Middlesex County Apartment Accident Attorney

No one expects to sustain a serious injury in their own home, but unfortunately, these accidents can, and do, occur. That said, in some cases, those who rent properties, such as apartments or condos, may qualify for compensation if they can prove their landlord’s negligence was the cause of their injuries. If you believe you may have a valid claim against your landlord after an accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled apartment accident attorney from Stathis & Leonardis for help.

Apartment Accident Attorney Serving Middlesex County, NJ

Here at Stathis & Leonardis, we believe that accident victims deserve to be fully and fairly compensated for the damages they’ve sustained. If you’re looking to hold your landlord accountable for an accident in your apartment, simply speak with a skilled Middlesex County personal injury attorney from our firm today.

Causes of Apartment Accidents

Apartment accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which can be attributed to a landlord’s negligence. Common causes include:

• Poor Maintenance: One of the leading causes of apartment accidents is the failure to maintain the property. This can include broken stairs, loose railings, leaky roofs, and faulty electrical systems. When landlords neglect these maintenance issues, they create hazards that can lead to serious injuries.
• Slippery or Uneven Floors: Wet floors, uneven tiles, or worn carpeting can easily cause tenants to slip and fall. These hazards are often the result of inadequate cleaning practices or delayed repairs, both of which are the landlord’s responsibility.
• Inadequate Security: Landlords are required to provide a safe environment for their tenants, which includes adequate security measures. Broken locks, insufficient lighting, and lack of surveillance can lead to criminal activities, such as assaults or robberies, resulting in injury.
• Hazardous Building Materials: Asbestos, lead paint, and mold are dangerous materials that can cause serious health issues. Landlords must ensure that these materials are not present in their properties and must take prompt action if they are discovered.
• Faulty Appliances: Landlords must ensure that all appliances provided in the rental unit, such as stoves, heaters, and refrigerators, are in safe working order. Malfunctioning appliances can cause burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other injuries.
• Pest Infestations: Severe infestations of rodents, insects, or other pests can cause both physical injuries and health problems. Landlords are responsible for taking necessary pest control measures to prevent such conditions.

Satisfying the Burden of Proof

To successfully hold a landlord accountable for an apartment accident, tenants must satisfy the burden of proof, which involves demonstrating that the landlord’s negligence directly caused their injuries. Here are the key elements required:

1. Duty of Care: The first step in proving negligence is establishing that the landlord owed the tenant a duty of care. This means showing that the landlord had a legal obligation to maintain a safe living environment for their tenants.
2. Breach of Duty: Once the duty of care is established, the next step is to prove that the landlord breached this duty. This could involve showing that the landlord failed to address known hazards, did not conduct regular maintenance, or otherwise neglected their responsibilities.
3. Causation: It’s not enough to show that the landlord was negligent; the tenant must also prove that this negligence directly caused their injury. This can be done through medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony that link the injury to the hazardous condition.
4. Damages: Finally, the tenant must demonstrate that they suffered actual damages as a result of the injury. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Providing detailed documentation of these expenses will help strengthen the claim.

Filing Your Claim On Time

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is, typically, two years. This means that accident victims generally have two years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury claim. Waiting longer than this will likely result in you being permanently time-barred from suing, so it’s always best to file your claim as soon after your accident as you can.

Contact an Apartment Accident Attorney Today

Don’t file a personal injury claim without a skilled attorney in your corner. Contact Stathis & Leonardis today so we can assess your case and begin fighting for your rightful compensation.