Can I File a Burn Injury Lawsuit if My Injuries Were the Result of My Landlord's Negligence?

While there are many types of contracts and expectations when entering into a rental agreement, it is generally assumed that if you are renting an apartment, house, or other space, the landlord will keep your home in a working, and more importantly, in a safe condition. Each housing district has its own rules, in DC, this is known as the warranty of habitability. Unfortunately, some landlords put profit over safety and do not keep their rental spaces up to code. This can result in serious injuries to tenants, especially when it comes to fires and other burn risks.

If you have suffered burn injuries as the result of your landlord’s negligence, you should speak with a premises liability lawyer about your case immediately.

Since there are many kinds of burns that can be caused by delayed maintenance or known faulty systems in a dwelling, it is important to first understand if your burn injury might be related to your condition of your rental home.

What Are the Common Ways that Burn Injuries Occur from Landlord Negligence?

• Water that is too hot, either in the shower, the kitchen sink, or another place
• Exposed wires
• Exposed pipes with hot steam or water
• Incorrectly installed fireplaces
• Radiators or other methods of heating
• Stoves and other kitchen appliances
• Exposed light bulbs

While burns can result from skin coming in contact with any of the items from the above list, many of these can also cause a fire. Since your landlord is responsible for keeping your home in safe order, they must make sure some of these routine tasks are completed, including:

• Installing doors that are fireproof and kept shut to stop a fire from spreading throughout a large building
• Ensuring your fire escape is safe, secure, and up to current codes
• Making sure you have fire extinguishers that have been regularly serviced and are in working order
• Installing and maintaining smoke alarms that are in the correct location
• Ensuring that escape routes are kept clear in areas of the building that might be shared between you and other residents, for example, building entrances, laundry rooms, and hallways.

Lastly, a landlord must also make sure that the building’s wiring is in good condition. This includes ensuring that rodents or other animals have not chewed through any of the electrical equipment causing a failure and potential fire to start.

What Must I Prove to Show Negligence by My Landlord?

Some of the more common ways to establish negligence by your landlord are:

• The landlord knew or should have known about a dangerous condition or problem, but didn’t correct it
• The building was not up to safety codes
• The landlord’s failure to act was the cause of your burn injuries.
• You suffered damages as a result of the landlord’s negligence.

Landlords have different obligations for different types of buildings. For example, if you live in a large apartment building, a landlord may be required to install doors in public spaces (like the hallways) that are to remain shut and will thus prevent fires from spreading. Following this example, if your landlord propped open (or knew that the doors were commonly kept open) and you suffered burn injuries as a result, you might have a strong case against your landlord.

It is a landlord’s job to keep you safe in your building. If you suffered burn injuries as a result of negligence you may have the right to file a burn injury lawsuit. Even if you are not sure, it is important to speak with a skilled attorney that understands the laws specific to your area and can help you focus on your recovery. Landlords can potentially be responsible if they did not follow basic building safety codes.

Get the Legal Help You Need with Your Burn Injury Case

While there are many details when it comes to landlord duties and tenant rights, it is important to speak with a lawyer that understands when your landlord might be at fault and how this might result in you winning your case.

As a personal injury law firm in Washington, DC, Regan Zambri Long PLLC has more than 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law, including claims involving severe burns and premises liability. We can investigate the accident or product defect that caused your injuries and determine all responsible parties. Our law firm has a reputation for success in complex personal injury claims involving burns. Call 202-960-4596 for your free case review today.