There are few things more important than feeling safe in your own home. You wake up there, you share meals with friends and family there, and you go to sleep there. Unfortunately, there are times when landlords will neglect their duty to ensure the safety of their tenants, and as a result, people can sustain some very serious, albeit avoidable injuries. That said, if you were hurt due to unsafe apartment conditions, you may wonder whether you have a valid claim against your landlord. Please continue reading and reach out to a knowledgeable Jacksonville slip and fall attorney from Ansbacher Law to learn more about landlord liability and how our firm can help if you’ve been wrongfully injured. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Does my landlord have a legal duty to ensure my apartment is safe?
In many ways, yes, your landlord is legally responsible for your safety, but there are limitations. For example, if you spilled a bunch of water in your own apartment and then slipped on it, your landlord won’t be responsible for your injuries. However, in other cases, such as if your landlord either knew or should have known about a defective railing in your apartment building stairwell, failed to fix it timely, and you fell and sustained serious injuries as a result, your landlord is likely liable for your injuries. Essentially, as long as you can prove that your landlord neglected their responsibility to provide you, the tenant, with reasonably safe living conditions, you should have a valid claim against your landlord.
What are some examples of landlord negligence?
There are several actions a landlord may take, or fail to take, that can be considered negligent. Some common examples of landlord negligence include:
- Failing to ensure smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors are installed and in working order
- Failing to maintain amenities on complex grounds, such as playgrounds or tennis courts
- Failing to ensure all sidewalks, parking lots, and walkways are clear of hazards
- Failing to ensure stairwells are safe and without defects
- Failing to respond to tenant complaints of unsafe conditions timely
If you were hurt due to any of the aforementioned, there’s a strong chance you’ll have a valid personal injury claim. Our legal team is prepared to take you through the process, but you need to reach out to us sooner, rather than later. This is because the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Florida is four years. Waiting longer than this will permanently bar you from suing. If you have any additional questions or you’d like to file a personal injury claim, simply contact Ansbacher Law today so we can get working on your case.
