When businesses fail to adequately protect their customers from criminal attacks, and security negligence causes injury, the injured party may have the right to seek compensation for their physical, financial, and emotional losses.
As a customer or patron of a business, you expect that the business will take appropriate steps to ensure your safety while on their property. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you have been harmed due to security negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Businesses in Illinois have a duty to provide adequate security; and, as a result, they can be held liable for security negligence under state law in many cases.
The experienced attorneys at Coplan + Crane have helped the wrongfully injured in Chicago for years. We understand the hardships you may be facing after a severe injury, and we are committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation to which you are entitled under the law.
To recover fair compensation for security negligence, there are some important steps that you should try to take promptly. For example, as soon as possible, it will be important to:
While seeing a doctor promptly is important for your physical recovery, it is important for another reason as well: When you seek treatment promptly, your medical records will reflect the timing and nature of your injuries. Having this evidence available is critical when filing a claim for security negligence.
When you are able to do so, you should take notes about the incident. Write down everything you can remember—including why you suspect security negligence.
Beyond the steps discussed in this article, there will be many more steps involved in asserting your right to just compensation. To learn what you can expect as your case progresses, you should read about the steps involved in proving your legal rights.
If you have a negligent security claim, it will be up to you (and your lawyer) to prove how much you deserve to recover. With this in mind, you should start documenting your injuries’ effects daily. Keep track of your medical costs and time missed from work, and take notes about how your injuries negatively impact your day-to-day life.
Filing a successful negligent security claim requires experienced legal representation. To ensure that you know what you need to do next, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. In Illinois, you only have two years after an injury to file a personal injury claim (see 735 ILCS 5/13-202). If you fail to act within this statute of limitations, you may lose the ability to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Once you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will guide you through the process of seeking just compensation for your injuries. While individual circumstances vary, this process typically involves:
Were you injured due to security negligence in Illinois? If so, we encourage you to speak with a lawyer at Coplan + Crane as soon as possible.
Don’t face your injuries alone. Call 708-358-8080 or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation today. We serve clients throughout Illinois, including Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and other areas.
