Apartments are a place for students, adults, and children to live in close quarters. This is what makes them perfect living spaces for people who need to be near the center of a city or town. These apartments often come with many safety hazards that can lead to injury.
Have you been hurt in an apartment-related accident? Tenants and visitors to apartment complexes sustain frequent injuries as a result of a landlord’s failure to correct or repair certain dangerous conditions, such as flooding, shattered stairs, or collapsing decks. If you were injured in an apartment building, you are entitled to compensation. Personal injury lawsuits against landlords or apartment buildings for injuries on rental property are common. Premises liability lawsuits can be filed by our accident attorneys. Compensation may be obtainable through:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain
- Suffering
What are the Most Common Injuries in Apartments?
Accidents in apartments are fairly common and can cause a wide range of injuries. Apartments are a convenient way to live. There are some risks associated with this living situation, however. Knowing the most common injuries sustained by those living in an apartment is important so that you can prevent them or know what to do if they happen to you. Typical injuries include:
- Broken bones, particularly to the hands, wrists, and arms, as you attempt to break your fall
- Spinal injuries
- Head injuries
- Strains
- Sprains
- Muscle tears
It should be noted that the elderly are especially vulnerable to injury. They are more likely to obtain greater damages. If you don’t want to experience these types of injuries, there are many precautions you can take.
The following are some of the most common apartment accidents that can result in injuries:
- Slip and fall accidents (for example, poor handrails or loose carpeting)
- Injuries caused by broken stairs in stairwells and stairways
- Injuries when a porch or deck collapses, accidents in common areas, and on playgrounds
- Injuries from an unprotected elevator shaft
- Injuries from poor lighting
- Injuries from a building owner’s failure to meet building code requirements
- Accidents from inadequate or negligent security
Do I Need A Personal Injury Attorney?
In personal injury accident cases, common defendants include landlords, property owners, and property management firms. It is important to note that injury lawyers frequently file an apartment injury lawsuit under a state’s premises liability laws.
Property owners and occupants have a duty of care under these laws:
- To keep their property reasonably safe
- To warn guests and visitors of lurking dangers that aren’t already open and obvious
If a landlord or property owner breaches this duty, you will most likely prevail in a premises liability claim.
How to Prevent Injuries in Apartments: Essential Safety Tips
Apartment living comes with its own set of safety challenges, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury. Regularly inspect your apartment for hazards like loose floorboards, broken stairs, or malfunctioning lighting. Installing safety features like grab bars in bathrooms, non-slip mats in the kitchen, and securing rugs can prevent falls. Additionally, ensure that smoke detectors are working and fire exits are clearly marked. Taking proactive measures can help you avoid costly and painful accidents.
What to Do After an Apartment Injury: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve injured yourself in an apartment complex, knowing what steps to take immediately can make all the difference in your case. Start by seeking medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Document the accident scene by taking photos of hazardous conditions, such as broken steps or faulty railings. Report the injury to the property management and landlord, and keep records of your communication. Lastly, contact a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries.
The Role of Landlords in Preventing Apartment Injuries
Landlords must maintain a safe environment for their tenants. They are required by law to ensure the property is free from hazardous conditions that could lead to injuries. This responsibility includes performing regular maintenance checks, repairing broken fixtures, and ensuring common areas are safe. If a landlord fails to meet these responsibilities, they may become liable for injuries sustained by tenants or visitors. If you suffer an injury due to a landlord’s negligence, you may qualify for compensation through a premises liability lawsuit.
How Will A Lawyer Help Me?
Every year, people living in apartments report hundreds of injuries. This is a concerning statistic that should be addressed to ensure that you do not suffer a similar injury. If you have suffered a serious injury, an injury attorney can assist you in managing your ongoing medical care. Give our office a call if you have been injured in an apartment-related accident at 310.943.1171.
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