Data shows more than 43 million American households rent their housing. That’s 36 percent of the United States housing market overall. In some parts of the country, as much as three fourths of the residents rent the place where they live. But what happens if there are hazards in the place you call home? What if you get injured at your apartment or other rental property, and the cause was something your landlord should have fixed? You may have a personal injury claim.
Common Apartment Conditions That Can Cause Personal Injury
The law requires landlords to keep rental property safe for tenants. Multi-unit apartment complexes require ongoing maintenance or they quickly develop issues like these.
- Unsafe staircases – Stairways used to access upper-level units get a lot of use. Sometimes handrails work themselves loose or stairs become unstable or slippery.
- Deteriorating parking lots – Potholes and cracks cause trip and fall injuries, especially at night when lighting may be low.
- Electrical shock hazards – Old wiring and worn insulation creates the risk of electrical burns.
- Decaying flooring – Flooring that comes loose or has exposed fasteners can cause falls or cuts.
- Run down outdoor spaces – Apartment complexes may have infrequently tended tennis courts, basketball courts or playgrounds. When equipment becomes broken or surfaces deteriorate, tenants and visitors can get hurt using them.
- Malfunctioning or missing locks – If your doors and windows don’t lock correctly, you’re at greater risk of theft or assault.
- Broken or nonexistent smoke alarms – Landlords are responsible for providing smoke alarms that work so tenants are protected in case of fire. FEMA maintains a guide with requirements for Texas and Louisiana.
What About Renter’s Insurance?
Sometimes tenants become injured and they don’t realize they might be entitled to compensation. There’s a common misconception that’s what renter’s insurance is for, and if you aren’t carrying it at the time an accident or injury occurs, you’re just out of luck.
Renter’s insurance covers you if someone breaks into your rental unit and steals your stuff, or if there’s a fire and your belongings are destroyed. It will also cover you if you have a guest and you accidentally cause them to become injured. However, if you get hurt because of something the landlord did or didn’t do, it’s the landlord’s fault and he or she bears financial responsibility.
If dangerous conditions show up inside your apartment, it is your responsibility to notify the landlord. For example, if you have a leak, your floorboards are coming loose or your shower door develops a problem, you need to let your apartment manager know. Document your communication just in case. If he or she doesn’t fix the problem within a reasonable time period and you get hurt, that’s negligence.
Landlords are also responsible for maintaining safe conditions in common areas. You can tell the office about the potholes and cracks in the parking lot, and it’s probably a good idea to do so, but if you didn’t notice them until you tripped and broke a bone, it was always their responsibility to conduct regular inspections and keep tenants safe.
When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Landlords carry insurance in case someone becomes injured on the property, but not all of them will just write you a check to cover your doctor bills and other damages if you get hurt. In many situations, you’ll have to show the landlord’s negligence caused your injuries. That’s where we come in.
Monsour Law Firm attorneys know landlord-tenant laws in Texas and Louisiana. We can help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with property managers and insurance companies. In order to get the compensation you deserve and give yourself the best chance of getting well, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Schedule a complimentary consultation to find out how we can help.
