Securing an apartment after a long search can provide a sense of comfort and stability. However, it’s crucial to remember that unforeseen accidents can still happen within the confines of your home. If you have experienced a slip-and-fall accident within your rented apartment due to hazardous conditions, it’s important to understand that you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. If this reflects your circumstances, please continue reading as we explore who can be held liable for your injuries and how our Essex County Slip and Fall Attorneys can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
Unfortunately, many New Jersey tenants are unaware that landlords have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises for their residents. This includes ensuring that all common areas, stairwells, and individual units are free from hazards that could cause slips, trips, and falls. Therefore, landlords can be liable for your injuries after a slip and fall accident if they knew or should have reasonably known about a dangerous condition on the premises and failed to fix it within a reasonable time frame.
Numerous circumstances can lead to a slip and fall in an apartment. Familiarizing yourself with the most common hazards can help you remain alert and potentially minimize the risks of harm. These dangers include, but are by no means limited to:
- Wet surfaces
- Loose carpeting, tiles, or floorboards
- Uncleared snow or ice
- Debris left on the ground
- Inadequate lighting
- Missing handrails
- Potholes or cracked pavement in parking lots, driveways, or sidewalks
- Defects in apartment units
Can I Seek Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident in a Rented Apartment?
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in your New Jersey apartment, it’s crucial to understand the circumstances under which you can recover compensation from your landlord. Generally, you are responsible for hazards in your home. For instance, if you slip and fall due to a throw rug you placed in your living room, you won’t be permitted to take legal action against your landlord.
To pursue a claim against your landlord, you’ll need to demonstrate that the defect that led to your accident was present in the unit before signing your lease, or something you informed your landlord about before the incident took place. For example, if there is a leaky pipe and you notify your landlord, but they fail to take action or address the issue despite your repeated requests, you may have grounds to hold them accountable. This is because lease agreements typically stipulate that maintenance is the landlord or property manager’s responsibility.
In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in a rented apartment due to the negligence of your landlord, it’s imperative to consult with an experienced Essex County slip and fall attorney from The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., who can help you navigate this complex process. Our legal team is prepared to investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Connect with our firm today to discuss your case.
