If you were injured in a slip and fall at an apartment complex, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. But who is liable for your damages?
Depending on the facts surrounding your injury, you may have grounds for a claim against the landlord, the tenant, or another party entirely. Unfortunately, whoever you name in your claim is likely to dispute liability. This is where a premises liability attorney may be able to help.
At LoTempio P.C. Law Group, we are well-versed in the laws that govern premises liability claims in New York. Our attorneys have more than 200 years of combined experience practicing law. Call 716-855-3761 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Read on to learn when landlords and tenants might be liable for a slip and fall accident:
When Landlords May Be Liable
Landlords have a duty to maintain all common areas of the apartment complex. They must also maintain each individual unit; however, because tenants have some right to privacy, landlords are not expected to inspect individual units frequently for potential hazards. It’s up to tenants to bring any dangers to the landlord’s attention.
In general, a landlord may be liable for a slip and fall if he or she knew or should have known about the hazard that caused the accident but failed to address it in a timely fashion and/or in a reasonable manner. If a snowstorm is passing through, for example, property owners do not have to shovel the walkways while it is still snowing; however, they may have to put out absorbent mats and/or wet floor signs at every door, because a person of ordinary prudence could assume the snow that tenants track in will make the floors slippery.
When Tenants May Be Liable
There are certain scenarios in which a renter can be liable for an accident that occurs on the premises. If a tenant causes a hazardous condition in the common area or fails to notify the property manager of a potential danger in his or her private residence, anyone who is injured as a result may have grounds for a claim against the tenant.
If a renter knocks a handrail loose, for example, but attempts to hide the damage by shoving it back in place, he or she could be liable for any injuries that occur due to a slip and fall on the staircase. Likewise, if floorboards in the apartment start rippling but the resident fails to notify the property manager, he or she could be responsible for any injuries that result.
Call 716-855-3761 to Speak with a Premises Liability Attorney in New York
If you want to file a premises liability claim following a slip and fall at an apartment complex, turn to LoTempio P.C. Law Group. Our personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of accident victims fight for the compensation they deserve. Call 716-855-3761 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in New York.