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CHICAGO PREMISES LIABILITY ATTORNEYS

Decades of experience fighting for justice.

Property owners and residents have a responsibility to create a safe environment free of conditions that might lead to injuries or death. When accidents or injuries do occur, victims can seek damages through premises liability lawsuits. Cases could include a slip and fall on an icy driveway, an injury sustained on an amusement park ride or a criminal attack that was made possible by inadequate security. At Cavanagh Sorich Law Group, our attorneys have expertise in a breadth of premises liability litigation, including cases related to building code violations, workplace accidents and insufficient maintenance. 

ASBESTOS / MESOTHELIOMA 

Asbestos exposure can lead to a number of serious and potentially fatal health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Many victims first encounter asbestos at the workplace, in the military or in schools and homes. No amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe; many people don’t immediately realize the extent of their injuries because asbestos-related diseases often take decades to manifest. When a person is exposed to asbestos, microscopic slivers of the material become embedded in his or her lungs. The strands then cause tissue to grow abnormally over time. As scar tissue develops, breathing becomes increasingly difficult. Many victims of asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma, a form of cancer commonly associated with smoking.

DOG BITES / ANIMAL ATTACKS

From domestic pets to guard dogs, animal bites come in many forms. In Illinois, an animal’s owner is responsible for that animal’s behavior and is liable for any injuries or lost wages incurred from a bite or attack. Victims of animal attacks may encounter nerve damage or post-traumatic stress. Premises liability lawsuits hold negligent animal owners accountable while seeking damages for medical bills and emotional distress. Liability laws regarding dog bites vary from state to state. While some states have “one bite” policies that indemnify many owners for an animal’s first bite, Illinois is a strict liability state — meaning victims of animal bites can seek immediate legal recourse even if the animal has no history or violence or aggression.

DROWNING / SWIMMING POOL

Thousands of people across the U.S. die of drowning each year. When those deaths are the result of someone else’s negligence, families can hold people and institutions accountable through premises liability litigation. Some of the most common cases involve pools that are poorly maintained, pools that are staffed with reckless or negligent lifeguards and private pools that homeowners never properly fenced. In 2018, Cavanagh Sorich Law Group obtained a settlement on behalf of a woman whose toddler daughter was submerged underwater for 40 to 50 seconds during a swimming lesson at a pool in suburban Chicago.  The firm in 2017 filed a lawsuit against the YMCA in Niles, Ill., after a man nearly drowned in the facility’s pool. He was swimming laps when he suffered a heart attack and went underwater for more than five minutes. Two nearby lifeguards were chatting and failed to notice the situation.


About Cavanagh Sorich Law Group

Cavanagh Sorich Law Group has obtained more than $650 million in verdicts and settlements in Illinois and across the United States. Our veteran trial attorneys are aggressive advocates who practice every facet of personal injury law and take on cases of all sizes. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win. At Cavanagh Sorich Law Group, we pride ourselves on attentive customer service and being there for families in their times of need. Our well respected, award-winning attorneys are available 24/7 for your questions and concerns. To schedule a free case evaluation, call 312-425-1900.

Contact Us

To speak to an attorney and find out whether you have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit, fill out the form below or call 
(312) 425-1900.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I was involved in a car accident?

Call the police immediately and file a police report. Even if the damage was minor, it is essential to document what happened with a law enforcement agency. Take photos at the scene.

Never admit fault. Your testimony could be used against you at a later date. While you are required to speak to police, there is no obligation to talk to another person’s attorney or insurance company. Avoid providing written or oral statements.

Report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible — but don’t admit fault. Many insurance companies have rules requiring policyholders to report crashes within a certain timeframe. Check your policy to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.

Visit a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, it is imperative that a medical professional documents your injuries.

Hire an attorney. Cavanagh Sorich Law Group’s team of veteran trial attorneys will help you obtain maximum benefits through meticulous research, proven strategy and expert testimony.

Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Illinois has comparative negligence laws, which allow injured parties to have some degree of fault in an accident and still recover reduced damages. The amount of money recovered may be proportional to the degree to which a person is at fault. Insurance companies make determinations following interviews with witnesses and involved parties and a thorough review of the accident report.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?

Under Illinois law, people have two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. That timeframe drops to one year if the claim is against a municipal government, such as a city or county.

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