Apartment buildings require maintenance to be safe, and those who live there are legally entitled to a safe, habitable space. When a landlord fails to maintain their property, serious injuries can occur.
If you have suffered apartment building injuries in Indianapolis due to negligent upkeep or unsafe conditions, an experienced premises liability attorney can help evaluate your case and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Injuries can happen even in very safe, well-maintained conditions, and not every injury that happens in an apartment building is the responsibility of the building owner. However, the landlord has a duty of reasonable care to maintain safe and habitable spaces for tenants. These responsibilities can extend to property management companies that are responsible for maintenance and routine inspections, as well as contractors who have been hired to provide safety-related services such as snow removal.
Under Indiana Code § 32-31-8, landlords are required to comply with all health and housing codes and take all reasonable efforts to keep shared spaces clean and operable. If they fail to adhere to these requirements, landlords could be held responsible for injuries that occur as a result.
Landlords are typically not liable for hazards created by tenants inside their own residences, such as objects that create tripping hazards. They may also not be held responsible for issues that a tenant failed to report.
Slip and fall accidents, especially during rainy or snowy conditions, are among the most common injuries that occur in Indianapolis apartment buildings. These may occur on internal stairways in common spaces or external sidewalks. Falls may also occur because of faulty and poorly maintained stairs and handrails, as well as poorly lit shared spaces like stairwells or parking lots.
Other common issues include toxic exposure to mold or lead paint. Tenants can be harmed if a landlord fails to maintain properly operating hazard detection such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
If someone is injured at an apartment property in Indy due to the negligence of a landlord or other entity, they can seek compensation for their losses. These can include any accrued medical expenses as well as future medical expenses for ongoing treatment and follow-up care. Damages may also include lost wages and the effects of long-term disability if the injuries have impacted the injured person’s ability to work. Compensation may also account for pain and suffering, as well as the cost of relocation in cases of extreme negligence.
If you have suffered an apartment building injury in Indianapolis, you should contact a lawyer right away. The statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years, but some evidence may be difficult to recover if it is not sought immediately. For example, many apartment buildings do not maintain security camera footage for extended periods, and witnesses’ memories become less reliable over time. To build a strong legal case, contact an attorney as soon as possible to help preserve crucial evidence.
Dealing with mounting medical debt and healing from apartment building injuries in Indianapolis can be overwhelming, but McCready Law is here to help. You have the right to a safe and habitable home, and when a landlord has failed to provide that, we will help fight for your rights. Call today to get started with a consultation.
