Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Against My Landlord?

If you’ve been injured in the apartment or home you rent, you may be wondering who is responsible for compensating you for those injuries. Whenever you are hurt severely enough that you lose time at work or become disabled, you may have the grounds to file a personal injury claim.

Personal Injury Law Vs. Tenant-Landlord Law

Sometimes tenant-landlord law and personal injury law can overlap. Landlords are required by law to keep their property and the interior of your unit in a safe and habitable condition. That means the prompt repair of plumbing and electrical problems and even maintenance tasks like painting and carpet cleaning. But what happens if you’re injured by the maintenance contractors due to faulty repairs or carelessness?

Landlord Liability for Injuries

You may be able to file a lawsuit directly against your landlord or make a claim against his or her insurance company to recover lost wages and pay for medical bills. However, you’ll need to consult with an attorney to determine if your landlord is indeed liable for your injuries or if you should proceed against the contractors directly. A lawyer will review your case to determine if your landlord hired licensed and bonded contractors or unlicensed, uninsured weekend workers. If it’s determined that the workers were employees of your landlord, then he or she would be responsible for your injuries. If, on the other hand, the company or individual is an independent contractor, then you may need to make a personal injury claim against the contractor instead of your landlord.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys that are experienced with tenant-landlord law deal with issues involving landlord neglect. Injury attorneys can help with a variety of situations that may fall outside of that area but still result in significant personal injury. Consult with a lawyer that knows and has experience with injury law.