Holding Landlords Responsible for Injuries
For many people, it makes sense to lease or rent an apartment or home as opposed to buying their own property. Some are not ready for the responsibility of homeownership, while others are not in a position financially to buy a property. In other cases, the convenience of having a landlord to call when something goes wrong and to be free from being tied down anywhere is appealing and makes good financial sense. At the same time, there are landlords who fail to maintain properties, creating the potential for injuries for their renters. If you have suffered an accidental injury as the result of a landlord’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through your landlord’s insurance policy or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Landlord Liability
According to a report in the Insurance Journal, landlords can often be held liable for injuries that occur on their property if it can be proven that the landlord was negligent in maintaining the property or allowed a dangerous situation to exist. Conditions that may result in injuries to tenants and could be considered negligent include the following:
- Poorly lit stairwells and walkways
- Construction materials that present a hazard
- Loose flooring
- Exposed wiring
- Uneven sidewalks
- Falling tree branches or debris
- The presence of mold or asbestos
Landlords may also be liable for crimes that may occur on their property if they allowed conditions to exist that could conceivably have led to the crime. Failing to have adequate lighting or door security and failing to address criminal conduct that occurs on the property could result in the landlord being liable for damages.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Compensation for Injured Tenants
If you suffer an injury as the result of a negligent and dangerous condition that your landlord allowed to exist, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries through your landlord’s insurance company. Property liability insurance is available to people who rent properties that will cover any tenant injuries that occur that the landlord is responsible for. You may also be entitled to compensation in the form of damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Under the South Carolina Code of Laws, damages you may be entitled to claim for your injuries include:
- Economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, physical rehabilitative costs, property damage and replacement, loss of income and employment, and loss of earning capacity
- Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement or physical impairment, loss of reputation, loss of enjoyment of life, and humiliation
- Punitive damages, which punish particularly reckless or negligent conduct
Let Us Help You
If you or someone you love has suffered an accidental injury, contact our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys today. Our attorneys can advise you on how to get compensation for your injuries, either through an insurance claim or by filing a personal injury lawsuit. We help our clients hold responsible parties accountable for the injuries their actions have caused to get accident victims the money they need to recover. Call Akim Anastopoulo today for a free review of your case.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form