Chicago Hotel Negligent Security Lawyer

Compensation for Victims of Negligence at Chicago Hotels

A Chicago hotel negligent security lawyer will protect your legal rights if a hotel or resort fails to provide adequate security, resulting in harm to you. Through fierce negotiation, we will secure financial compensation that will cover your damages, such as lost wages or medical bills. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Hotel Security Cases in Chicago

• $21,000,000 for failure to screen employees
• $6,350,000 for missing security measures in parking lots
• $1,000,000 for failure to reprogram key cards

Hotels’ Duty to Protect Guests from Foreseeable Crime

Illinois premises liability law states that property owners are required to provide adequate security measures to protect their guests (740 ILCS §130/2). 

The crucial element is that they must prevent foreseeable danger. For example, the Illinois Appellate Court case Gress v. Lakhani Hospitality, Inc demonstrated that a hotel can be liable if it hires employees with a history of violence.

This means that if the hotel knows there have been significant criminal incidents on the property, or they are aware that an employee has been accused of sexual assault, then they can be held responsible if something happens.

Examples of Inadequate Security Leading to Harm

Any establishment must make reasonable security measures, and it can be liable if any harm comes to invited guests. Some common examples of poor security include the following.

Poor Lighting: A study by the University of Chicago determined that good lighting can reduce violent crime. Failing to light up stairwells and entrances can make a hotel liable.

Failure to Control Access: Every room should have a working lock in addition to keycard access so that others can’t break in. Keycards should be reprogrammed after every visit, and any entrances should be access-controlled. Additionally, staff should be trained not to give out people’s room numbers and to be discreet when assigning rooms.

Lack of Surveillance: The presence of surveillance cameras and sufficient security staff can help prevent crimes. If a hotel does not have surveillance cameras or 24/7 security, they have failed to provide adequate security. 

Failure to Conduct Background Checks: Every hotel should complete thorough background checks on anyone who works with the public. While businesses cannot discriminate against applicants based on criminal convictions, they may choose not to hire someone if their conviction poses a risk to guests (HB3056). 

Failure to Remove Dangerous Individuals: Hotels are required to remove individuals who may harm others, including guests (4-6-180(d)).

Lack of a Panic Button: The Chicago Municipal Code requires that hotel staff have panic buttons available for use in the event of an emergency (4-6-180(a)). Not providing this can make it difficult to get help in time. 

Compensation for Victims of Inadequate Security in a Hotel

Our Chicago premises liability attorneys will fight hard to ensure you get all the compensation you deserve. This can include:

• Medical expenses, including ER visits, hospitalization, and therapy
• Lost wages or loss of earning potential
• Psychological counseling
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If your case goes to trial, the jury may award punitive damages, which are meant to prevent the defendant from reoffending.

Contact a Chicago Hotel Inadequate Security Lawyer Near You for a Free Consultation

The Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury is just two years, meaning you must act fast to secure compensation (735 ILCS 5/13-202). We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we win your case. 

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a 98% success rate and has worked with over 5,000 clients in the past 25 years. You can be assured of a thorough investigation and fierce negotiation to get what you deserve. 

Call our nationally recognized personal injury attorneys in Chicago at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation. 

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All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.