If you were involved in an accident at a rental unit, multi-family building, condominium complex, or apartment complex / building, contact a landlord tenant accident injury lawyer in Rhode Island. Anytime a tenant rents a home, apartment, condominium or business space from a property owner, a legal relationship is created and supported by state law.
Rental property accidents
That law will impose legal responsibilities and rights of each party, and any breach of their signed agreement or the RI landlord tenant statute may provide the right of one party to take legal action against the other to seek recovery.
Rental property accident and liability
Obviously, anytime an individual suffers injuries in a home they own, it is their responsibility to handle the liability. However, what happens when the injury occurs on property being rented from a property owner In Rhode Island?
Property owner is required by law to maintain a safe environment
The manager, landlord or property owner is required by law to maintain a safe environment for every tenant and visitor at all times. To be successful in winning a lawsuit against the landlord or property owner for injuries or damages occurring in a rental property in RI, the injured party will need to prove who was responsible and negligent. But exactly how do you prove responsibility anytime you are injured on a rental property?
Failure to maintain property safely
Landlord/tenant accidents with injuries are all too common and can happen from snow-filled walkways, defective handrails, collapsed ceilings and rotted decks. However, to hold the landlord liable to compensate you for your injury as a visitor or tenant you will need to show negligence and exactly what happened. Common types of liability in Rhode Island that hold the landlord at fault (negligent) include:
• The accident happened because the property owner in Rhode Island failed in their responsibility to maintain the part of the premises where the accident occurred
• The property owner knew or should have known reasonable steps needed to be taken to avert any accident
• Repairing the issue was never difficult or unreasonably expensive
• Even with proper adequate warnings, the property owner never repaired the problem
• An accident occurring at the premises was foreseeable and injuries were a part of its probable sequence of events
• Negligence of the property owner directly correlates with the cause of the accident
• The tenant suffers genuine injuries and damages
Not up to building code causing tenant injury
The property owner in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations has the responsibility of maintaining their property by keeping it up to the applicable building code. Any failure in maintaining an acceptable, livable condition of the property can cause problems, including slip and fall accidents, electrocution from faulty wiring, flood issues from faulty plumbing or hazardous conditions from the property being in disrepair.
Providence accident attorneys
Even if the landlord in Providence, Pawtucket or Woonsocket is fixing or restoring the damaged area, all construction projects and renovations must be properly marked with adequate warning signs indicating all must stay away from the construction zone. Uneven or crumbling curbs and sidewalks in Bristol, Warren and East Providence often pose a dangerous situation where the tenant, visitors and others could easily slip and fall, becoming seriously injured.
Slippery or wet floors or entranceways
Slippery floors in common areas including lobbies and walkways must be clearly marked with warning signage telling every tenant and visitor about the hazard. If a slip and fall accident occurs, and no warning signage is properly posted or visible, the property owner, manager or superintendent might be liable under the law.
Legal Help with a Rhode Island Slip and Fall Attorney
Tenants and visitors on the premises injured by the negligence of the property owner or management are likely entitled to receive compensation for their injuries and damages. A skilled RI personal injury attorney specializing in premises liability tort law can evaluate the claim and provide legal options for pursuing financial recompense.
A reputable East Providence personal injury law firm can file a claim or develop a lawsuit to ensure the injured party receives adequate compensation for hospital costs, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life directly associated with the injuries. An experienced slip and fall attorney in Rhode Island or RI trip and fall lawyer can develop a case to prove negligence, determine what building codes were violated and investigate the dangerous condition requiring immediate action not taken by all responsible parties.
Tenant accidents can occur in various forms and can result from a wide range of factors. These accidents can lead to injuries, property damage, and liability issues. Here are some common types of tenant accidents:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These accidents can occur due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, loose rugs or carpets, or poor lighting within the rented premises.
- Burns and Scalds: Accidents involving hot surfaces, scalding liquids, or faulty electrical appliances can lead to burns and injuries.
- Electrical Accidents: These can result from faulty wiring, malfunctioning appliances, or overloading electrical circuits. Electrical accidents can cause shocks, fires, or property damage.
- Fire Accidents: Fires may break out due to various reasons, such as cooking mishaps, faulty wiring, or unattended candles. Fire accidents can lead to severe property damage and injuries.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: This can occur when there’s a leak from gas appliances, heating systems, or other sources that release carbon monoxide, an odorless and potentially deadly gas.
- Falling Objects: Objects like shelving units, decorations, or improperly secured fixtures can fall and cause injuries to tenants.
- Structural Failures: Building defects, such as roof leaks, wall collapses, or problems with the foundation, can lead to accidents and property damage.
- Water Damage: Leaky pipes, burst water heaters, or flooding can cause significant water damage to the rental property and personal belongings.
- Toxic Mold: Mold growth due to water damage or poor ventilation can lead to health issues for tenants if left unaddressed.
- Inadequate Security Incidents: Crimes, such as break-ins or assaults, can occur when security measures are inadequate in a rental property.
- Pest Infestations: Rodents, insects, or other pests can pose health risks and cause property damage.
- Slippery Outdoor Surfaces: Accidents can happen in common areas or walkways outside the rental property due to ice, snow, or other slippery conditions.
- Inadequate Maintenance: Accidents can result from the landlord’s failure to maintain the property, such as not fixing broken stairs, handrails, or other hazards.
- Poisoning: Exposure to toxic substances, such as lead or asbestos, can lead to poisoning and health issues.
- Natural Disasters: Tenants may face accidents and property damage caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes.
- Gas Leaks: Leaking natural gas can pose a significant danger, leading to explosions or fires.
- Air Quality Issues: Poor indoor air quality due to mold, asbestos, or inadequate ventilation can cause health problems for tenants.
It’s essential for both landlords and tenants to be aware of safety measures, conduct regular inspections, and promptly address maintenance issues to reduce the risk of these accidents and ensure a safe living environment. Additionally, having a clear rental agreement and insurance can help protect both parties in case of accidents or damages.
