Can You Sue a Hotel for Negligent Security in Illinois?

 Posted on October 30, 2025 in Premises Liability

Guests trust that hotel owners and staff will take reasonable steps to keep them safe. A hotel that does not provide adequate security can end up harming visitors. If you were harmed on hotel property due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a premises liability claim. 

Experienced Chicago, IL premises liability lawyers can help you understand your rights. Together, we can gather the evidence needed to prove negligence and hold the hotel accountable for failing to protect you.

What Is Considered Negligent Security at a Hotel?

Illinois law requires property owners to maintain safe premises for lawful visitors under the Illinois Premises Liability Act. When they fail to provide proper security, they breach that duty. Examples of negligent security can include:

• Poor lighting in hallways, parking lots, or stairwells

• Broken locks or unsecured entry points

• Lack of security cameras or guards in high-risk areas

• Ignoring previous reports of suspicious activity or violence

• Failing to respond quickly to emergencies or guest complaints about safety

• Hiring untrained or unqualified staff to handle security or guest safety

If a hotel ignores these dangers and a guest becomes the victim of a crime or injury, the hotel may be legally responsible.

When Is a Hotel Owner Responsible for a Guest’s Injury?

The key issue in determining whether a hotel owner is liable is "foreseeability." If the hotel knew or should have known that a crime or hazard was likely, it had a duty to act. This includes protecting against risks caused by others, such as assaults or robberies, when those risks are foreseeable. For example, assume a hotel had repeated thefts in its parking lot but never fixed the lighting or hired security. In that case, the hotel would likely be responsible for injuries that happen there.

What Kind of Evidence Do You Need To Prove a Hotel Was Negligent About Security?

To prove negligent security, you must show that the hotel’s carelessness directly caused your injury. Evidence can include security videos, police reports, and records of past incidents showing the hotel ignored safety risks. Witness or employee statements can also help show what happened and how the hotel’s negligence caused your injuries.

Be aware that the insurance company may take any opportunity to use statute 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This law applies the modified comparative negligence rule to cases involving shared fault. They may try to reduce the amount of your award by claiming that you are partially responsible for the incident.

This means your compensation can be reduced by a percentage equal to your share of fault. As long as you are found less than 50 percent at fault, you may still recover damages. However, say, for example, the insurer claims that you are 40 percent liable. Then, they would only have to pay 60 percent of the total value of your losses. You need an experienced attorney to handle communication with the insurance company for you and fight for your right to fair compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chicago, IL Premises Liability Attorney Today

If you were attacked, assaulted, or injured because of a hotel’s lack of security, Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC can help. Having served the community since 1997, our team has decades of combined experience. To learn more about how we can help you, call 312-236-6324 to schedule a free consultation with our trusted Chicago, IL premises liability lawyers today.