It is normal for a tenant of an apartment to expect a landlord to keep their premises free of any safety hazards that could seriously harm a tenant. Unfortunately, some landlords may neglect to maintain their properties, which could easily lead to a tenant suffering an injury. If you or a family member were injured at an apartment complex in Queens, consult with an experienced Queens lawyer to sue rental landlord for injuries today. At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we believe that tenants at an apartment complex should not bear the burden of dealing with a serious injury due to the negligence of a landlord. Our firm is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP is here to explain whether you can sue if you are injured in an apartment complex in Queens.
Common Causes of Apartment Complex Injuries in Queens, NY
A tenant of an apartment complex should not have to worry that they could be injured while merely walking through the complex. However, there are a number of safety hazards that could be present at an apartment complex if the landlord does not adequately maintain the property. The following is a list of common causes of apartment complex injuries.
Unplowed Snow and Ice
After a snowstorm, it is important that a landlord hires a cleaning service to sweep through the parking lot and other areas of the complex that may have been affected. Unplowed snow and ice are extremely dangerous for tenants and visitors that are traveling through the complex as they could cause a slip and fall accident in Queens, NY.
Inadequate Lighting in Common Areas
Another issue that could lead to a slip and fall accident is the lack of adequate lighting in common areas around the apartment complex. For example, if a landlord fails to install lighting in a parking lot or other common areas of the complex, they increase the risk of a parking lot accident or another type of accident.
Lack of Security and Surveillance
A landlord needs to ensure that a complex is secured from individuals that may seek to trespass or commit crimes on the premises. If a landlord fails to take measures to deter crime like hiring security or installing surveillance, they could be held liable if a tenant is assaulted on the premises. For example, if a landlord has received frequent complaints of crime occurring in certain areas of the complex, they could be held liable if they do not take steps to rectify the problem.
There are other causes of apartment complex accidents that are not listed above. To learn more about pursuing a lawsuit after an accident at an apartment complex, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer.
Proving a Personal Injury Lawsuit for an Apartment Complex Injury
A tenant has the power to sue a landlord for an accident that occurred on their property due to their negligence. To prove that a landlord acted negligently, there are four elements that the victim must prove:
- The defendant (landlord) owed the plaintiff (tenant) a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty of care to the plaintiff (e.g., failed to maintain a dangerous stairwell)
- The plaintiff suffered an injury due to the defendant’s breach
- The plaintiff sustained an injury that a court can award damages for
After proving these four elements, the plaintiff will be awarded damages for their injuries. Damages can be awarded for economic and noneconomic losses. Economic losses are damages that are easily quantifiable as they are tied to expenses related to the injury. Noneconomic losses are more difficult to calculate as they often deal with subjective losses. The following is a list of compensatory damages that can be awarded to a plaintiff:
- Loss of wages/loss of future wages
- Medical bills, costs of rehabilitation, medication expenses, and medical equipment expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Queens, NY
If you are intent on filing a personal injury lawsuit against a landlord that caused your injury, you should know that your claim is subject to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations determines the length of time that a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit with the court. The filing deadline can change depending on the circumstances of the case and the type of lawsuit being filed.
In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. If a plaintiff does not file their lawsuit in this timeframe, they risk the possibility of the court barring their claim entirely. This means that the injured victim will be left without any avenues to pursue compensation for their case.
If you are unsure about when the statute of limitations began to run on your potential lawsuit, you should speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Work with Our Experienced Queens Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you suffered a severe injury because your landlord acted negligently, you should contact an experienced Queens personal injury attorney today. The legal team at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, possesses decades of combined legal experience, and we are determined to help you seek justice against a landlord that caused your injuries. You do not have to pursue a claim against your landlord alone, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300. You may also contact the firm online.