Your apartment building owner has a duty to keep the property reasonably safe for the residents and visitors. If they breach this duty, they can be held liable under the premises liability law. If you got hurt while in such a building, you can seek compensation. However, navigating apartment building injuries in Lake County and filing a claim against the owner may not be easy. To do that properly, you need qualified legal assistance.
Contact our dedicated premises liability attorney today for a free consultation.
Causes of Injuries Sustained in Apartment Buildings
Not all residential building injuries in Lake County can lead to a lawsuit. However, if they occurred because the property owner did not demonstrate reasonable care, it is possible to recover damages. The common failures that lead to injuries are:
- Poor Maintenance of Common Areas: When property owners neglect the regular upkeep of areas such as hallways, stairwells, and sidewalks, they create hazardous conditions.
- Inadequate Lighting: Dim or non-functional lighting in common areas can increase the risk of falls and attract criminal activity. Property owners must arrange proper illumination throughout the premises.
- Broken or Missing Handrails: Staircases without secure handrails can cause a person to lose their balance and fall. If the owner fails to maintain handrails, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
- Defective Elevators: Mechanical issues due to poor maintenance can cause elevator malfunctions. These malfunctions can cause life-changing injuries.
- Unsafe Balconies and Railings: Loose railings pose a significant fall risk, especially in upper-floor units.
- Fire Hazards and Code Violations: Such issues as missing smoke detectors or blocked fire exits create unsafe living conditions. Building owners must follow fire codes and safety regulations.
- Negligent Security Measures: In high-crime areas or large complexes, broken entry gates or missing locks can attract criminals. Property owners must implement basic security measures.
All these situations can become the foundation of a successful lawsuit. An attorney could explain the next steps and support the injured person throughout the proceedings.
Damages to Recover
When a person sustains injuries in an apartment building in Lake County because the owner failed to ensure safety, they can recover damages. Such damages include all the expenses related to medical bills and recovery. However, the injured person can also recover non-economic damages. These include pain, distress, PTSD, and other issues related to emotional and mental conditions.
If a person dies in an apartment building accident, their family can also seek wrongful death damages. They usually include funeral and burial expenses as well as loss of financial and emotional support.
Statute of Limitations
The medical recovery from injuries sustained in apartment buildings can sometimes take years. However, the injured person only has two years from the day of the incident to file a lawsuit. When the time is up, the case may be dismissed.
That is why initiating legal action promptly is essential. An attorney could handle the legal process while the injured individual focuses on recovery.
Speak With a Lake County Attorney About the Injuries You Sustained in an Apartment Building
When it comes to apartment building injuries in Lake County, you must know your rights related to damage recovery. An experienced attorney can help you understand how local premises liability laws apply to your case.
At Largey Law Firm, we have many years of experience with premises liability claims in Florida. We want to use this experience to help you receive the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
