side of the escalator.
His hand was dragged down the 42-year-old escalator more than 20 feet while bystanders searched for an emergency stop button that was hidden below the handrail. Shockingly, the escalator lacked a high mount emergency stop button, which allowed the child’s fingers to be continuously twisted and mangled before the escalator stopped moving.
Our Process: What to Expect When You Work With Us
- Free Case Evaluation
We start by meeting with you for a free, no-pressure conversation. During this first meeting, we listen as you explain what happened, answer any questions you have, and decide together if you have a good case. You don’t pay us anything for this first consultation. - Investigation
If we take your case, our team begins gathering evidence right away. This could mean getting accident or incident reports, taking photos, looking for surveillance video, and talking to witnesses. We make sure we have all the facts about how your injury happened. - Identifying All Negligent Parties
Sometimes, more than one person or company might have been careless and contributed to your accident. We carefully examine every possible detail to find everyone who might be responsible, not just the obvious ones, so we can include them all in your claim. - Claim Preparation & Negotiation
We collect all the information about your injuries, how they affect your life, and any costs you’ve had. Then, we work directly with the insurance companies, presenting your case and pushing for a fair settlement. We handle all the calls and paperwork, so you don’t have to worry about it. - Trial-Ready Advocacy
Most cases are settled out of court, but if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our lawyers have a lot of experience in court and will fight hard for you in front of a judge or jury if needed.
Support Every Step
Throughout your case, we keep you updated and answer your questions whenever you have them. We want you to feel supported, informed, and confident while we handle the legal work, so you can focus on your recovery and your life.
Meet Our Team Of Chicago Truck Accident Attorney
Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is the managing partner at Phillips Law Offices in Chicago. He has over 35 years of experience fighting for people who have been seriously hurt due to the negligence of others, including on unsafe properties. He earned his law degree from Loyola University Chicago and his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa. Stephen has been recognized as one of the top personal injury attorneys in Illinois and has won record settlements and verdicts in cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and premises liability.
Mr. Phillips served as the President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and is a member of several prestigious legal groups limited to the top lawyers in the world. He has been honored repeatedly as an Illinois Super Lawyer and was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which includes only 500 members worldwide. Besides his legal work, he also teaches law as an adjunct professor and is known for his persistence and skill in handling complex injury cases. Stephen D. Phillips is admitted to practice law in Illinois and in federal courts including the United States Supreme Court.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn is a partner at Phillips Law Offices who has been fighting for his clients since 2001. He focuses on serious personal injury cases, including premises liability, vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Terry has a strong track record of winning large settlements and jury verdicts for clients in Illinois and Indiana. He is known for his thorough preparation and skillful legal writing, which helps both his clients and the law community.
Terry earned his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and is an active member of professional groups such as the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association of Justice. He serves on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. With more than two decades of experience, Terry is dedicated to getting fair compensation for people injured by unsafe property conditions or negligence.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips is a partner at Phillips Law Offices in Chicago. He graduated with honors from the University of Michigan in political science and earned his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he was on the Dean’s List. Stephen started his legal career with the firm as a law clerk, eventually becoming a lawyer who handles complex cases involving premises liability, medical malpractice, and serious accidents.
As a third-generation trial lawyer, Stephen is dedicated to protecting people who are injured by unsafe properties or negligence. He has worked on multiple record-setting settlements, including cases that reached up to $25 million. Stephen is admitted to practice law in Illinois and serves on the Board of Managers of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. He is committed to helping clients get justice and fair compensation for their injuries.
Speak to a Top-Rated Chicago Premises Liability Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property in Chicago, don’t face property owners or insurance companies alone. Call Phillips Law Offices today at (312) 598-0917 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case review. Our office is conveniently located in Chicago, we are ready to fight for your rights and help you to get the compensation you deserve.
Call us now at +1-312-346-4262 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case review. Our office is conveniently located in Chicago
We serve clients in:
Cook County
Naperville
Aurora
Joliet
Schaumburg
Oak Lawn
Rockford, and across Illinois. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery and your future.