As a parent, there’s nothing more terrifying than seeing your child get hurt—especially when it happens somewhere they were supposed to be safe. Whether it’s a fall at a neighbor’s house, a playground injury, or an accident at a local business in Northbrook, it can be hard to know what to do next.
Here’s what you need to know if your child is injured on someone else’s property, and how to take steps to protect their well-being—and your family’s legal rights.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to get your child checked out by a medical professional. Kids may not always be able to describe what they’re feeling, and some injuries—like concussions or internal damage—don’t show obvious signs right away.
Prompt care not only protects your child’s health, but also creates a medical record that links the injury to the incident. That documentation can become critical if you decide to pursue a legal claim later.
Report the Incident
If the injury happened at a business, daycare, school, or apartment complex, notify management or staff immediately, ask for a written report to be created, and get a copy of that report.
If the accident occurred at someone’s home—like during a playdate—it may feel awkward to speak up, but it’s still important to document what happened. Be respectful but clear about your concerns and intent to follow up.
Document Everything
Once your child is safe and receiving care, take a few minutes to gather key details:
- Where the injury happened
- What conditions or hazards were present (e.g., broken playground equipment, slippery floors, unsecured pool)
- Photos of the scene, if possible
- Contact info for any witnesses
- Notes about what your child said or how they acted afterward
In Northbrook and surrounding communities like Glenview and Wheeling, many injuries happen in public places—parks, stores, or apartment complexes—where evidence can disappear quickly. The more documentation you have, the better.
Be Careful Talking to Insurance Companies
If the injury happened on a business or residential property, you might hear from their insurance company soon after the incident. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement.
While this might seem helpful, keep in mind that insurance adjusters are looking out for their bottom line—not your child’s long-term needs. Don’t sign anything or agree to a settlement without speaking to a lawyer first.
About Premises Liability for Children
In Illinois, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors—including children. This duty can be even greater when it comes to children because the law recognizes that kids may not recognize danger the way adults do.
Some examples of property hazards that could lead to a claim include:
- Unfenced swimming pools
- Broken playground equipment
- Loose stair railings or uneven walkways
- Aggressive dogs without proper restraints
- Dangerous conditions left unattended
In some cases, even if your child was technically “trespassing,” the law may still allow you to recover compensation under something called the attractive nuisance doctrine—which applies when a dangerous condition (like a trampoline or pool) is likely to draw in children.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
At Stein & Shulman, LLC, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be. We’ve helped parents across Northbrook and the North Suburbs after unexpected accidents left their children hurt and their families stressed.
We take the time to listen, investigate the details, and determine if the property owner or another party may be legally responsible for the injury. If so, we’ll help you pursue fair compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, long-term care needs, and more.
Call today to schedule a free, no-pressure case review. We’re here when you need us most.
