Accidents and injuries can, unfortunately, occur in the comfort of our own homes. Apartment accidents are typically caused by negligence. If you have been injured in an apartment accident due to no fault of your own, you may be eligible to recover compensation in a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, apartment accidents are not uncommon in Prince George’s County, Hyattsville, and other communities around Maryland. Because landlord-tenant laws in Maryland place safety obligations on property owners, those injured in unsafe apartments may have legal options. To learn more about filing a personal injury claim and apartment accidents, continue reading and reach out to our experienced personal injury firm today. We would be happy to walk you through the steps of the legal process ahead. If you have any further questions, give our firm a call.
Common Causes of Apartment Accidents in Maryland
Apartments accidents can happen for many reasons, but they are often the result of negligence on behalf of a landlord, property manager, or other entity responsible for maintaining safe conditions on the premises. When a property owner or manager fails to maintain a reasonably safe living environment, tenants and their visitors may suffer serious injuries as a result. Unsafe conditions in and around apartment buildings and complexes generally involve failure to maintain safe conditions, building code violations, and hazards in common areas.
Typical Hazards That Cause Apartment Accidents in Maryland
- Tenants failing to remove snow or other weather-related hazards
- Failure to ensure stairways are safe
- Poorly lit parking lots
- Failure to install smoke alarms
- Failure to install carbon monoxide detectors
- Unsafe apartment sidewalks
Additional Dangerous Conditions That Can Lead to Injuries
- Broken or loose stair railings
- Wet or slippery floors
- Defective elevators
- Faulty wiring
- Cracked pavement
- Fire hazards caused by code violations
- Poor handrail and balcony railing maintenance
These issues may violate Maryland property safety laws and building codes, which require landlords to maintain reasonably safe premises.
Who May Be Liable for an Apartment Accident in Maryland?
Generally, accidents at apartment buildings and complexes involve premises liability, which requires property owners, in this case, a landlord or property manager, to ensure the premises are reasonably safe for tenants and visitors to the property.
Parties Who Can Face Liability
- Landlords who fail to remedy hazards and dangerous conditions
- Property management companies are responsible for general maintenance
- Maintenance contractors who are negligent in their repairs
- Property owners who ignore known safety hazards
- Tenants who create dangerous conditions in common areas and shared locations
These types of liability issues commonly arise in complexes throughout Prince George’s County and across Maryland, as property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises.
What Steps Should I Take After Being Injured In My Apartment?
Take the following steps after sustaining injuries in an apartment accident:
- Call the police. They will bring medical attention to the scene of your accident and document the accident by conducting a police report
- Notify your landlord of the accident
- Take photos of the unsafe conditions that caused your accident
- Collect any witnesses’ contact information.
- Retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney who will work to satisfy the burden of proof to recover the compensation you require to heal
Additional Evidence That Can Help Your Claim
- Photos and videos of the dangerous condition
- Prior maintenance requests or emails informing management about the conditions
- Medical records that link the injury to the accident
- Incident reports
- Copies of the lease agreement
- Video footage
How Long Will I Have To Take Legal Action Against My Landlord?
The statute of limitations is generally three years for personal injury claims in Maryland. This means that you will have three years from the date of your apartment accident to bring attention to your personal injury claim.
The sooner you take legal action, the better. If you wait longer than the allotted time, you could risk being permanently barred from suing, even if negligence and subsequent damages are obvious.
Common Injuries Sustained in Apartment Accidents
Apartment accidents can result in a wide array of injuries depending on the circumstances of the accident. As such, understanding the most common harm you can sustain can help ensure you can easily identify symptoms and seek prompt medical care.
Injuries Often Seen in Apartment Accident Cases
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Burn injuries
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Cuts, lacerations, and contusions
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Firm
If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another person in the place you call home, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with Timmian & Fawcett as soon as possible. Our team understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate for residents in Prince George’s County and across Maryland, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you.
