Suppose you are injured at an apartment complex or a rental property. In that case, you might be confused about your legal rights and whether you have a viable personal injury claim against the landlord. Texas’s premises liability laws require property owners to keep their properties safe for tenants and their visitors.
For your landlord to be held liable for your slip and fall, you must prove they were negligent in causing it. This means they did something or failed to do something that created a dangerous condition that harmed you. Some of the factors that can determine whether or not your landlord may be legally responsible for the slip and fall include the following:
What Caused the Slip and Fall at the Rental Property
One of the most critical factors in determining legal liability is what caused the slip and fall to occur. Landlords could be negligent when the slip and fall occurred due to:
- Missing handrails
- Leaks
- Unresolved balcony issues
- Inadequate lighting
- Building code violations
- Faulty staircases
- Poorly maintained common areas
Where the Slip and Fall Occurred on the Property
Where the slip and fall occurred can also affect the viability of your claim. Generally, renters are responsible for the conditions in their property. If they created a hazardous condition that caused their slip and fall, such as not cleaning up something they spilled, they wouldn’t be able to seek compensation from their landlord. However, if a property owner fails to fix a roof leak and you slip and fall as a result, the landlord may be responsible.
Landlords are generally responsible for the common areas of the properties. This could include the exterior, stairs, walkways, and facilities such as gyms or clubhouses. If your accident occurred in such locations, the landlord might be responsible for those injuries.
Whether the Property Owner Knew About the Dangerous Condition That Harmed You
It’s not enough to show that a dangerous condition was on the property. You must also show that the landlord knew about the condition.
Did you or someone else notify the landlord about the hazardous condition that injured you? If not, they may not have had the requisite knowledge to correct the condition to prevent the injury. If you did and they failed to take reasonable steps to correct the condition, they may have been negligent and responsible for compensating you for the damages you suffered.
Pursuing a San Antonio Premises Liability Claim Against a Landlord
If your landlord was negligent in causing your injuries, you can seek compensation for the damages you suffered, which may include:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your claim may initially go through insurance. An experienced San Antonio premises liability attorney can try to negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf. If you cannot recover a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in court against your negligent landlord.
Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
George Salinas Injury Lawyers is committed to protecting the rights of those who have been injured. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident due to an irresponsible landlord, we can investigate your case and build a strong claim for compensation. Call us today at (210) 987-9498 to schedule your free consultation.