Can you sue a landlord for injuries if they were caused by disrepair?

All too often, landlords fail to make necessary repairs or maintenance on the property. When they fail to do so, they put both their tenants and their tenants guests at risk. People who are injured on rental property often have legal rights for seeking compensation from the landlord of that property.

Here are a few things you need to know if you’ve been injured on a rental property:

• The court will consider the lease agreement and where the injury took place. If there are terms in the lease that state the renter is responsible for certain repairs, the landlord likely cannot be held accountable. Disrepair to common and shared areas, such as lobbies or front sidewalks, are almost always up to the landlord.
• The court will determine how bad the repair issue was. Take photos and keep records of the severity of the issue to provide to the court.
• The court will want to know whether the landlord was informed of the repair issue. Keep track of emails you sent to the landlord or phone calls and texts made to make the issue known. Include dates and how you described the disrepair.
• The court will look at whether the landlord made any attempts to repair the issue. Did the landlord already call a maintenance man or fill out a work order? Had he or she tried to fix the problem?
• The court will evaluate how serious the injury was. Be sure to have medical records and bills ready to provide.

By working with a personal injury attorney who is skilled in handling these claims, you have a greater chance of getting the compensation you need to cover medical bills. Your landlord will likely be eager to fight the claim, but by having legal representation and a strategy, you can increase your chances at a successful outcome.

At The Law Offices of Miller Bicklein, we put together the facts of the case to build a strong legal strategy for getting the compensation you need and deserve due to the landlord’s negligence. Click here for more information.