Are Landlords Liable if Not Having Secure Premises Causes an Injury?

 Posted on May 18, 2025 in Aviation Litigation

In Illinois, landlords are legally obligated to maintain their property in reasonably safe conditions for renters. When failing to do so results in a tenant’s injury, the state premises liability law requires the landlord to pay for damages. If you suffered severe injuries due to your landlord’s negligence regarding security, a Chicago, IL premises liability attorney will investigate your case to look for proof of fault and all recoverable damages.

Understanding Negligent Security Under Illinois Law

A landlord’s security efforts can be considered negligent when tenants and anyone on the property are at risk of injury. Poor lighting, insufficient surveillance systems, broken locks, ineffective alarm systems, and inadequately trained security personnel could all result in a negligent security claim. For example, an apartment complex lacking sufficient lighting can attract criminal activity because it allows offenders to commit crimes in an environment where they are less likely to be caught.

Liability for Personal Injuries Due to Negligent Security in Illinois

Landlords are not the only parties who could be liable for damages in cases involving inadequate security on a property. Other potentially liable parties include:

• Security companies: Sometimes, a property owner outsources security to a third party. If that company fails to perform its duties properly, such as not responding to security alerts or monitoring cameras, it could be liable for your losses.

• Property managers: If your landlord employs a property manager, that manager is tasked with maintaining security. Failure to do their job could make them liable for damages instead of the landlord.

• Homeowners’ associations: If you are renting a home that is part of an HOA and suffer injuries in a common area, you may be able to hold the HOA responsible for your losses.

Several factors are considered when determining liability. For example, whether the responsible party could have foreseen the crime or knew the risks and failed to take precautions directly impacts liability. Talk to your attorney about liability in your case.

Proving Landlord Negligence in an Illinois Premises Liability Case

When pursuing compensation from your landlord or any other party responsible for your injuries, you must prove the defendant’s negligence. To establish fault, you first have to prove that the landlord owed you a duty of care as outlined under Illinois law and that they breached that duty by failing to keep the property secure in one way or another. Then, the evidence you provide must show that the breach directly resulted in your injuries. Most importantly, your injuries must result in damages.

Assaults and robberies are typical examples of incidents related to security negligence. These crimes can result in severe injuries and substantial losses. Common examples of damages you may be able to recover include the current and future cost of medical care for your injuries, lost wages, damaged or stolen property, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Your attorney will help you identify all recoverable losses in your case.

Talk to a Chicago, IL Premises Liability Attorney Today

Proving negligence in a premises liability case can be challenging. At Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, our Chicago, IL personal injury lawyers have secured millions of dollars in settlements for people injured because of a property owner’s reckless abandonment of their duty to maintain proper security. If you have questions about your right to seek compensation, call 312-605-8800 to schedule a free consultation today.