This article is being written to conclude and recap my series on situations in which Peoria, Illinois landlords may be liable for injuries sustained by tenants or visiting guests. I considered this an important topic to address due to the fact that many individuals are not certain of their rights after suffering an injury inside a rental property, inside common areas, or on outdoor premises. This can result in an injured person not receiving the full amount in damages they are entitled to if they fail to name all possible parties or do not know how to deal with insurance. I wrote this series of articles with the goal of providing information which will help people to better understand their situation. It has also been my goal to provide information which will assist with the hiring of a lawyer. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a personal injury attorney.
I addressed several topics over my recent articles. Issues which I analyzed included the following:
- Landlord liability for a dog bite
- Landlord liability for auto accidents which occur on their property (such as in an apartment complex parking lot)
- Injuries caused by hazardous conditions inside of a dwelling
- Dealing with a landlord’s insurance carriers
There are multiple reasons why I chose to address these particular topics. First, an individual who has been bitten by a dog could sue a landlord as well as the owner of the dog in some situations. If the landlord failed to take adequate steps to make the premises reasonably safe for visitors and such a failure leads to an injury, that landlord could be named as a defendant. Second, landlords have a reasonability to keep their property reasonably safe, including areas where cars will be driven. A landlord may need to have signs warning of dangerous conditions or speedbumps to lower the risk of accidents and maintain reasonable safety. Third, landlords must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents caused by hazardous conditions such as slippery floors, uneven walkways, inadequate lighting, poorly maintained staircases or elevators, or lapses in security that lead to crime. Finally, landlords usually have an insurance policy that protects them from claims. Individuals pursuing an injury claim against a landlord’s insurance have several legal options to receive compensation depending on the specific circumstances. The process of dealing with insurance carriers can be complex as they may attempt to reduce payment liability.
Another point I discussed in each of these articles is to contact an attorney as soon as possible if you have been injured while on the property of a landlord. Failing to do so can result in reduced compensation. Legal counsel can help ensure the rights of individuals are protected. I am a Peoria injury lawyer who takes pride in providing a high level of service. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. My firm also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
