Woodbridge, NJ Apartment Accident Lawyers

Holding Landlords Accountable for Dangerous Conditions

Living in an apartment building should make you feel secure knowing that your safety is being looked out for. When a landlord fails to maintain his or her apartment building and property, it is often the renters or their guests who pay the price. Code violations and other unsafe conditions can cause devastating injuries.

At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., we dedicate ourselves to fight for the rights of people who have suffered injuries due to landlord negligence. No matter how you were injured, our Woodbridge premises liability lawyers offer a free initial consultation to review your case.

Understanding Landlord Liability Laws

Landlords are not automatically responsible for all injuries that occur in apartments. However, they are responsible for unsafe conditions that result in injuries. Our Woodbridge apartment accident attorneys respond swiftly to collect and preserve evidence of unsafe conditions.

We are ready and able to speak with witnesses and other tenants, research building code violations, and previous accidents at the apartment. Our legal team is here to work with you to understand the extent of your injury and the aftermath, such as surgery and rehab, lasting disability, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Examples of unsafe conditions for which landlords can be held accountable include the following:

• Neglected repairs and slippery floors
• Missing smoke alarms
• Missing or defective door and window locks
• Negligent security
• Sidewalk cracks
• Broken or uneven steps
• Missing or broken handrails
• Inadequate lighting
• Snow and ice accumulations
• Defective electrical repairs
• Gas explosions

Common Types of Apartment Accidents

An apartment accident refers to any unexpected or unintended incident that occurs within an apartment building or complex, resulting in harm or damage. Common types of apartment accidents include:

• Slip and Falls: These occur due to wet floors, inadequate lighting, uneven surfaces, or obstacles in common areas like hallways or staircases.
• Fire and Smoke Damage: Fires can start due to electrical faults, cooking accidents, or negligence, leading to significant property damage and potential injury to residents.
• Water Damage: This can result from burst pipes, leaking roofs, or malfunctioning appliances, causing structural damage and mold growth.
• Electrical Accidents: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or defective appliances can cause electrical shocks, fires, or damage to personal property.
• Security Incidents: Break-ins, assaults, or thefts due to inadequate security measures or negligence in maintaining locks and surveillance.
• Elevator Accidents: Malfunctions such as sudden stops, doors closing on occupants, or mechanical failures can lead to injuries.
• Toxic Exposure: Exposure to harmful substances like mold, asbestos, or carbon monoxide due to poor ventilation or maintenance issues.
• Structural Collapses: Rare but serious incidents where parts of the building collapse due to structural defects or construction negligence.

What to Do After an Apartment Accident

If a tenant has been injured in an apartment complex in New Jersey, it's important to take several immediate steps to ensure their safety, document the incident, and potentially pursue legal recourse if necessary. Here are the steps to take:

1. Seek Medical Attention: The tenant should seek medical help immediately, even if the injury seems minor. Their health and well-being are the top priority.
2. Report the Incident: Notify the landlord, property manager, or superintendent of the apartment complex about the accident as soon as possible. This should be done in writing and should include details such as the date, time, location, and nature of the accident.
3. Document Everything: Keep records of all medical treatment received, including doctor's reports, prescriptions, and medical bills. Also, document any correspondence with the landlord or property management regarding the incident.
4. Gather Evidence: If possible, take photographs of the scene where the accident occurred, noting any hazards or contributing factors like wet floors, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, etc. Witness statements can also be valuable if others saw the accident.
5. Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing or personal items damaged during the incident as evidence. Do not repair or alter the scene of the accident until it has been thoroughly documented.
6. Review the Lease Agreement: Check the lease agreement for any clauses related to tenant safety, maintenance responsibilities of the landlord, or procedures for reporting accidents and injuries.
7. Consult with an Attorney: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in premises liability cases. They can provide guidance on your legal rights, potential compensation, and steps to take next.
8. File an Incident Report: If the injury occurred due to negligence or a hazardous condition on the landlord's part, file a formal incident report with the landlord or property management. This can help establish a record of the incident.
9. Consider Insurance Claims: Determine if you need to file a claim with your health insurance provider or explore potential coverage under renter's insurance, if applicable.
10. Document Losses: Keep records of any lost wages or income due to the injury, as well as any other financial losses incurred as a result.

Woodbridge Unsafe Premises Attorneys

You can depend on our firm to provide you with high-quality, personalized legal care and attend to your needs. We work on a contingency fee basis so you do not have to worry about paying us unless we win and recover compensation on your behalf.

Please reach out to us today at (732) 709-4400 to set up a free case consultation.