Can I Sue if I Tripped and Fell Because of Bad Lighting?

 Posted on July 21, 2025 in Slip & Fall

If you fell in a dimly lit hallway, parking lot, or stairwell, you might be wondering whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, and that includes ensuring there is adequate lighting. When poor lighting causes you to fall and you are injured as a result, you may be able to hold the responsible party accountable through a premises liability claim. Speak with a passionate Chicago, IL personal injury lawyer to understand your options and make informed decisions about how to move forward.

When Does Poor Lighting Become a Legal Hazard?

Under Illinois’ Premises Liability Act, 740 ILCS 130, property owners and property managers must take reasonable steps to keep their property safe for visitors. This duty includes fixing or warning about hazardous conditions, including wet floors, broken stairs, or even poor lighting.

Inadequate lighting becomes a legal issue when it prevents people from seeing obstacles, drop-offs, or defects in walking surfaces that could cause them to trip or fall. For example, a burned-out lightbulb in a stairwell may prevent someone from seeing a missing handrail or uneven steps, leading to serious injury.

As of July 2025, Illinois courts continue to evaluate premises liability cases based on what a reasonable property owner should have known and done to prevent harm. This means that if you tripped, slipped, fell down, or otherwise got hurt because a property owner did not reasonably manage the lighting conditions, you may have a strong case. 

How Can I Prove That Lighting Caused My Fall?

To succeed in a premises liability claim based on poor lighting, you must prove that:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care (for example, you were a guest, customer, or tenant).

• The lighting was unreasonably poor and created a dangerous condition.

• The owner knew or should have known about the problem and did not fix it or warn visitors.

• The poor lighting directly contributed to your fall and injury.

Photos, video footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and your own account of the fall can help support your case. An attorney can also investigate whether the property owner had a history of neglect or previous complaints about lighting conditions.

In Chicago, where winters bring early darkness and icy conditions, the risk of falling increases significantly when lights are not maintained. Property owners must take seasonal conditions into account when managing safety.

What Compensation Could I Receive After a Fall?

If your case is successful, you may be able to recover damages for medical bills and future treatment, lost wages or reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability or disfigurement, and emotional distress. Insurance companies often try to downplay these claims or suggest that the fall was your fault. Attorney Adler has experience holding property owners and insurers accountable and can help build a strong, evidence-backed case to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Chicago, IL Premises Liability Lawyer

If you fell due to poor lighting, do not assume it was just bad luck. You may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Cook County, IL personal injury attorney at Adler Law Offices, LTD to learn more about your legal options. We will not back down or be intimidated by insurance companies on our path toward justice for you. Call 312-236-2700 today to schedule a free consultation so we can get started.