Bloomington Premises Liability Attorney
Our Firm Can Hold Property Owners Liable
When you’re injured on another person’s property—whether at a store, apartment complex, or public place—you may have the right to pursue compensation. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for guests and visitors. When they fail to meet that responsibility, serious accidents can happen. At Haxel Law, our experienced Bloomington premises liability lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout Bloomington, IL, and surrounding communities.
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall, trip and fall, dog bite, or other injury on unsafe premises, our team can help you hold the negligent property owner accountable and recover your entitled compensation.
Contact us today at (217) 215-4166 for a free consultation with our Bloomington premises liability lawyer.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners and occupiers to keep their premises reasonably safe for those who enter. If unsafe or hazardous conditions cause someone’s injury, the property owner may be held liable for damages.
This area of law applies to both residential and commercial properties, including:
- Retail stores and shopping malls
- Restaurants, bars, and hotels
- Apartment complexes and rental properties
- Private homes
- Office buildings
- Parking lots and sidewalks
- Public parks and recreation areas
Some of the most common types of premises liability claims include:
- Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces
- Trip and fall accidents from loose carpeting, cracked pavement, or cluttered walkways
- Dog bites and animal attacks due to negligent pet owners
- Negligent security leading to assaults or robberies in unsafe buildings or parking areas
- Falling object injuries from unsafe shelving or poorly secured fixtures
- Swimming pool accidents caused by lack of supervision or missing safety barriers
- Fire and electrical injuries due to code violations or failure to maintain safe wiring
If you’ve been injured in one of these scenarios, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim.
Illinois Premises Liability Laws
Illinois law holds property owners to a duty of care under the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/1 et seq.). This statute defines the legal obligations property owners owe to people on their premises and allows injured parties to recover damages when those obligations are breached.
Under Illinois law, property owners must:
- Maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition
- Inspect regularly for potential hazards
- Repair or warn visitors of dangerous conditions that are not obvious
Unlike some states that distinguish between “invitees,” “licensees,” and “trespassers,” Illinois simplifies the rules. Property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to all lawful visitors—those who have permission to be on the property.
However, the duty to trespassers is more limited. Property owners generally do not owe a duty of care to adult trespassers, except in cases of willful or wanton conduct. Special rules may apply if the trespasser is a child, especially in cases involving an “attractive nuisance,” such as an unfenced pool or abandoned structure that may entice children to enter.
To win a premises liability case in Bloomington, IL, your attorney must prove:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care.
- The owner breached that duty through negligence or failure to act.
- The breach directly caused your injury.
- You suffered damages as a result.
Our team at Haxel Law understands Illinois premises liability laws and how to apply them to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Compensation from a Premises Liability Claim
The damages available in a premises liability case can vary depending on the severity of your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life. At Haxel Law, our Bloomington premises liability lawyers work tirelessly to pursue full and fair compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: hospital bills, physical therapy, surgeries, and ongoing care
- Lost wages: time missed from work during recovery
- Loss of earning capacity: if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or earning the same income
- Property damage: such as personal items damaged in the accident
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life: inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
- Emotional distress: including anxiety, depression, or PTSD following a traumatic event
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter future negligence.
Our attorneys carefully assess every aspect of your case to calculate the full extent of your losses and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement—or take your case to court if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Is My PI Claim Worth?
Determining the value of your claim can be complex. It can be easy to overlook many types of compensation available to you, especially without an in-depth understanding of Illinois law. Seeking legal representation is essential to identify liable parties and calculate the total damages in your claim.
While pinpointing the exact value of your claim requires a thorough case evaluation from our attorneys, you should know that you are entitled to compensation for all losses incurred in the accident, including future costs resulting from your injuries. Our firm can negotiate effectively on your behalf to pursue the full compensation available to you.
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How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?
It depends. The timeframe for settling a personal injury claim will vary based on unique factors, such as whether the insurance company is willing to make a fair offer, any potential liability disputes, and whether your case goes to trial. Many claims are settled out of court, but others can take more time to resolve. However, taking longer to settle isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While preparing for potential litigation may extend the duration of your case, it can also mean the difference between recovering maximum compensation and walking away with much less than you deserve. Our attorneys are familiar with insurance companies to pursue the fastest path to resolution without compromising the just settlement you need to focus on your recovery.
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Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?After an accident, you should avoid discussing the incident with any insurance representative without your lawyer present. Having your attorney speak directly with the insurance adjuster on your behalf is typically best to protect your rights. If you do end up talking with the insurance adjuster, you only need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, and so on. Don’t share any information that may be used against you, such as apologizing or admitting fault.
Why Choose Haxel Law?
At Haxel Law, we have extensive experience handling complex premises liability claims in Bloomington and throughout Illinois. Our firm is built on the principles of dedication, integrity, and client-focused advocacy.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Personalized attention: Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific situation.
- Proven results: We’ve recovered compensation for countless injury victims through settlements and verdicts.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Local experience: We understand the Bloomington community, local courts, and Illinois liability laws inside and out.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, don’t wait to seek legal help. The statute of limitations for premises liability claims in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within that time may bar you from recovering compensation.
Premises Liability Claim FAQs
What should I do after a premises liability accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the property owner or manager, document the scene with photos, and collect contact information from any witnesses. Then, contact a Bloomington premises liability lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long will my case take to resolve?
The timeline varies based on factors like liability disputes, insurance company cooperation, and the extent of your injuries. Some cases resolve within a few months, while others may take longer if litigation is necessary.
What if the property owner’s insurance company contacts me?
Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlements before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle all communications to protect your interests.
How much does it cost to hire a Bloomington premises liability lawyer?
At Haxel Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when we recover compensation for you.
Contact a Bloomington Premises Liability Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured on another person’s property, don’t face the aftermath alone. The experienced team at Haxel Law is ready to fight for your rights and secure the justice you deserve.
Call (217) 215-4166 now to start your path to recovery and get the guidance you deserve.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will definitely use Haxel Law again!"I’m so grateful for the legal assistance I received from Haxel Law. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and guided me throughout the process. I recommend Martin Haxel. He’s no nonsense and gets the job done. If needed I will definitely use Haxel Law again.- Sally B.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.