Injuries Caused by Poorly Maintained Rental Properties

Pennsylvania property owners and landlords have a duty to ensure safe property conditions for tenants, visitors, and guests. Property owners have a duty to perform routine inspections to keep anyone legally using the property free from harm. When a property owner fails to uphold their legal duty, and you suffer injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. If you have recently been injured due to poor maintenance at a rental property, our Philadelphia premises liability attorneys at HGSK Injury Lawyers are happy to assist you.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A broken step, loose railing, or icy sidewalk can lead to a slip and fall, which causes spinal cord damage. Symptoms may present as tingling, numbness, loss of movement, changes in bladder/bowel control, and paralysis. The site of injury will determine the level of impairment, with cervical spine injuries at C5 or higher impacting respiration.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when there is any strike, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. A collapsing ceiling, leaning on an insecure railing, or falling from defective fitness equipment can lead to a TBI. Symptoms of a TBI often present as vomiting, nausea, dizziness, irritability, and confusion.

Fractures

Poor lighting in a stairwell, slippery or icy sidewalks, and uneven flooring can cause a variety of fractures, also known as broken bones. While some fractures may occur from the impact of a fall, others may be due to trying to catch your fall. Stress fractures, or tiny breaks in the bone, are the most common, including wrist, forearm, and ankle fractures.

Burns

Faulty wiring in electrical appliances or heating equipment failure can cause severe burns. The severity of a burn is based on how many layers of skin are damaged and what total body surface area is impacted. Third-degree burns are the most severe. Burn symptoms will range based on severity, but often present as swelling, redness, pain, leathery skin, and blistering.

When Can You Find a Philadelphia Landlord Liable for Injuries?

Duty of Care

Property owners and landlords (who are often the same person) have a legal responsibility to fix hazards on the rental property. Landlords should also make the necessary repairs to ensure their property is safe, sanitary, and reasonably comfortable, known as a warranty of habitability. As a tenant, this claim can be used as a legal defense for nonpayment of rent, but only under egregious living conditions. Before taking legal action, you should speak with our experienced premises liability attorneys.

Breach of Duty

A landlord or property owner who fails to perform routine maintenance has failed to uphold their legal obligation to tenants and guests.

Causation

You must draw a causal link between the defective condition and your injuries. (This is often the most challenging element to prove.

Damages

Showing that your landlord was irresponsible is not enough. A valid tenant-landlord claim depends on you suffering a measurable loss, which may be physical, emotional, or financial in nature.

Injured? Do Not Hesitate to Contact Our Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers

If you or your child has been injured in a rental property due to landlord neglect, HGSK Injury Lawyers would like to hear from you. In our tenure, we have helped over 26,000 injured persons obtain the compensation they need to thrive. Let us help you obtain a fair settlement. To arrange your free consultation with one of our Philadelphia premises liability attorneys, contact us online or by phone at (267) 551-8782 today.