If you get hurt in an apartment building or on a rental property, the landlord can often be held accountable. If you got injured due to building code violations, then this is nearly certain to implicate a landlord. It’s their job to keep a building or property up to code after all. A Nueces County, Texas personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you pursue compensation.
Can Building Code Violations Cause Injuries?
Building codes exist to keep people safe. So when those codes are violated or ignored, residents of a building or their guests can get hurt. It’s almost always the responsibility of a landlord to inspect their building and keep it up to code. Someone who does not do that should be held liable when someone gets injured.
Many types of building code violations can lead to accidents or tragedies. A landlord who ignores faulty electrical wiring is putting residents at risk of getting electrocuted. Bad wiring can cause fires too. A landlord also has to make it clear where the fire exits are and ensure that they are not blocked. They also have to address structural issues, like broken walkways, poorly lit stairwells, and damage that could lead to collapses.
What If My Landlord Knew About Building Code Violations?
If you can show that a landlord knew about building code violations, that can make it easier to make a personal injury claim. A landlord is supposed to keep the property safe for residents and anyone else who is invited onto it. When they do not make efforts to keep it safe and the hazard was an obvious code violation, that can help you make your case against them.
When Can I Sue For Damages?
To keep things simple, if you were hurt on someone’s property and you were on that property legally, you may be entitled to sue for compensation. When you are invited onto a property, the owner of said property owes you a “duty of care” and safety. A landlord who ignores building code violations is creating an unsafe environment and they should be held accountable when someone gets hurt.
If you were hurt and you decide to sue for damages, your compensation can help make up for some of the economic and non-economic costs of the accident and your injuries. You can sue for damages that help make up for things like:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment
In some rare cases, a particularly negligent landlord could even be forced to pay out punitive damages. This is a message to others, telling them not to emulate this behavior.
Ask About Our Free Case Consultations
If you or a loved one were injured on a rental property and you believe that an irresponsible landlord was to blame, we may be able to assist you. Contact Sahadi Legal Group and ask to schedule a free consultation. We want to hear more about your personal injury claim.
