Can I Sue My Landlord for My Injuries?
Many people in Chicagoland rent apartments and homes to live in. Both you and your landlord have specific rights and obligations. One of a landlord’s responsibilities is to keep his rental properties well-maintained to reduce or eliminate the risks of tenant injuries. Unfortunately, some landlords are not conscientious about repairing hazards or keeping properties safe.
If you are injured in a rented residence due to a landlord’s negligent maintenance, you may be able to obtain compensation through a premises liability claim. What kinds of situations qualify? How do you know if you are eligible for a settlement? A skilled lawyer from Adler Law Offices, LTD can tell you if you have a case during your free consultation, so call today.
What Is Premises Liability?
Rental, leased, government-owned, and retail properties should be kept safe for residents and lawful visitors. Trespassers typically cannot benefit from a premises liability claim unless an incident involves young children who may not understand they should not be on a property.
An individual, organization, business, or government agency is responsible for the upkeep of each kind of property. That party is legally obligated to address safety hazards promptly. If someone is injured because the responsible party did not uphold their obligation, they may be liable for injuries sustained due to their negligence.
Depending on the intended use of the premises, these legal obligations may vary. For example, some responsibilities for rental residences may include:
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Providing adequate security, such as door and window locks and sufficient lighting, to deter criminals from harming residents
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Keeping common areas, such as hallways, stairwells, parking areas, and sidewalks, well-lit and free of hazards
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Repairing known hazards promptly
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Complying with building codes, which may include fire exits and smoke detectors
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Repairing latent defects, such as a weakened floor that could eventually collapse
Like most personal injury claims, a premises liability claim is based on negligence. To qualify for compensation, you must prove that your landlord or other responsible party knew about or should have known about the safety issue and had sufficient time to address it but failed to repair the hazard. Proving that the landlord knew about the issue is challenging, but your legal team from Adler Law Offices, LTD will investigate and find supporting evidence to see you compensated.
What Are Common Incidents That May Qualify for a Settlement?
You cannot always hold your landlord accountable for injuries you sustain in your residence. For instance, if you spill a drink on your floor and fall when you slip on it, that situation would be your fault. However, injuries sustained by common accidents and incidents may qualify, including:
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Falling on broken stairs
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Assaults due to inadequate security
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Electric shock due to unrepaired appliances
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Mold- or pest-related illnesses
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Carbon monoxide poisoning
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Exposure to asbestos or toxic chemicals
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Structural collapses
Injuries from these incidents can cause various injuries, such as broken bones, bruises, lung issues, and burns. If your landlord’s negligence led to your injuries, you may get a settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other eligible damages. Your lawyer from Adler Law Offices, LTD will evaluate your qualifying losses and fight to help you get the amount you deserve.
Call Our Mount Prospect, IL Premises Liability Lawyer Today
You should not have to pay the costs of your landlord’s negligence. At Adler Law Offices, LTD, we will safeguard your rights and best interests to hold him accountable for your injuries. Call us at 312-236-2700 now for your free consultation with our experienced Cook County, IL personal injury attorney.