Many New Yorkers live in apartment buildings. You may trust that your landlord is experienced and equipped enough to keep your apartment building safe. However, this is unfortunately not always the case. Continue reading to learn what the common causes of apartment accidents are and how one of the experienced Queens slip & fall accident attorneys at The Law Offices of George Poulos can help you with your personal injury claim.
What are the common causes of apartment accidents in New York State?
As property owners, landlords are expected to keep their premises clear of any potential hazards. So when they act negligently and fail to do so, this is when apartment accidents occur. Common examples of landlord negligence include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Landlords fail to rectify hazardous sidewalks on the apartment’s property (i.e., cracks).
- Landlords fail to rectify hazardous stairways inside and outside the apartment’s property (i.e., railings).
- Landlords fail to rectify inadequate lighting or other hazardous conditions (i.e., potholes) in parking lots on the apartment’s property.
- Landlords fail to rectify hazardous pool conditions (i.e., no barriers) on the apartment’s property.
- Landlords fail to sweep weather-related hazards (i.e., snow and ice) from the apartment’s sidewalks, stairways, and parking lots.
- Landlords fail to rectify hazardous floors in the individual apartment units.
- Landlords fail to install smoke alarms in the individual apartment units.
- Landlords fail to install carbon monoxide detectors in the individual apartment units.
- Landlords fail to remove mold or asbestos in the individual apartment units.
What are the common injuries with apartment accidents in New York State?
With an apartment accident inevitably comes an injury. Some of the most commonly reported injuries after an apartment accident in New York are as follows:
- Cuts and bruises.
- Scarring and deformities.
- Sprains and strains.
- Fractures.
- Tears and ruptures.
- A herniated disc.
- A spinal cord injury.
- A brain injury.
- A temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
- A dental injury.
What should I do after an apartment accident?
Like any other slip and fall accident, you should fight to receive the financial compensation that you rightfully deserve after your apartment accident.
You can attempt this by first sending your landlord a demand letter that overviews how your accident occurred, what injuries and damages you suffered, and what compensation you require to reach a full recovery. If this fails, then you can turn to the legal route and file a personal injury claim. To set yourself up for a successful claim, you should take the following approach immediately after your apartment accident:
- Call the police so that a police report can be written and an ambulance can be brought to the scene.
- Take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and the apartment hazards that led to your accident.
- Collect the contact information of any present witnesses so that they can testify later on.
- Gather your medical documentation that states the date, time, and extent of your injuries.
- Gather your medical bills that state the cost of your required treatments.
For more, contact one of the Queens personal injury attorneys today.
