Suing for Tampa Slips and Falls in Condo Common Areas
If you’re living in an apartment building, you might spend a considerable amount of time each year walking through common areas. These might be walkways, hallways, shared balconies, communal swimming pools, parking lots, and many other similar areas. What happens if you slip and fall in one of these areas? Who is responsible? Could you file a potential slip-and-fall lawsuit in Tampa? This is a question you might want to raise with an experienced injury attorney.
You Can Sue Your Landlord for Slips and Falls in Common Areas
If you’re a renter, you may have the opportunity to sue your landlord for a slip-and-fall in a common area, such as a hallway or parking lot. Your landlord is responsible for your safety, and this requires them to maintain not only the inside of your apartment, but also common areas.
Landlord negligence can create fall hazards in many ways. A landlord might allow a leak to go unaddressed in a parking lot, causing a large puddle. They might also fail to install or repair adequate lighting in the parking lot. Combined, these two factors may cause tenants to walk through dark areas before slipping on puddles. This type of situation could lead to a slip-and-fall lawsuit.
Alternatively, the landlord might allow hazards such as debris and exposed cables to go unaddressed in hallways. You might also trip and fall on holes and tears in the hallway carpeting.
Perhaps the most serious slips and falls occur in stairwells. If you fell down a staircase in your apartment complex, you might be struggling with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or multiple fractures. These falls can also be fatal, leaving families with funeral bills, lost future wages, and considerable emotional distress.
What if I Own My Apartment?
If you own your apartment, you can still file a lawsuit and recover compensation for your injuries. However, you should know that when you file a claim of this nature, you may be “suing yourself” to a certain extent. This is because Homeowners Associations (HOAs) represent the owners, including you. When you file a claim against the Homeowners Association, the insurance policy for the shared/common areas may apply.
While the insurance claim may cover your damages, you might experience higher premiums going forward, and this could increase everyone’s HOA fees. Each owner might also need to contribute a certain amount out of their own pocket if the insurance policy fails to cover your full damages. However, you should not feel guilty about taking legal action. If your injuries are severe, this may be your only real option.
Can a Tampa Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Help Me?
A slip-and-fall lawyer in Tampa may be able to help you explore your legal options after an accident in a condo common area. Whether you’re a renter or an owner, it’s important to understand who might be liable for your injuries. This is especially true if you suffered a serious fall injury, such as a traumatic brain injury or fractured pelvis. Continue this conversation alongside Anderson & Anderson today.
Source:
floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/lions-tigers-and-bears-oh-my-owner-and-hoa-liability-for-wild-animal-attacks/
