How Do Building Code Violations Influence Illinois Premises Liability Claims?

 Posted on June 30, 2020 in Personal Injury

A premises liability claim is one involving an injury on another party’s property. Property owners and managers cannot be expected to prevent every injury on their property, but they do have a legal obligation to keep their premises free of dangers that they could reasonably prevent. If the negligent actions or inaction of a property owner or property manager lead to someone’s injury or death, the property owner or manager may be liable for damages. In many cases, unsafe conditions on a property are the result of building code violations. Read on to learn about how violating building codes can influence your premises liability claim.

What Are Building Codes?

Local, state and federal laws referred to as building codes regulate the design and construction of buildings. These codes typically describe the minimum standards that must be met regarding the building’s materials and how those materials are assembled.  Building codes regulate structural components of the building as well as electrical wiring, plumbing, and more. Safety features such as smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, emergency escapes, proper lighting, and exit signs are also typically required. Buildings must also meet standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Equipment like handrails, railings, and grab bars are just some of the accessibility features that buildings may be required to have.

Building Code Noncompliance Can Lead to Injury or Death

A local building inspector is typically the party responsible for ensuring that a building meets applicable building codes. Failure to comply with building codes can result in fines and other penalties. Even worse, a building that is not up to code creates a risk of harm to customers or other people invited onto the property. For example, if a building’s electrical systems are not properly installed, this can cause a fire. Broken stairways or missing handrails can result in an individual falling down the stairs and becoming severely injured. Leaky plumbing can cause wet floors that present a slip and fall risk.

If you or a loved one were injured due to a defective or dangerous condition on a property, you may have a valid premises liability claim. You could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and more. Speak to a personal injury attorney to learn more.

Contact a Glen Ellyn Injury Lawyer

Building code violations not only break the law, but they also place visitors to the property in danger of serious injury. To learn more about how a premises liability claim can help you recover compensation for your injury, contact Schwartz Injury Law. Call our office at 630-349-2325 today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Illinois premises liability attorney to discuss your needs.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048