Slip and falls affect Americans of every age. They can cause extended hospital stays or even permanent disability. Severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you have to use a wheelchair for several months or permanently, you may need to move to an accessible building.

While not every fall in an apartment is someone’s fault, many are. If you are a renter and slip and fall in Hackensack because your landlord has failed to keep your apartment safe, you may be able to sue them for compensation.

Is Your Landlord Liable?

Slip and fall cases are complex since they deal with the concept of property liability. New Jersey law requires landlords to keep their properties reasonably safe and in repair. Whether your landlord can be held liable depends on several factors.

Where did it happen?

Landlords must keep the common areas of your rented space free from danger and in good repair. These include the hallways, stairs, and elevator of your building, the front walkway, and the parking lot. If you slip and fall on a deteriorated sidewalk that’s part of your apartment building property, you may be able to get compensation.

Within the walls of your apartment, landlords have less responsibility. They must keep fixed items, like walls and floors, in good repair, but you also need to alert them to damage. If you fall because of a torn carpet but haven’t reported the damage to your landlord, you likely won’t receive compensation. However, if you have reported the problem several times, speak with a lawyer about getting compensation.

Check your lease

For outdoor slip and falls caused by snow or ice, you’ll need to look at the fine print of your lease. If it states that you are responsible for clearing your footpath or parking space, you cannot sue your landlord. However, if the landlord was supposed to shovel or lay down sand or some sort of ice melt and failed to do so, you can file a claim.

There are many facts which determine the likelihood of success on the merits. Therefore it is imperative that you call as soon as possible while the details are fresh in your mind.

NJ Lawyers, Slip and Fall Experts

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall at your rental property, contact our law firm for a free attorney consultation. You can learn whether you can file a lawsuit and how much compensation you deserve.