Being present on a property that has the potential of harming you physically can be a stressful experience. If you happen to occupy a property as a tenant and the conditions are unsafe for you to stay on the property, it is your right to protest.
Your job is to inform the property owner of the potential hazard and have it fixed. A hazard on a property could be anything that has the potential to harm you; for example, a tree branch that is about to fall or an attic roof that is about to collapse are typical examples of hazards on a property.
You can also encounter situations where your driveway is cracked up, creating a tripping hazard for you or anyone visiting your property. This can create a complex chain of liability.
Identify the Potential Hazard
As you live on a property, you tend to notice things that can be unsafe. A hazardous situation can arise if the property is old or in disarray. Neglect over a long period can lead to several potential hazards.
For example, if the property you live in has an old structure, it is common for the roof to become compromised. Without proper care, the roof can develop leaks, which can compromise its structural integrity. There could also be trip hazards on the property, which need to be addressed.
Similarly, if there are old trees on the property that have not been pruned in a while, that could lead to a hazardous situation, such as a branch falling and injuring someone or damaging property.
Inform the Property Owner of the Risk
As a tenant, you must inform the property owner of the potential risks. If you fail to do so, you may be the first victim of these hazardous conditions. If hazardous conditions are prevalent on a property, you can demand that the owner fix them.
If you fail to inform the property owner of the potential risks present on their property, the balance of liability can shift towards you in case of an unfortunate event. This is why it is only proper that you inform the property owner of the problem.
You can demand that your property owner fix the problem, or you can agree with your landlord to resolve the issue and adjust your rent costs.
Document Your Correspondence
Another thing that can be pivotal to substantiating the level of your liability is documenting your correspondence with your property owner if you have performed your duty and informed the property owner of the potential risks present on their property.
The property owner’s job is to fix the issue. If your property owner fails to address the issue, repeat your demands to them. You should keep records of this correspondence in case an unfortunate event occurs.
In a situation where something unpleasant happens on the property you are occupying, your correspondence will be the only proof you will initially have to shift the burden of liability away from yourself.
Understand the Importance of Timely Action
Timing is critical when dealing with a negligent property owner. The longer you delay addressing the hazards, the more vulnerable you become to potential accidents or legal complications. If the property owner fails to take action, your promptness in reporting and documenting the issue will demonstrate your responsibility and help establish your case if needed.
Timely action ensures the hazard does not escalate into a more severe problem. For example, a minor leak in the roof today can lead to extensive water damage tomorrow. By acting quickly and keeping a record of your efforts, you create a stronger foundation for future claims or disputes with the landlord.
Get in Touch with a Lawyer
If you live on a property with unsafe conditions and your landlord is reluctant to address the issues, it might be time to contact a lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to guide you through the options you might have.
However, if you have been injured due to a hazard present on the property you occupy as a tenant, it can change things. In case of an injury or damage to your property you need to contact a lawyer holding negligent property owners accountable.
In such circumstances, your lawyer will be able to fight for you; by filing a lawsuit, your lawyer will get the compensation you deserve.
Keep a Record of Medical Bills
In case of an injury, you will need medical treatment. This medical treatment can leave you with mountainous medical bills that can be impossible for you to pay off. To set off these bills, you will need to seek compensation.
To seek compensation for your medical bills, you must have a complete record of these bills. This way, you will be able to justify the amount of compensation that you are seeking. To make sure that your claim succeeds, you will need to preserve your medical bills.
Identify Your Status on the Property
Another thing that you have to consider is your status on the property. If you have been injured on a property, you must see what legal definition you fall under. For example, if you are a tenant on a property, you are a licensee.
Similarly, if someone is visiting you at your place of tenancy and gets hurt, they will be invitees on the property, and their rights will be different. However, if you are trespassing on a property and get injured, the balance of liability will shift once more.
Prepare a Lawsuit for Compensation
Once you have recovered from your injuries and contacted your lawyer, your next move should be to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will be able to prepare a lawsuit for you, which will bring your negligent property owner into the confines of the law.
With the help of a lawsuit, you can hold your negligent property owner liable and seek compensation for your injury or damages. You can receive compensation for your medical bills if you have been injured. Similarly, you can also seek compensation if you have suffered property damage.
If you have lost wages due to your injury, you can also seek compensation for them. You can get compensation for your loss by settling your dispute with your property owner or taking the matter to court.
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