For different renters a landlord fills different roles. For some the landlord is simply a person who collects rent checks every month. For others the landlord represents the entity charged with keeping the building safe and secure. For everyone, however, the landlord-tenant relationship can be complex when there is a dispute to be resolved.
One issue that arises far too often is renters who are injured on the property. Many injured New Yorkers are hesitant to file a lawsuit for fear of retribution – or they simply don’t understand their rights.
Can you sue your landlord? Yes.
While The Law Office of Seth Rosenfeld, ESQ., doesn’t necessarily handle personal injury cases, we have a long history representing clients through even the most complex landlord-tenant disputes. By representing both landlords and tenants in our practice, we have gained a clear insight into how disputes can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
An injury – even a seemingly minor slip-and-fall – can have long-lasting repercussions to your health. Landlord-tenant disputes, from evictions to rent increases to unsafe common areas, must be handled with close attention to the goals and motivations of both parties and various New York statutes.
Accidents can come in many forms, including:
- Falling on a defective stairway
- Tripping over torn carpeting or broken tiles
- Slipping on wet surfaces
- Falling from an unstable balcony
- Being scalded by hot water from a faulty water heater
Additionally, a landlord who fails to ensure the security of his or her tenants can leave the entire building open to physical or sexual assault.
If you suffered an injury due to the negligence or inattention of your landlord, it’s important that you get the facts and understand your legal options. You might be afraid to challenge your landlord, but, in many situations, you are entitled to seek monetary compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Make sure to learn your rights before making a snap decision.
