Life in an apartment complex can be ideal for those who do not wish to deal with the headaches that come with homeownership. Unfortunately, this does not mean there is no risk of serious personal injury from hazardous conditions caused by landlord negligence. Many apartment residents in Maine have suffered injuries due to a slip-and-fall accidents.
Property owners take on tremendous responsibility when they elect to get into the rental business. To ensure that tenants and visitors remain safe, landlords must ensure that property conditions are conducive to a safe living environment. Fall accidents are one of the most common reasons for annual emergency room visits. A large contributor to these falls is incorrect flooring for a particular area. Along with incorrect flooring options, any damage to flooring materials can result in a tenant or guest suffering a serious accident.
Landlords who conduct regular and thorough inspections are less likely to face litigation from an injured tenant. Those aware of an issue and do not take proactive measures to prevent an injury may be liable for negligence. Examples of this negligence could be not correcting water runoff that collects in unsafe areas. Furthermore, worn or frayed tread on stairs or hallways and incorrectly installed flooring can contribute to a claim for landlord negligence.
Maine renters who have suffered a serious injury from a slip or tripping accident likely face more than the pain caused by the physical injury. A serious accident often forces a victim to miss time from work, which can lead to a significant loss of income and medical expenses that often arise after these accidents. Suppose there is evidence that a serious injury resulted from suspected negligence on the part of the property management. In that case, victims could seek compensation for their monetary damages by filing a valid personal injury claim.
Source: rentprep.com, “Landlord’s Guide to Slip and Fall Accidents – Part I,” Accessed on Jan. 24, 2018