General Landowner Liability

Owning woodland comes with responsibilities, including taking reasonable steps to protect people who enter your property. Landowners may face liability when someone is injured because of unsafe conditions or activities on the property.

Liability can depend on several factors, including whether the person was invited, had permission to be on the property, or was trespassing; whether the landowner knew about a hazard; and whether reasonable precautions were taken. 

PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY AND VISITORS

Landowners should:

• Clearly mark property boundaries and post signs where appropriate.

• Regularly inspect areas where people may enter or use the property.

• Address or warn others about known hazards when appropriate.

• Avoid creating hazards intended to deter trespassers.

• Use appropriate precautions when conducting potentially dangerous activities, such as tree felling.

• Maintain adequate liability insurance.

Remember that posting your property against trespassing does not necessarily eliminate all landowner responsibilities. If you know that people regularly enter your property, take reasonable steps to prevent injuries.

GET LEGAL ADVICE

Landowner liability can be complex, and laws may change. The information on this website is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. The Illinois Forestry Association does not guarantee the accuracy or currency of legal information presented here.

For questions about your specific situation, consult an Illinois attorney. Landowners should also discuss appropriate liability coverage with their insurance provider.