Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that slip and fall accidents across the United States send more than 3 million people to hospitals each year. For many people, these slip and fall accidents happen at their residences, including at apartments and other rental properties.
As a tenant, your landlord or another person may be responsible for your resulting injuries or damages. If you have been injured at your rental property from a slip and fall, you may have the right to take legal action. Your first step is to contact one of our Minneapolis slip and fall lawyers for a free case evaluation.
Who is Liable for Slip and Fall Injuries in Apartment Buildings?
Determining who is responsible for the injuries and damages you have suffered due to a slip and fall incident at your apartment building can be challenging. Although most tenants assume their landlord or property owner is automatically liable, this is not always true. It is vital to determine the specific factors that led to the accident, and what the property owner’s obligations were. This will provide clearer insight into whether you can take legal action and who you can take legal action against.
One critical factor is whether the negligence of the property owner played a role in your slip and fall incident. For example, was the property owner responsible for snow and ice removal, or did the property owner fail to address hazardous conditions, such as a damaged stair rail or a broken floor surface? If so, they may be liable for your damages.
In proving negligence, you must prove the property owner knew, or should have known, of a dangerous or hazardous condition, and took no steps or actions to remedy or warn of the dangerous or hazardous condition.
There are also situations where other tenants on the property create hazardous situations that cause injuries. For example, if you were involved in a slip and fall accident due to another tenant leaving clutter or debris in a common area, you may be able to hold that tenant responsible for your injuries.
Additionally, local laws and regulations play a significant role in assigning responsibility. In Minneapolis, landlords must maintain safe premises and make necessary repairs promptly. Failure to do so could result in them being held legally responsible for slip and fall injuries sustained by their tenants.
Identifying liability requires careful examination of the circumstances surrounding each individual incident. For example, did the property owner contract with a third-party contractor for snow and ice removal. If you were injured in an apartment building slip and fall accident, you should consult with our personal injury lawyers in Minneapolis as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Incidents in Apartment Buildings
Slip and fall accidents can occur at apartment buildings in Minneapolis for various reasons. Unfortunately, many of these incidents are a direct result of negligence.
Poor maintenance is one of the leading causes of slip-and-fall incidents in apartment buildings. Neglected repairs or inadequate cleaning can lead to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, loose carpeting, or broken stairs. Additionally, inadequate lighting in common areas can make it difficult for tenants to notice objects or broken ground surfaces, leading to fall accidents.
Cluttered walkways can cause tenants to slip, trip, and fall. It is common for tenants to place their personal belongings, such as shoes, furniture, and other objects, in hallways when their apartment buildings have limited space. These obstacles create tripping hazards that increase the likelihood of accidents occurring.
After your accident, you must contact our personal injury lawyers in Minneapolis immediately. Our team will be able to help you protect your rights.
How Nelson Personal Injury Can Help
After your slip and fall accident, if we believe the situation calls for it, we will investigate the incident. We will identify all the factors contributing to your accident. Some of the evidence we will look into and attempt to gather includes:
- Available surveillance footage from other tenants of nearby businesses;
- Evidence directly from the scene;
- Photos of the site of the fall;
- Property records detailing any past instances of negligence;
- Evidence of any past property inspections;
- Maintenance records for the property that detail any previous repairs.
In some cases, our Minneapolis slip and fall lawyers may even work with experts who will give opinions on whether the property owner was negligent in their action or inaction. We will then use this and other evidence to attempt to obtain fair compensation for your damages.
Call Our Minneapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers Today
Slip, trip, and fall cases can be very difficult, and even more so when you try to handle them on your own. Contacting Nelson Personal Injury, LLC for a free consultation can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your case has been reviewed by an experienced personal injury attorney. Our personal injury lawyers in Minneapolis have a proven track record of successfully fighting for our clients’ rights and recovering millions of dollars in compensation from large insurance companies.
However, our focus goes beyond just financial recovery. We are committed to helping injured parties gain peace of mind, knowing their rights are protected as they focus on getting the medical care they need for their injuries.
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to a reckless or negligent landlord, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with us today. We will fight aggressively on your behalf and ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
