Landlords and apartment owners in Connecticut have responsibilities to their tenants, including keeping functioning locks on all exterior doors and correctly repairing stairways. In addition to the specific rights that renters have when living in apartments, there are also state laws regarding premises liability that apply to apartment complexes. 

When landlords fail to uphold their responsibilities and duties, and their failure causes an unsafe environment, it is reasonable to assume that accidents and injuries may occur. If you’ve been injured at your apartment building, you may be able to pursue legal action against your landlord or apartment owner for the harm you’ve endured. Our attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have experience seeking comprehensive compensation for those who have suffered apartment building injuries in Connecticut. Let us help you.

What Causes Apartment Building Accidents in Connecticut?

Injuries can result from any number of hazardous or unsafe conditions at an apartment. Some examples of how a landlord’s negligence can cause accidents include:

  • Damaged flooring and stairs
  • Poorly lit hallways and entryways
  • Faulty wiring and electrical systems
  • Broken locks and exterior doors
  • Inoperable smoke detectors
  • Unsafe swimming pool

Property owners have a duty to make the premises reasonably safe for visitors and to inspect the property in order to address any unsafe conditions. They could be held liable for injuries caused by defects that would be discoverable by a reasonable inspection of the property. 

Common Injuries Caused by Apartment Building Accidents

The type of injuries that occur in apartment building accidents vary widely depending on what caused the accident. Faulty electrical systems can lead to electrocution or fires. Broken stairs can cause falls. Unsafe swimming pools can lead to drowning or near-drowning accidents. If broken locks, improper exterior lighting, or other inadequate security measures are the issue, then assaults and other crimes could more easily occur and lead to a number of injuries or even death. 

Suing a Connecticut Landlord for Apartment Building Injuries

Landlords have numerous responsibilities and duties they must fulfill to keep the apartment safe for tenants. However, determining who is at fault is not always straightforward. Is the landlord also the property owner? Who is responsible for maintenance and security at the apartment? Did you previously notify the landlord about the issue? Could they have reasonably known there was a hazard or defect? Answers to these questions will help guide you to the appropriate at-fault party, but there is also another factor to consider. 

Where Did the Accident Occur?

If you were injured in your apartment, the landlord or property owner might not be liable. It’s important to discuss the details of your accident and injury with an experienced premises liability lawyer to determine who is responsible. Examples of scenarios in which accidents inside your apartment unit may be the landlord’s fault include:

  • It involved a building issue that affected multiple units
  • The locks were not maintained
  • They ignored your requests for maintenance
  • They failed to address the issue appropriately
  • The issue involved a duty outlined in the lease as the landlord’s responsibility

Accidents that occur in common areas, like the lobby, stairwells, or parking garages, are more likely to be caused by landlord or property owner negligence since tenants are not typically responsible for the upkeep or maintenance of common areas. 

Contact an Apartment Building Injury Attorney in Connecticut

D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have over a century of combined experience fighting for tenant rights in premises liability cases. We are dedicated to building a strong case for each of our clients, and we have the unique opportunity to workshop our strategies in our in-house focus group courtroom. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal rights after suffering apartment building injuries in Connecticut.