Finding the perfect apartment for your needs and budget can feel like a miracle. However, the last thing you expect after you’ve settled in is to sustain a slip and fall injury due the the negligence of other parties. Unfortunately, many are unaware of their legal options following an accident in a rented apartment. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog can help you navigate your legal options, as it explores how these accidents happen and who can face liability. You’ll also learn the importance of working with a slip & fall lawyer in Sacramento to help you in the fight for the justice you deserve.
How Does a Slip and Fall in an Apartment Happen?
Whether you slip and fall in your apartment, the hallway of your building, or the parking lot, there are a number of hazards you may encounter that can lead to this accident. These include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
- Inadequate lighting
- Missing handrails in stairwells
- Loose carpeting, tiles, or floorboards
- Debris left on the ground
- Unsecured wires
- Wet spots from cleaning
- Uneven or dilapidated walkways
Unfortunately, many underestimate how serious the injuries sustained in a slip-and-fall accident can be. Not only can you endure broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage, among others, but these accidents can also leave you with emotional damage. You may suffer from PTSD as a result, insomnia, and even a life-long disability that leads to pain and suffering.
When Can I File a Claim for Injuries in a Rented Apartment?
In the event you are injured in a rented apartment accident, it’s important to understand that the circumstances of the situation will determine who is liable for the injuries you’ve sustained. In most instances, a slip and fall in your own rented unit is generally deemed your fault. For example, if you slip on a cord left strewn on the floor or a wet spot in your bathroom after a shower, you wouldn’t be able to hold anyone else liable, as these are hazards you’ve created.
However, if there is a defect or unsafe condition in your apartment unit that has existed since before you moved in or has appeared through no fault of your own, your landlord or property manager can face liability if you alert them to the issue but they fail to remedy it. For example, if a pipe causes leaks on your floor that you’ve asked the owner to fix but they fail to do so, and you slip and fall as a result, you will likely be able to pursue them for compensation.
Additionally, if the accident takes place outside of your unit, like in a shared space or outside on the premises, the landlord can also face liability, as they are responsible for maintaining these spaces.
Because there are many factors that influence who is responsible for injuries in a rented apartment, it’s in your best interest to connect with an attorney from the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes to explore your options. Our team understands that these matters can be overwhelming, which is why we are ready to represent you during these difficult times to fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn more.