Apartment building tenants have the right to feel safe in their homes regardless of their rent. What can you do when a stairwell accident shatters that sense of security? If you’re injured and want to hold your landlord accountable, you can, under certain conditions.
New York’s Tenant Protection Cabinet states that 65% of the city’s residents are renters. The team coordinates regulations and renter-focused services across agencies to ensure safe and fair housing conditions. It helps enforce local building codes and property maintenance to prevent accidents. Its objectives are especially relevant in the Bronx, where older buildings may have more maintenance issues.
When is the landlord liable?
Landlords must manage safety in their properties, including stairwells. Some few scenarios where your landlord might be responsible for your stairwell injury include:
- Poor maintenance: If the stairwell shows signs of neglect, such as broken steps, loose handrails or poor lighting
- Failure to repair: If you or another tenant reported a hazard, and the landlord did nothing to fix it
- Building code violations: If the stairwell doesn’t meet local building codes, such as height and width requirements
These elements could be grounds for a lawsuit, but you must take specific steps to prove your case.
Steps to take after a stairwell accident
If you have suffered an injury in a stairwell accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention: Your health is the most important thing. Even if your injuries seem minor, visit the nearest hospital or clinic.
- Document the scene: Collect crucial evidence, such as photos and videos of the stairwell condition that caused your fall.
- Report the incident: Notify your landlord in writing about the accident and its cause. Keep a copy for your records.
- Gather witnesses: Get the contact information of anyone who saw the accident. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony to support your claim.
When you act quickly and with proper care, your chances of receiving just compensation increase. Consulting a personal injury and premises liability attorney is advisable when exploring other options to strengthen your case.
Don’t let negligence go unchecked. Pursuing accountability is vital in promoting safer housing in the community.