Is an Apartment Owner Liable for a Tenant’s Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Did you suffer injuries in a slip and fall at a Vancouver apartment building or complex? If so, you might be wondering whether your landlord or the building owner might be liable for your accident-related expenses and losses. The answer may be more complicated than you think.
Can You Hold a Landlord Liable for Slip-and-Fall Injuries on Leased Property in BC?
If you were injured in a slip and fall on leased property in BC, your rights to hold the landlord of the property liable for your injuries depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- Was it foreseeable that you or another lawful visitor could have slipped and fallen on the hazard that caused your accident?
- Did the landlord make reasonable efforts to maintain the premises under the conditions and standards?
- Did the hazard exist for an unreasonable length of time, or could it have been easily prevented?
Do Landlords Have a Duty of Care to Tenants?
A landlord’s duty of care to protect a tenant from a slip and fall on apartment property can also vary. Most importantly, landlords may have a greater duty of care to tenants for slip-and-fall hazards located in the common areas of an apartment building or complex.
Hazards within the tenant’s leased premises are usually the tenant’s responsibility. However, a hazard arising from a fixture within the leased premises, such as a leaking pipe, may become the landlord’s responsibility once the tenant notifies the landlord of the problem.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall at an Apartment Complex?
Take steps to protect your rights after a slip-and-fall accident immediately. You should:
- See a doctor as soon as possible. If you don’t need emergency treatment, get a physical exam promptly to treat your injuries and rule out any other ones.
- Report the accident to the landlord or management company. Get an accident report or record of the incident for your records.
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene. Include shots of whatever caused you to slip, the lighting conditions, and the presence or absence of warning signs or visual obstructions.
- Keep the clothing and shoes you wore at the time of the accident. Don’t wash them or wear them until your case is closed. This physical evidence could play a role in your case.
- Talk to a slip-and-fall lawyer in Vancouver. A lawyer can review your claim and determine whether you have a viable legal claim.
Types of Compensation
A successful slip-and-fall claim in BC could provide compensation for a wide range of financial and non-financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Talk to a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in BC Today
You could be entitled to financial compensation if you suffered injuries from a fall at an apartment complex in British Columbia. But the insurance company won’t settle for the amount you deserve without a fight. At Warnett Hallen LLP, we fight for clients to settle for more. Our award-winning legal team builds rock-solid cases that stand up to the toughest challenges. Reach out to an accomplished slip-and-fall lawyer today for a free case review.
