An Alderman Wants to Install Bollards. We Couldn’t Agree More.

Bollards are posts, usually made of concrete or metal, that provide visual cues for drivers and pedestrians. Sometimes they’re used in front of parking garages to ensure that you can’t get out without paying the ticket; sometimes they pop up between bike lanes and the roadway to separate drivers from cyclists.

But sometimes, they’re strategically placed along sidewalks, usually near retail outlets. These bollards may look decorative, but they play an important role in protecting pedestrians. Not only do they serve as cue for where the sidewalk and pathways are, but they also stop vehicles from entering those sidewalks. As personal injury lawyers, we support any efforts to keep pedestrians safe. And we certainly support efforts to reduce storefront accidents, which can harm pedestrians, patrons, and business owners alike. But bollards may be the answer to another issue in Chicago: robberies and burglaries.

In response to a recent attempted robbery in Chicago’s Gold Coast area, Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) is advocating for increased security measures along Michigan Avenue and the nearby retail district. Following an incident where an SUV crashed into the Prada store on Oak Street, a meeting was convened to discuss the installation of protective bollards in the area. Officials at the meeting included representatives from the Magnificent Mile Association, the Chicago Police Department, and the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Costing about $1,000 each, these bollards are designed to seamlessly integrate with the decorative landscape while preventing vehicles from crashing into storefronts. Funding for the project is expected to come from a taxing district created to support security improvements, approved by the City Council in December 2021 after a series of high-end store robberies in the region.

Hopkins emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing a commitment to expedite the installation process. The use of these bollards aims to deter future incidents and garner support from retailers who face the economic burden of repairing frequent storefront damage.

How common are burglaries in Chicago?

According to CBS News, 2023 saw the fewest burglaries in Chicago in the last 10 years – but there were still 7,394 of them. Of those burglaries, 325 were committed at small retail stores, and 39 at department stores. Per CBS:

As a whole citywide, burglaries are down. With the exception of the figures for 2021, burglaries are the lowest they have been in decades.

This is because burglaries have shifted away from homes and apartments to places like restaurants and bars. When looking at small retail stores, there were only 325 burglaries in 2023 – which is about average for any given year in the last decade. The major difference is the use of vehicles on the storefronts, which – given the attention they garner – makes it seem like such burglaries are happening more often than they are.

THIS is why we support the Alderman’s efforts to install bollards. Of course we want to reduce the number of burglaries to zero; after all, we live and work here in Chicago, too. We want it to be safe. We want our fellow business owners to be successful. We, like everyone else, would like to live in a crime-free city. But we also want the additional benefits of stopping storefront strikes, and bollards are a relatively inexpensive way to do that in the short and long term.

Who is liable for my injuries during the commission of a crime?

If you were injured during a crash and grab, burglary, or robbery, you have legal options. You can file a personal injury lawsuit to recoup damages for the injuries you sustained. Typically, the responsibility for your injuries may rest with different parties:

• Criminal perpetrator: The primary responsibility often lies with the individual who committed the criminal act. However, identifying and holding a criminal liable can be challenging, especially if they are not apprehended.
• Store owner or operator: In some cases, the store owner or operator may be held liable if their negligence contributed to the injuries. For example, if the store failed to implement reasonable security measures or ignored known risks, they might be considered negligent.
• Property owner: If the property where the store is located has a separate owner, that owner might share liability if their negligence contributed to the unsafe conditions that led to your injuries.
• Security company: If the store hired a security company, the company could be held responsible if their negligence, such as inadequate training or staffing, contributed to the harm.

It is possible for multiple parties to be held liable, but the legal process behind determining this can be complicated. An attorney from Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers can help.

Who is liable if I’m injured in a building strike in Chicago?

If you were injured in a building strike where no crime was being attempted, the liable parties are typically the driver (whose negligence caused the strike) or the property owner (who didn’t take precautions to protect patrons). In the event that the car accident was the result of a defective auto part, like brake failure or a sticky accelerator, then the manufacturer could share liability.

Whether you were the victim of a crime or an act of negligence, you have the right to seek compensation when someone else injures you or causes you harm. At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we understand that after such an event, you are likely feeling scared and confused. On top of the mere trauma, you likely have to deal with medical bills and a loss in income. That’s where we come in. Let our Chicago personal injury lawyers help you work to secure compensation for your losses. To discuss your options, schedule a free consultation by calling us at our Chicago office, or using our contact page. We proudly serve those throughout Cook County.