Personal Injury Series: Slip and Fall Accidents Part 3 – Apartment Buildings and Landlord Liability
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common ways personal injuries occur and lead to numerous liability lawsuits every year. When these accidents happen at apartment complexes or similar managed properties, landlords may ultimately be at fault. However, establishing that fault can be difficult and requires meeting several burdens of proof.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at an apartment building, a personal injury lawyer in Montgomery County, PA, may be able to help you. In this third installment of our series on slip and fall accidents, we will look at those which occur at apartment buildings.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Looks at Landlord Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents at Apartment Buildings
Those who own and manage apartment complexes and similar managed properties are generally under strict legal burdens to maintain the quality of their property. Many situations can arise where landlords are liable for slip and fall accidents that occur on-site. Some examples include:
- Cracked pavement or potholes creating tripping hazards.
- Snow or ice buildup on walking surfaces like sidewalks or parking lots.
- Broken staircases or other accessibility features.
- Poor lighting in areas with other tripping hazards.
- Neglected playgrounds, pools, and other recreational areas.
However, the fact that a slip and fall occurred in a common area of an apartment complex by itself is insufficient to prove that the landlord is at fault. Generally, a four-part burden of proof exists to demonstrate his/her liability.
Burdens of Proof of Landlord Liability in Personal Injury Cases
- The landlord was aware – or should have been aware – that a hazardous condition existed.
- The landlord was aware – or should have been aware – that this hazardous condition could reasonably cause personal injury.
- The landlord failed to take reasonable steps to address the problem and remove the source of danger.
- The negligently hazardous problem was the direct cause of a slip and fall injury.
In general, awareness is the leading factor in determining responsibility. The landlord or manager must have had sufficient time to learn of the problem and address it. If awareness and all four points can be demonstrated in court, the landlord will likely be found liable for the injury that occurred on their property.
If you Have Been Injured Call a Personal Injury Lawyer in Montgomery County, PA
A blog can only provide the outlines of liability law and the most common scenarios that might emerge. If you have been injured at an apartment complex or other managed property, your specific case needs to be examined by a legal professional to determine if you have grounds for a liability suit. Contact the law offices of Alfred Abel to schedule a consultation.