What Does Premises Liability Insurance Cover?

The Illinois Premises Liability Act imposes a duty upon property owners and occupiers, requiring them to exercise reasonable care to maintain the premises as appropriate under the circumstances. Though most do their best to ensure the safety of property, these individuals realize that they may be liable if a person is injured due to a dangerous condition. As such, owners and occupiers carry premises liability insurance to protect their interests. However, if you were hurt because of a hazard, you may wonder what these policies cover and whether you can obtain compensation for your losses.

These are valid, essential concerns, so you should discuss your rights with a knowledgeable attorney. Our Chicago premises liability lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help you understand your legal remedies. Contact us today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free case assessment.

Types of Accidents Premises Liability Insurance Covers

In general, premises liability policies are intended to pay compensation to victims hurt by a hazardous condition on the property. Common accident scenarios include:

• Slip and fall incidents, which may occur due to spills, debris, unsecured flooring, uneven surfaces, and other factors
• Injuries resulting from snow and ice accumulation
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Negligent security, such as allowing criminal or dangerous activity on the premises
• Accidents involving hazardous stairways, escalators, and elevators
• Swimming pool incidents
• Other types of accidents

Recovering Compensation Under Premises Liability Insurance

As a victim in a premises liability claim, it’s not enough to merely show that you were hurt on the property. To recover compensation from an insurance company, you must establish certain elements, including:

• The existence of a dangerous condition on the premises
• The owner, operator, or other entity in control of the property knew or should have known about the hazard
• The responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the premises as required by Illinois law
• You suffered injuries because of this breach of duty

Note that reasonable care in maintaining the premises encompasses many duties for the owner or operator, including the obligation to inspect, prevent, and remedy dangerous conditions. If it’s not possible to immediately repair a hazard, the party in possession or control of the premises must warn others of the safety threat.

Evidence When Filing a Premises Liability Insurance Claim

Gathering the information necessary to support your premises liability claim is critical, especially since your access to the property is limited. Though every case is different, vital evidence may include:

• Photos or video of the scene of the incident
• Accident reports, if you filed a complaint with the owner or police
• Real estate deeds or leases showing the owner, occupier, or another party in control or possession of the premises
• Witness testimony
• Medical records and invoices reflecting costs of treatment for your injuries
• Premises liability insurance policies
• Many other items

Talk to a Premises Liability Lawyer at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. About Your Rights

Premises liability insurance is intended to protect a property owner or occupier from risk. Though you do have legal rights as an injured victim, you can expect resistance when attempting to file a claim. Insurance agents prioritize the interests of the company and its policyholders – not yours.

You can trust an experienced Chicago premises liability attorney at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. to put your interests first. We take on insurance companies that are unwilling to pay out for the legitimate claims of victims who are hurt by dangerous conditions on the property. Contact us today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your case.