The holidays are approaching, and guests may be visiting family and friends. If they live in an apartment complex, the apartment owner or manager is expected to maintain the property. However, serious slip and fall injuries can happen at apartment complexes and it’s important to be aware of how guests could be affected.
Slip and fall
Slip and fall accidents usually happen when there is a hazardous condition on the property, which can cause the apartment complex guest to lose their balance. Wet, snowy and uneven surfaces can cause a slip and fall if they are not properly maintained. These conditions can be caused by the weather or by a failure to clean up spills, for example.
Common areas should also be well lit, which includes parking lots, shared recreational spaces and stairwells. If they are not, a guest can easily fall. The property owner should also have signs to notify guests of hazards.
On the inside of the building, loose flooring like carpeting or mats can cause a guest to trip and fall.
Injuries
In addition to minor bruises or abrasions, a slip and fall can cause a more serious injury. A guest can suffer a broken bone or fracture if they use their arms, wrists or legs to break their fall. In some situations, the guest may need surgery or physical therapy to fully heal.
They can also have a head injury, including a concussion or traumatic brain injury if they hit a hard surface or a spinal cord injury, which can cause full or partial paralysis. If they fall on their back, they can suffer from long-term pain.
These guests may be entitled to damages for their injuries.
