In urban settings like Rochester, apartment living is not only a convenience but often a necessity. As with any densely populated area, apartment complexes are a common housing choice, but with that comes potential risks. Whether you are a tenant or a visitor, it’s crucial to understand the various factors that can lead to accidents in an apartment setting, and what legal recourse you might have if injured. Continue reading and contact a seasoned apartment accident lawyer from Lacy Katzen LLP for assistance.
Apartment Accident Lawyer | Here for Injured Tenants in Rochester
Were you injured as a tenant due to dangerous apartment conditions? If so, you’re most likely looking to hold your landlord accountable. Our legal team is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to speak with a seasoned Rochester personal injury lawyer from our firm so we can get started working on your case.
Common Causes of Apartment Accidents
Some of the most common causes and types of apartment accidents that we see are as follows:
- Slips and Falls: Often due to wet surfaces, ice, or snow. Hallways, staircases, and entryways are common locations for such incidents, especially if they are not well-maintained.
- Faulty Electrical Wiring: Fires or electrical shocks can result from old, frayed, or improperly installed wiring.
- Poor Lighting: Dimly lit hallways, parking lots, or staircases can make it difficult to see obstacles or hazards, leading to trips or falls.
- Structural Failures: Weak or deteriorated floors, stairs, or balconies can suddenly give way.
- Defective Elevators or Escalators: Malfunctioning equipment can cause falls or entrapment.
- Inadequate Security: Insufficient locks, broken intercoms, or lack of security cameras can lead to unauthorized access and potential assaults.
- Fire Hazards: Blocked exits, non-functional smoke alarms, or faulty fire extinguishers can exacerbate fire emergencies.
- Water Leaks and Flooding: Plumbing issues can lead to falls, electrocution hazards, or property damage.
Can an Injured Tenant Sue Their Landlord?
In Rochester, as in many parts of New York, landlords have a legal duty to ensure their properties are reasonably safe for tenants and visitors. If a landlord is negligent in maintaining the property, they could be held liable for injuries resulting from that negligence. To have a viable lawsuit, an injured tenant would typically need to prove the following:
- Duty of Care: The landlord had a responsibility to ensure safe conditions.
- Breach: The landlord failed in that duty, e.g., by neglecting maintenance.
- Causation: This breach directly led to the accident.
- Damages: The accident resulted in quantifiable harm (like medical bills or lost wages).
However, some situations might absolve the landlord of responsibility. For instance, if a tenant is injured due to their own negligence or if they were aware of a hazard but did not report it, the landlord might not be held fully liable.
Contact a New York Apartment Accident Lawyer Today
Though apartment living comes with its set of conveniences, it’s not without risks. If you were injured in an apartment accident due to no fault of your own, the legal team here at Lacy Katzen LLP is here to fight for you, every step of the way. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
