When it comes to renting a property, tenants often assume that their landlords are responsible for maintaining a safe living environment. One common concern is slip-and-fall accidents, which can happen for many reasons. But does the responsibility for such incidents lie with the landlord?
Premises liability and landlords
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their premises. However, the extent of this liability can vary based on several factors, including the nature of the accident, the condition of the property and the actions of both the landlord and the tenant.
- Property maintenance: Landlords have a duty to maintain their property in a safe condition. This includes repairing defects, addressing hazards and ensuring that common areas are free from potential dangers. If your slip-and-fall accident was caused by a failure on the landlord’s part to address a known issue, such as a leaking roof or a broken step, they may be held liable.
- Tenant responsibilities: Tenants also play a role in maintaining the safety of the property. If the accident resulted from the tenant’s negligence, such as a spilled liquid that wasn’t promptly cleaned up, the landlord might not be held responsible.
- Notice of hazards: Landlords are generally expected to address hazards they know or should reasonably know about. If a landlord was aware of a dangerous condition and failed to take action, they may be held liable. However, if the landlord had no knowledge of the hazard and it wasn’t something that should have been obvious, their liability may be limited.
- Lease agreements: The terms of the lease agreement can also impact liability. Some leases may specify certain responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, clarifying who is responsible for what. It’s important to review your lease agreement to understand the agreed-upon terms.
What to do after a slip-and-fall accident
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the first priority. Seek medical attention immediately to address any injuries sustained in the accident.
- Document the scene: Take photographs of the area where the slip-and-fall occurred. Capture any potential hazards or contributing factors.
- Report the incident: Inform your landlord of the incident as soon as possible. Provide details about what happened and any contributing factors.
- Preserve evidence: Keep records of medical bills, photographs and any correspondence related to the incident. This evidence can be crucial if legal action becomes necessary.
Talk to an Ohio accident attorney today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your slip-and-fall claim. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at 800-556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
