When you rent an apartment or a house, you probably expect the property to be safe and free of hazards. Unfortunately, there are several ways residents or visitors can suffer an injury on rental property.
Often, these injuries arise due to poor or absent property maintenance and other forms of landlord negligence. In such situations, you may be able to take legal action.
Causes of common accidents and injuries
Just about any accident (or injury) can happen on an unsafe premise. In New Jersey, property injuries often occur due to:
Insufficient lighting: Without adequate lighting outdoors, in hallways and on staircases, renters and visitors risk suffering a severe injury. For example, slips and falls or physical assaults can occur in poorly lit areas.
Unsafe flooring: Old and worn flooring material is responsible for many premises injuries. Examples of such hazards include protruding nails, torn or frayed carpeting and loose or rotted floorboards.
Nonfunctional alert systems: Landlords must ensure that guests and tenants have protection by installing functional alert systems. Rental homes should contain working carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
Hazardous stairways: Stairs require regular maintenance to remain free of injury hazards. Examples of dangerous stairway components include loose or broken handrails, missing or damaged treads and unsafe floor coverings.
If you suffered injuries in your apartment or rental house, you might be considering a legal remedy. It is wise to begin working on your claim immediately to minimize physical, psychological and financial harm. Learning more about New Jersey premises liability and negligence laws is an ideal place to start.
