Who Is Responsible for Parking Garage Injuries in Illinois?

 Posted on December 30, 2025 in Personal Injury

Responsibility for a parking garage injury in Illinois depends on who owned, managed, or controlled the garage and what caused the injury. Parking garage cases often involve multiple parties, including property owners and management companies. When someone is injured, the key issue is whether the injury could have been prevented with reasonable care, meeting the standards of premises liability laws in Illinois. If you were hurt in a parking garage, our Schaumburg, IL personal injury lawyers can help explain who may be legally responsible.

How Does Illinois Law Determine Responsibility for Parking Garage Injuries?

Most parking garage injury claims fall under Illinois premises liability law. This area of law focuses on whether a property was kept reasonably safe for people who were allowed to be there.

The Illinois Premises Liability Act requires property owners and others in control of property to take reasonable steps to fix hazards and warn about dangers that are not obvious. When someone fails to do this and an injury happens, they may be held financially responsible.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Parking Garage Injury?

More than one party may be responsible for a parking garage injury. Liability depends on who had control over the garage and who failed to address the hazard. Some potentially liable people include:

• The owner of the parking garage or structure

• A property management company responsible for maintenance

• A business or tenant that controls part of the garage

• A contractor responsible for repairs, lighting, or security

Determining liability often involves reviewing contracts and maintenance records. You need to know how the garage was operated daily.

What Hazards Commonly Cause Injuries in Parking Garages?

Parking garages often contain hidden hazards, especially when they are not properly maintained. Poor lighting can make it hard to see steps, curbs, or obstacles. Uneven pavement, potholes, and cracked concrete can also create tripping risks. Slippery surfaces caused by oil, water, or ice are another common problem. Broken handrails, missing warning signs, or malfunctioning gates can further increase the risk of injury.

Security-related issues can also contribute to injuries, particularly when lighting or access control is inadequate. When a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal activity, they may be held responsible for injuries caused by an assault.

Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partly at Fault?

Being partly at fault does not automatically prevent recovery in Illinois. The state follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means responsibility can be shared between parties. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, a person may still pursue compensation if their share of fault is under 50 percent, though what they can receive is reduced to reflect their portion of responsibility.

For example, assume you are found 30 percent liable for the injury, and you have $100,000 in damages. You could still cover $70,000. Even when an insurer claims your distraction or inattention led to the accident, that argument does not automatically prevent recovery.

What Evidence Helps Prove a Parking Garage Injury Claim?

Strong evidence helps show what caused the injury and who was responsible. Because parking garages are often shared spaces, early documentation is important.

Helpful evidence may include:

• Photos or video of the hazard and surrounding area

• Maintenance records or incident reports

• Surveillance footage from the parking garage

• Witness statements and medical records

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Rolling Meadows, IL Premises Liability Attorneys

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we bring many decades of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars in successful verdicts for injured individuals. That experience helps us identify responsible parties and build strong claims in complex premises liability cases.

If you were injured in a parking garage and have questions about responsibility, call 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation with our Schaumburg, IL personal injury lawyers today. We can provide services in English, Spanish, and Cantonese.