Civil Law Attorneys
For people who rent homes or apartments, it can feel like the spin of a roulette wheel when it comes to what type of landlord you will have. If you’re lucky, your landlord will be a conscientious property owner who makes sure that the property is free from dangerous hazards and safety issues. Unfortunately, far too many landlords do not fall into this category and it is their tenants who suffer for it – often suffering personal injuries in the process.
Tenants who are injured may be able to pursue premises liability claims against the landlord if their injuries were caused because the landlord was negligent. A premises liability lawyer can help.
Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Although every state sets its own laws for property owners, each one does have laws in place that hold property owners and property management companies liable when victims are injured because they were negligent in the care of the property. This includes failing to repair knows hazards or failing to warn tenants and/or visitors that the hazard exists if they are not able to repair it right away.
When the victim who is injured is a visitor to the property, the liability can be much more clearer than if the victim is a tenant. This is because landlords often try to put as much responsibility for living spaces on tenants as they can. For example, there may be a stipulation in the lease that the tenant is responsible for reporting any known hazards to the landlord, such as a leak or fraying carpet. If the tenant doesn’t report the hazard and is subsequently injured, the landlord’s defense could be that they legitimately did not know of the hazard because the tenant failed to tell them.
However, if the tenant does report the hazard and the landlord fails to repair or eliminate that hazard and the tenant is subsequently injured, the landlord can be held liable for any losses those injuries cause the tenant.
Landlords are also responsible for maintaining the property. This includes all common areas. Some of the issues that can result in injuries to tenants and premises liability lawsuits include:
- Loose or missing handrails for stairways
- Loose railings for balconies or porches
- Burnt out or missing lights or smoke detectors
- Inadequate lighting in common areas
- Uneven walkways, sidewalks, or parking lots
- Cluttered hallways or walkways
- Inadequate security
Legal Help Is Here
If you have been injured in an accident, is in your best interest to speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer to find out what legal options you may have against the party responsible for your injuries. Your lawyer will provide the professional legal guidance you need to ensure you get the maximum financial compensation you are entitled to in an insurance settlement or jury award. Thank you to our friends at Council & Associates, LLC for the information about premises liability claims.