Suing a Restaurant or Bar After an Injury: What to Know About Premises Liability in Illinois

The Collins Law Firm is proud to represent individuals and families throughout Illinois who have been injured in restaurants, bars, and other public establishments. When business owners fail to keep their premises safe, the results can be devastating—causing serious falls, burns, assaults, or other preventable harm.

In Illinois, property owners have a legal duty to protect customers from unreasonable dangers. If a restaurant or bar violates that duty, they can be held liable for the injuries that follow. The Collins Law Firm helps victims hold negligent businesses accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.

Understanding Premises Liability in Illinois

Premises liability refers to a property owner’s responsibility for maintaining safe conditions on their property. Under Illinois law, restaurants and bars must take reasonable care to protect guests and employees from foreseeable hazards.

This duty includes:

• Regularly inspecting the premises for spills, broken flooring, or hazards
  
• Cleaning and maintaining restrooms and dining areas
  
• Providing adequate lighting and clear walkways
  
• Securing outdoor areas such as patios, sidewalks, and parking lots
  
• Ensuring safety during weather conditions like snow and ice
  
• Hiring and supervising staff responsibly, including security personnel
  

When a business ignores these obligations, accidents happen—and victims are left with medical bills, lost wages, and lasting pain.

At The Collins Law Firm, we believe no one should suffer because of a restaurant or bar owner’s carelessness.

Common Injuries in Illinois Restaurants and Bars

Restaurants and bars are filled with potential hazards—slippery floors, heavy equipment, crowds, and alcohol consumption all increase the risk of injury.

Some of the most common premises liability cases we handle include:

• Slip and fall accidents: Caused by spilled drinks, greasy floors, or uneven surfaces.
  
• Trip and fall injuries: From cluttered walkways, torn carpets, or broken steps.
  
• Burns and scalds: From hot food, spilled coffee, or kitchen negligence.
  
• Falling objects: Shelving, light fixtures, or decorations that aren’t properly secured.
  
• Assaults or attacks: Resulting from inadequate security or failure to control violent patrons.
  
• Parking lot injuries: Poor lighting, cracked pavement, or unsafe access points.
  

Whether you were injured inside the establishment or on its property, Illinois law gives you the right to pursue a claim when negligence played a role.

When Alcohol Contributes to an Injury

Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol have added legal responsibilities. Under the Illinois Dram Shop Act, a business can be held liable if it serves alcohol to an intoxicated person who later causes injury or property damage.

For example:

• A visibly drunk patron assaults another customer inside the bar.
  
• An intoxicated driver leaves the restaurant and causes a crash.
  

In both cases, The Collins Law Firm can help victims pursue claims not only against the intoxicated individual, but also against the establishment that overserved them.

Dram shop liability is a crucial tool for victims seeking full recovery in alcohol-related incidents.

Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Case

To win a premises liability lawsuit in Illinois, you must prove that:

1. The restaurant or bar owed you a duty of care as a customer or guest.
   
2. The business breached that duty by failing to maintain safe conditions or warn you about hazards.
   
3. You were injured as a direct result of that negligence.
   

Evidence often includes security footage, eyewitness testimony, maintenance records, and expert inspection reports.

The Collins Law Firm’s slip and fall accident attorneys move quickly to preserve this evidence, often sending spoliation letters to prevent businesses from deleting video footage or altering the scene after an accident.

Special Considerations for Restaurants and Bars

Restaurants and bars pose unique legal challenges because of their high-traffic environments and reliance on staff. Some important considerations include:

• Employee negligence: If a worker spills a drink or fails to clean a hazard promptly, the employer can be held liable.
  
• Security failures: Bars must provide reasonable security measures to protect guests, especially in late-night or high-volume venues.
  
• Maintenance contracts: Sometimes, outside contractors (cleaning companies, maintenance crews, etc.) share responsibility for unsafe conditions.
  

At The Collins Law Firm, we investigate all potential defendants to ensure you receive the maximum possible recovery.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of restaurant or bar injuries in Illinois may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy)
  
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Emotional distress
  
• Long-term disability or disfigurement
  
• Property damage (e.g., personal items destroyed in a fall)
  

In extreme cases—such as reckless disregard for safety or intentional misconduct—courts may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future negligence.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Illinois

Under Illinois law, most personal injury victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies gain leverage.

If your injury occurred at a government-owned venue (such as a park district facility or public event space), even shorter notice requirements may apply.

Contact The Collins Law Firm as soon as possible after an injury so we can begin protecting your rights immediately.

How The Collins Law Firm Builds Your Case

Our attorneys take a meticulous, evidence-based approach to every premises liability claim. When you work with The Collins Law Firm, we:

1. Investigate the scene and gather physical and digital evidence.
   
2. Identify all liable parties—including owners, managers, and third-party contractors.
   
3. Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
   
4. Negotiate with insurers to pursue fair compensation.
   
5. Take your case to trial if the business refuses to take responsibility.
   

We handle all communication with the other side, allowing you to focus on recovery while we focus on results.

Preventable Negligence Demands Accountability

Restaurants and bars profit from inviting the public into their establishments. With that invitation comes a duty to provide a safe environment. Failing to clean spills, hire qualified staff, or prevent foreseeable harm is not a “mistake”—it’s negligence.

At The Collins Law Firm, we’ve spent decades fighting for people injured by careless property owners, corporations, and insurers who put profit over safety. Our mission is simple: to make sure those responsible are held accountable.

Call The Collins Law Firm Today

If you’ve been injured at a restaurant or bar in Illinois, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The business and its insurance company may try to minimize your claim—but you have rights under Illinois law.

Call The Collins Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the justice you deserve.

Get justice. Contact The Collins Law Firm now.