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You’ve been hurt by someone who attacked you on property that lacked adequate lighting, fencing, or security. The attacker will likely face criminal charges, but even if he is convicted those charges will not compensate you for your injuries. While you may also have a civil claim against the attacker, you may be concerned about the attacker’s ability to pay when the court finds in your favor.
Yet You May Still Be Able to Recover Damages
If you can prove that the property owner failed to provide you with reasonable security, then you may be able to recover damages from the property owner or his insurance company. In Illinois, damages from a negligent security claim may include compensation for past, current, and future:
- Medical expenses. This may include surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, other rehabilitative therapy, assistive devices, and other costs.
- Lost income. Lost income may be your entire income if you are unable to work at all—or it may be the difference between your income prior to the accident and your income now, if you can only work reduced hours or at a different and lower-paying job.
- Out-of-pocket costs. This could include transportation costs, child care help, household help, and other expenses.
- Pain and suffering. You may be compensated for your physical pain and emotional suffering.
You may also recover for any other damages or expenses that you suffered.
The amount of damages that you actually suffered may be very different from the amount of money that an insurance company is initially willing to pay you in a settlement. However, an initial settlement offer may not be a final offer. Instead, you and your lawyer may be able to provide compelling evidence that convinces the insurance company to settle for a fair amount, or that convinces a jury to award you a fair verdict.
To learn more about negligent security claims, please read our free report, Negligent Security: What You Need to Know About It, or contact us via this website today to schedule a free consultation.
