Apartment Building Accidents: Who Is Liable?

When accidents occur in apartment buildings, it falls under premises liability law. Property owners must keep apartment buildings, playgrounds, and common areas safe for the people who live there and for those who visit. Failure to do so could result in a personal injury lawsuit. The following is an outline of premises liability law and how it may help those hurt in apartment building accidents to obtain a monetary settlement for their injuries. If you or a loved one have been involved in an apartment building accident, seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer to learn about the options available to you.
What Duty Does the Landlord or Property Owner Have?
The landlord or property owner has a duty to maintain the apartment building and surrounding common areas in a manner that is safe. In order to obtain a settlement in an apartment building accident lawsuit, you will be required to prove that the landlord or property owner did not maintain an appropriate standard of care and caused your injuries. The rules regarding the standard of care in regard to apartment building landlords and owners are as follows:
Responsibilities in an Apartment Building
In a rented apartment, the person who is responsible for keeping the property in proper working order is responsible for paying for your injuries after an accident. In most cases, tenant/landlord responsibility looks similar to this:
What Can a Lawyer Do to Help You Win Your Case?
Apartment building accidents are always stressful, and the legal process is hard to navigate even in the best of circumstances. Your lawyer may be able to help you win your case by:
The Landlord Is Responsible for All Other Areas
What Duty Does the Landlord or Property Owner Have?
The landlord or property owner has a duty to maintain the apartment building and surrounding common areas in a manner that is safe. In order to obtain a settlement in an apartment building accident lawsuit, you will be required to prove that the landlord or property owner did not maintain an appropriate standard of care and caused your injuries. The rules regarding the standard of care in regard to apartment building landlords and owners are as follows:
- The Tenant Must Use the Property in a Normal Manner
- The Property Owner or Landlord Must Keep the Property Safe for Tenants
Responsibilities in an Apartment Building
In a rented apartment, the person who is responsible for keeping the property in proper working order is responsible for paying for your injuries after an accident. In most cases, tenant/landlord responsibility looks similar to this:
- The Tenant Is Responsible for Things Inside the Apartment Like Furniture or Other Objects That Move
- The Landlord Is Responsible for All Other Areas
- Proving Negligence
- Damages
- Cost of Doctor Visits
- Emergency Room Fees
- Ambulance Transport Costs
- Unpaid or Outstanding Hospital Bills
- Cost of Physical, Speech, or Occupational Therapy
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Lost Wages
What Can a Lawyer Do to Help You Win Your Case?
Apartment building accidents are always stressful, and the legal process is hard to navigate even in the best of circumstances. Your lawyer may be able to help you win your case by:
- Hiring Accident Investigators
- Speaking with Your Doctors to Prove Your Injuries Are Severe or Disabling
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company for the Apartment Building or Landlord
- Filing Court Documents
- Representing You at Trial
The Landlord Is Responsible for All Other Areas
- Cost of Doctor Visits
- Emergency Room Fees
- Ambulance Transport Costs
- Unpaid or Outstanding Hospital Bills
- Cost of Physical, Speech, Or Occupational Therapy
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Lost Wages
- Hiring Accident Investigators
- Speaking with Your Doctors to Prove Your Injuries Are Severe or Disabling
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company for the Apartment Building or Landlord
- Filing Court Documents
- Representing You at Trial