Premises Liability In Multi-Unit Buildings
Living in an apartment or condominium it is easy to assume there is a commitment to keeping the common areas and individual units safe and well-maintained. But should an accident occur, such as a fall on a poorly lit stairwell or an injury due to a broken elevator, residents are often left wondering who is responsible for accident-related expenses.
In multi-unit buildings, liability may fall on different parties, depending on the circumstances. To determine if landlords, tenants, or property management companies could be part of your injury claim, have a conversation with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners and occupiers to maintain a safe environment. When someone is injured due to unsafe conditions, the responsible party may be held liable for damages if they knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it.
In multi-unit buildings, liability can be shared (or contested) among several parties:
- Typically own the property and are responsible for maintaining common areas, including lobbies, hallways, stairwells, and outdoor spaces. If a landlord fails to fix a dangerous condition, such as a broken handrail, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
- Generally, tenants are responsible for keeping their individual units safe and for alerting landlords to hazards in common areas. In rare cases, a tenant may be liable if they created a hazard that injured a visitor or another resident.
- Property management companies. These entities are often hired to handle the day-to-day upkeep of a building. If they are contracted to perform maintenance and fail to do so properly, leading to injuries, they may share or assume liability.
Assessing and concluding who is responsible depends on the specific facts of the case and the terms of any leases or management contracts.
Common dangers in multi-unit buildings include malfunctioning elevators and dim or broken lights. There have also been injuries due to poorly-maintained stairways and inadequate security. Faulty locks, lack of security cameras, or unmonitored entrances can increase the risk of assaults or thefts, too. Evidence of any of these conditions can strengthen a claim.
Maryland law requires landlords to maintain properties in a habitable and reasonably safe condition. Tenants have the right to request repairs and withhold rent should a landlord fail to correct serious hazards. If you’re hurt in a common area or due to a building defect, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
After an injury in an apartment or condo, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable Baltimore personal injury lawyer without delay. A lawyer who is familiar with premises liability law can investigate the circumstances, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Wondering about who should pay your expenses? Don’t let confusion over responsibility keep you from seeking justice. If you were injured in a Maryland multi-unit building, reach out to the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to protect your rights. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.
