A “slip and fall” injury may sound minor, but such an injury can be debilitating for the victim. A person can suffer a serious injury as a pedestrian, a patron at a store or restaurant, or even as a visitor in someone else’s home. In some cases, proving premises liability can be complicated. Illinois premises liability law only applies when an injury is due to an unsafe condition that the property owner or operator knew about or should have known about and corrected. It is important to understand the laws regarding this if you are ever hurt under these circumstances.  

The Premises Liability Act

Under Illinois law, the Premises Liability Act outlines what duty property owners have to individuals who enter their premises. If a property owner fails to take reasonable care to keep their land or structure safe, the state of Illinois may hold them accountable for damages that could occur to guests. This includes both individuals who are invited by a property owner (invitees) and people who are there for their own enjoyment (licensees). 

Besides an expectation that the premises will be properly maintained and clear of hazards, these entrants are also entitled to prior knowledge of any known defects or dangers. For example, a sign warning of a wet floor or areas that are under construction. One important facet of the premises liability law is that it does not apply to adult trespassers. That means property owners are not responsible for an injury that occurs as a result of trespassing. 

Most of the time, family pets are friendly and loving. That is why dogs are often called “man’s best friend.” However, there are instances where a dog or other animal may become aggressive and attack a person—even its owner, in some cases. Injuries suffered can range from a scratch to severe lacerations and nerve damage. An animal bite can also result in serious or even fatal infections.

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, if someone is injured by a dog or another domesticated animal, the pet owner may be liable for the victim’s injuries. The law applies to situations where the victim was neither trespassing nor provoking the animal in any way.    

Symptoms of Infection

At first glance, a dog bite victim may not think his or her injuries are life-threatening. However, they may experience symptoms later that signify a more serious condition. Some of the common symptoms of infection include:

Studies show that people are living longer these days compared to generations past. Nursing homes, memory care facilities, and assisted living centers are popping up in almost every city to meet the demand for an aging population. Many families carefully research what these extended-care homes can offer to their parents, grandparents, or other relatives. Whether someone needs assistance due to age, dementia, or any other kind of disability, there is a certain level of expectation that your family member will be well taken care of and in a safe place. Sadly, patients can be neglected and even abused on a regular basis. It is important to recognize the injuries that are commonly caused by nursing home negligence to prevent further harm to your loved one. In some cases, he or she might be entitled to compensation or damages for pain and suffering.     

Illinois Nursing Home Care Act

Illinois has more than 1,000 long-term care facilities serving over 100,000 residents, young and old. Since elderly people are particularly susceptible to neglect or abuse, Illinois passed the Nursing Home Care Act, which gives residents of nursing home facilities certain rights to protect them from danger or harm. Illinois nursing homes require specific licenses to operate and are  regulated and inspected by state and federal agencies, including the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). In addition, under IDPH, the Division of Assisted Living manages all state licenses for assisted living and shared housing establishments.

Potentially Serious Problems 

Unfortunately, many cases of elderly abuse are simply not reported or they are ignored. Many residents of nursing homes or assisted living homes are not mobile; that is, they are confined to a wheelchair or even completely bed-ridden. Due to this vulnerability, negligence by the nursing staff can sometimes be dismissed, since a patient may be afraid to report an incident.  

Workers in the construction industry face certain risks that employees who work in an office or corporate setting do not. Whether it is building a new house or a skyscraper, the labor can be physical and often dangerous. Construction jobs also involve heavy equipment and power tools so it is important to follow proper safety procedures. 

Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that approximately 150,000 construction site injuries occur each year. The BLS also reported that even though falls make up the majority of these accidents, equipment malfunctions also significantly contributed to causing injuries to employees. Unfortunately, construction site accidents can happen and they can cause serious injuries and deaths.

Safety First

Any type of construction site must follow strict rules and regulations for safety reasons. These procedures are monitored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). There are certain standards that are frequently violated in the construction industry. Below are some of the common construction site safety issues that if not properly addressed or followed, can cause an accident with injuries:

Accidents of any type can result in serious injuries, but in some cases, they can also cause the wrongful death of the victim. The loss of a beloved relative can traumatize a family for years. It can be difficult to accept his or her untimely demise at the hands of another person. This can be especially true if the incident was preventable and was caused by a negligent party’s wrongdoing. 

In certain situations, such as a homicide, the death may have been caused intentionally. Regardless of whether the death was the result of a motor vehicle accident or medical malpractice, the deceased person’s surviving spouse and next of kin may be entitled to monetary compensation. In some cases, this may be particularly important if the victim was the sole provider of the family’s income. It is important to know what constitutes wrongful death and how to seek damages for this type of tragedy.   

Illinois Wrongful Death Act

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act specifically defines “wrongful death” of a victim and various aspects of filing a claim, such as: