When Is a Landlord Responsible for Their Tenant’s Injury?
In California, renting properties is common practice. In fact, California represents 13.6% of the nation’s 42 million rental homes. But who is to blame when a tenant suffers an injury on the premises? It is possible that a landlord may be responsible for a tenant’s injury if they neglect their duty to maintain a safe environment and fail to address known hazards.
If you were injured in a rental property due to a landlord’s negligence, working with a premises liability lawyer can increase your chances of recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Whether you suffered injuries in a slip-and-fall, deck or balcony collapse, negligent security, or another type of incident on the rental property, the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We investigate the incident, collect evidence, and build a case to hold one or more parties accountable for your damages.
Types of Rental Property Accidents
Various types of accidents can happen on rental properties, and when they do, understanding your rights as a tenant is vital. The following are common types of rental property accidents that lead to injuries:
- Slip-and-fall accidents: Wet or slippery surfaces, often due to spills, leaks, or insufficient cleaning, can lead to landlord liability, especially if other factors are present. Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see hazards, such as uneven flooring, loose tiles, or torn carpets that can cause you to trip, slip, and fall.
- Fires and electrical accidents: Faulty wiring, electrical malfunctions, or outdated electrical systems can be a sign of negligence due to a lack of regular maintenance.
- Structural failures: Aging buildings may experience structural degradation over time. Neglect, poor maintenance, or lack of repairs can compromise a property’s structural integrity and lead to accidents.
- Building code violations: Building codes exist to ensure the safety of rental properties. Violations can result from substandard construction, improper modifications, or lack of adherence to safety standards. Landlords are responsible for ensuring their properties meet building code requirements.
Landlord negligence should not be taken lightly, as their actions or inactions can cause injuries to tenants. If you were injured on a rental property, speak with the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. to understand your best legal options.
Proving Landlord Liability in a Rental Property Injury Claim
Just because an injury occurred on a rental property does not automatically enable you to pursue compensation in a premises liability claim. You must prove the following elements to demonstrate your landlord breached a duty of care:
- It was the landlord’s responsibility to maintain the part of the premises where you suffered injury
- The landlord was cognizant or should have been cognizant of the hazard or condition that caused you injury but failed to warn of the condition or mitigate it
- The accident and injuries were foreseeable, but the landlord’s failure to act directly caused your injuries
- You suffered tangible and intangible losses due to the accident
At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we handle all aspects of your case, including proving liability, calculating the value of your claim, and advocating on your behalf.
Speak With the Premises Liability Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. Today
If you were injured on a rental property due to landlord negligence, speak with the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. today to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages suffered in the accident. We have over 30 years of experience and have helped countless victims achieve successful outcomes in premises liability claims.
For a free consultation, call our office at (916) 970-9100 or fill out our contact form.
