If tenants are hurt in accidents due to the negligence of the landlord, the tenants can usually seek compensation from the landlord as a personal injury claim. Landlords are often required to comply with health and safety precautions. When they fail to do so, they become open to liability for accidents that may occur on their property. Failing to make appropriate repairs, or repairing damage in a negligent way, can result in landlords held accountable.
Most matters can be resolved without filing a formal lawsuit or going to trial. If a minor accident occurs, tenants may be able to receive appropriate compensation from the landlord through negotiation without seeking legal help. However, if the matter is substantial, and the injury is severe, then it’s best to hire an experienced lawyer.
First Steps After an Accident
If you are injured in an accident as a result of your landlord’s negligence, the most important thing to do is to immediately seek medical attention. In addition to proper care and pain relief, seeing a medical professional can help you document the severity and scope of your injuries.
Remember that you need to collect evidence as proof in order to support your claim. Reports provided from doctors can prove useful in supporting your claim to get the right amount of compensation for your injury.
Calculate Losses and Collect Witnesses
Apart from medical reports, it is important that you also calculate and note the financial losses as a result of the injury. You also want to collect witness statements from anyone present during the event. Stay in contact with them so that they can support your claim.
Finally, you need to notify your landlord about the accident and ask them to contact the insurance provider. If the landlord does not agree to comply, and does not trust your case or claim, then you can pursue a lawsuit.
If you have suffered injuries and believe that your landlord’s negligence has caused the accident, contact us at Cahalan & Krall, PLLC. We can evaluate the situation to help you take the best course of action.