Slip and falls are the second leading cause of injuries in this county. Tenants are not exempt from these accidents and may file lawsuits against landlords who did not take reasonable measures to prevent slip and falls.
Causes
Many defects and conditions at rental properties can cause slip and fall injuries. These include sidewalk or driveway cracks, broken steps, poor illumination of stairs and stairwells, slippery or wet floors, snow, or ice.
Landlord negligence
Tenants possess the right to live in a rental property that is reasonably free from permanent or temporary hazards.
Property owners may be held liable for slip and fall injuries if they were negligent. Typically, injured tenants or their guests must show that:
- The landlord had the legal duty of exercising reasonable care.
- Did not exercise this duty.
- There was physical harm from the landlord’s neglect.
- The victim suffered financial or other damages from the physical harm.
- The harm could have been avoided if the property owner exercised reasonable care.
- The landlord knew or should have known about the condition that caused the accident.
There are many examples of landlord negligence that play a role in slip and fall accidents. For example, the property owner did not remove snow and ice from sidewalks within a reasonable time, failure to fix a leaking roof that causes a puddle to form on steps after it rains, or not repairing a sinking sidewalk that caused an uneven footpath.
Landlords may also be held negligent if they fail to warn about a hazardous condition. Not placing placards or cones in front of a wet floor or stairway is an example of this negligence
Afterwards
Seek medical care for any injury, even if it was minor. Take pictures of the hazard or dangerous condition, if possible.
Slip and fall injuries can require long-term care and cause other losses. Attorney can assist victims with seeking compensation and filing a timely lawsuit.