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When are property owners liable for building injuries? What are the responsibilities of landlords?
Did a personal injury accident occur on your property and now you, the owner of the building, are facing a premises liability claim? Are you liable for these building injuries?
What are common building injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions and hazards?
Property owners or landlords have a basic responsibility to maintain reasonably safe building conditions. When a landlord does not, then they may become liable if any building injuries occur due to negligence.
Common types of building problems include:
- Broken stairs
- Slippery floors or stairs (lack of no-skid tape)
- Worn out carpet
- Broken or missing handrails
- Cracks in sidewalks
- Snow or ice on sidewalks
- Improperly stored equipment
- Leaks leading to broken drywall in walls and ceiling
These are a few common types of injuries from building problems:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Shocks or burns
If found liable, a landlord or owner, may have to pay the victim:
- Costs of medical expenses
- Loss or earnings
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Medical equipment
What are a property owner’s responsibilities?
- Maintain a safe environment
- Frequently check to make sure all building doors, locks, and windows are working properly
- No strangers are in the building (no subletting)
- Supervised repairmen
- Efficient method for responding to repairs and repair requests or complaints
- Maintain working carbon monoxide detectors
- Constant checks to make sure that gates, handrails, floors, and stairs are in safe working order and free from hazards
- Maintain elevator
- Check to see that animals are not on the property or that they are leashed and handled properly
- Maintain a clean and quiet environment
- If apartments are being repaired or treated with chemicals, make sure tenants or out of the apartment for the appropriate length of time
What should a property owner do if they are facing a personal injury lawsuit?
Property owners should consult with a personal injury attorney to find out their options. They may be covered under their insurance. If they are not, they must find out the next steps to take.
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