Landlords who fail to secure and maintain the properties they rent to tenants can be held liable for the injuries and personal property damage their negligence causes. An injury attorney in Las Vegas knows how to prove landlord negligence. He or she can use evidence including signed lease agreements, email communications, repair records, and medical records to establish a landlord’s negligence and the impact of the landlord’s actions on a tenant’s health and safety.
What Is Landlord Negligence?
A landlord may be considered negligent if he or she fails to make repairs, does not perform maintenance, or otherwise allows dangerous conditions to exist on a property the landlord owns. For instance, a landlord can refuse to fix leaky faucets or repair water damage to roofing, flooring, or wall surfaces that subsequently leads to the growth of black mold and the development of respiratory problems. A landlord can fail to fix a sidewalk or repair a stair that leads to a trip and fall accident. Or, a landlord can ignore problems with electrical wiring, gas lines, etc. that lead to a fire that causes a tenant burn injuries. In some cases, a property may have features that are structurally unsafe.
The law requires landlords to fix dangerous conditions in a timely manner. It also requires that any repairs or remedies adhere to applicable building codes and acceptable standards of safety. Landlords are required by law to take reasonable steps to prevent personal injury to tenants or their guests as well as to prevent damage to a tenant’s personal property. Further, it does not matter what the cause of the danger was, whether it was Mother Nature or a tenant’s actions that created the hazard, landlords who have been notified that a danger is present are required to take reasonable steps to alleviate the danger.
How to Prove Landlord Negligence with a Paper Trail
“Get it in writing” is solid gold advice for any tenant in Las Vegas. Leases should clearly spell out responsibility for property maintenance and procedures for reporting and handling property damage and any unexpected issues that may arise. Further, all communications regarding damages regardless of cause should be conducted in writing. This creates a paper trail that is easy to follow and shows the progression of events leading up to a personal injury. Nevada law allows tenants to pursue compensation for the personal injuries they sustain, injuries sustained by their guests on the property, and for the personal property damage they experience. Documenting damages helps determine how much a slip and fall injury is worth. A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you prove landlord negligence in court and recover fair damages.
