A Bit of Joliet Illinois Legal History - Abnormally Dangerous Activities
ABNORMALLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES
General Definition: One who maintains abnormally dangerous condition or activity on his premises or engages in activity that presents an unavoidable risk of harm to the person or property of others may be liable for the harm caused even if the defendant has exercised reasonable care to prevent the harm. [Rs 2nd ยง519].
Illinois courts have applied the concept of strict liability to two activities: blasting and demolition.
The first case to apply strict liability for blasting in Illinois was City of Joliet v. Harwood, 86 Ill. 110 (1877).
In that case, the city let a contract to build a …









