Accidents that occur in apartment buildings fall under premises liability law. Property owners are responsible for keeping the public areas safe for the people who live and visit there. They may be held liable for the accident if they fail to do so and end up causing an accident due to this negligence. Talk to a Seattle personal injury attorney today to learn more.
What accidents are common in apartment buildings?
Some of the most common injuries that occur in apartment buildings are slip and fall accident injuries. Uneven flooring or steps, leaks, poor lighting, broken handrails, etc., can cause these.
Aside from slip and fall accidents, people in apartment buildings often get injured due to dog bites, negligent security accidents, parking lot accidents, and sometimes even wrongful death. There can also be gym accidents or pool injuries in apartment buildings with swimming pools and fitness centers.
What is the duty of the property owner or the landlord?
The property owner or the landlord has a legal duty to ensure that the apartments and the surrounding areas are safe and well-maintained. If you want to hold the landlord or property owner liable in your claim, you would need to prove that they failed to keep the area safe or were negligent in the maintenance and that negligence caused the accident. Some rules that must be followed are:
- The tenants must use the property normally.
It is important that the tenants use the property normally and not take part in any dangerous activities that put them at risk. If the tenants get injured due to their actions, the property owner or landlord would not be held liable.
- The landlord or property owner must keep the property safe for tenants.
The property owner or landlord must maintain their property well and ensure it is safe and free from any potential dangers.
What steps should you take if you have been in an apartment accident?
If you have been injured in an apartment building, some steps you should take are:
- Seek immediate medical assistance for your injuries.
- Take pictures and document the accident.
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information.
- Report the accident immediately.
- Hire an attorney as soon as possible.
Getting proper legal help is important.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an apartment building accident, you must seek professional legal help. An experienced attorney can help you determine what steps to take next and how to receive compensation for your damages.
