Many New Yorkers call apartments home and may even have close relationships with their landlords. When living in an apartment, we hope that our landlords will maintain the premises and keep us safe, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. In fact, when a property is not properly maintained, serious accidents can occur. Read on to learn more about apartment accidents in New York City.
Most Common Causes of Apartment Accidents
In New York City, the majority of apartment accidents are due to:
- Inadequate lighting: When a landlord fails to keep his or her premises well-lit, tenants may trip and fall over the cracked pavement, potholes, or other safety hazards that they may have otherwise avoided.
- Poor weather conditions: If you slipped and fell due to a landlord who neglected his or her duties to remove snow, ice, and other safety hazards within the legally acceptable timeframe, there is a good chance you will be entitled to financial compensation.
- Damaged flooring: Protruding nails, loose floorboards, and torn carpeting are all common causes of apartment accidents.
- Apartment pools: When negligent pool owners fail to install all necessary barriers, fences, and take other necessary safety measures, people are very often injured as a result. Landlords should always have “wet floor” and other hazard warning signs on hand.
- Broken smoke or carbon monoxide detectors: Landlords should always ensure their tenants have working alert systems because when they do not, people can be seriously injured.
- Staircases in disrepair: If a handrail is not properly installed or secured, it may break loose from its fittings. Those who have been injured as a result will generally have a valid personal injury claim.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you have been injured due to a landlord’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. But, in order to recover the compensation you deserve, you will have to take legal action within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is three years. Failing to file within three years of the accident will likely mean losing your opportunity to recover compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an apartment accident, contact our firm today to speak with an experienced attorney.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a New York City accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.