Who Is Liable If a Defective Product on Premises Causes an Injury?

 Posted on July 07, 2025 in Defective Products

When we think about injuries from defective products, we often picture problems at home, like a faulty appliance or a dangerous toy. What if a defective product causes injury while you are on someone else’s property? In Illinois, injuries like this can involve multiple areas of law, including product liability and premises liability. 

As of July 2025, Illinois law holds both manufacturers and property owners responsible when someone is injured due to preventable hazards, including defective products used or installed on the premises. If you were hurt under these circumstances, speak with an experienced Palatine, IL personal injury lawyer to understand whether you can pursue a claim for compensation.

What Types of Products Cause Injuries on Premises?

Under Illinois personal injury law, defective products that can lead to injury on another person’s property include malfunctioning elevators or escalators, defective exercise equipment at a gym, faulty wiring or lighting systems, broken hand dryers or electrical appliances in restrooms, vending machines or shelving units that tip over, and unsafe doors, automatic gates, or entry systems.

These types of accidents can happen at retail stores, apartment buildings, restaurants, gyms, office spaces, or even private homes. If the product was unreasonably dangerous and someone failed to repair, warn about, or replace it, that party could be held liable for the resulting injuries.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Product-Related Injury on Property?

Depending on the situation, one or more parties may be held responsible. If the item was defective in design or manufacturing, liability would typically fall with the product manufacturer. If the property owner or manager failed to maintain the product or allowed a known hazard to remain in place, they could be held legally accountable. If a service company or contractor improperly installed or maintained an item that led to an injury, they could be liable.

Illinois law allows injury victims to file a claim under both product liability and premises liability if appropriate. A skilled attorney can help you identify all possible sources of compensation.

What Do You Need to Prove in a Product Liability Claim?

To successfully recover damages, you must show that:

• The product was defective or unreasonably dangerous.

• The defect caused your injury.

• The property owner or other responsible party knew or should have known of the danger, or that the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control.

You do not need to prove negligence if the claim is based on strict product liability. But you may still need to show that the property owner had a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises.

What Compensation is There for a Successful Defective Product on Premises Case?

If your case is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for emergency and ongoing medical treatment, lost income from time off work, pain and suffering, long-term disability or disfigurement, and out-of-pocket expenses. Every case is different, and the amount you may recover depends on the nature of your injury, the degree of fault, and the insurance coverage available.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you were injured by a defective product while visiting a business or property, you may have legal options. Contact a Palatine, IL personal injury attorney to understand what those options are.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we bring many decades of combined experience to every personal injury case. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in successful verdicts, and we are deeply committed to protecting people in our local communities. Call 847-797-8000 today to schedule your free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.