Negligent Security at Apartments in Charlotte, NC
If you rent a property, it is likely you have encountered issues with your landlord at some point. Whether you are dealing with a leaky faucet or noisy neighbors, renting can be a challenge. However, for some, renting an apartment becomes dangerous. Legal action may be available when a landlord fails to implement proper security measures at an apartment complex, and a tenant or visitor is injured. If you have been harmed and believe your landlord or property owner is to blame, a premises liability attorney from Edwards Injury Law can explain the concept of negligent security at apartments.
What Is Considered Negligent Security at Apartments?
Negligent security is a branch of premises liability. The legal concept of negligent security refers to a situation where an injured person attempts to hold a property owner or tenant account for a third party’s violent actions and crimes. Negligent security claims are brought forward with the notion that the property owner should have provided security measures that prevented an attack.
What Are Common Examples of Negligent Security?
- There are numerous examples of negligent security at apartments. Some of the most common include the following:
- A person is attacked at or near a nightclub or bar in a dimly lit area.
- Someone is harmed on public transportation or in other places of business where cameras are disabled or malfunctioning.
- A tenant is injured in a shared residential area because of broken locks on doors or inadequate security measures.
Note that even if you do not see your situation discussed above, you may still have grounds to file an injury claim. We are here to help you determine your legal rights and options.
What Do I Do If I Have Been Injured?
Being the victim of a criminal attack is unsurprisingly terrifying. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future. Regardless of those steps, your first priority should always be to get to a safe location and seek medical treatment immediately.
If the situation allows, call 911. The responding officers will create an incident report that your lawyer can later use to support your claim. If possible, take photos and videos of the incident scene, as well as your injuries. Photos and videos of your surroundings can be used to prove how the landlord was negligent.
Injuries vary significantly depending on the type of attack, but you could be recovering from broken bones, head trauma, lacerations, bruising, and more. Only a doctor can formally diagnose your injuries and help you develop a treatment plan to recover as fully as possible.
Once you have had your injuries addressed, it is time to get in touch with a premises liability attorney. Negligent security at apartments is inexcusable, and you deserve the opportunity to seek justice and get your life back in order as quickly as possible.
What Are My Rights as a Tenant or Visitors in North Carolina?
Negligent security at apartments is a far more significant issue than many realize. When a property owner fails to ensure the safety of their tenants and visitors, serious injuries can occur. As such, tenants and visitors have certain rights afforded to them by the state.
Houses, apartments, trailers, boarding houses, and public housing are covered under North Carolina’s landlord / tenant laws. Per the law, landlords must abide by the following:
- Make repairs to keep the property safe
- Ensure the plumbing, heating, sanitary, and electric equipment are in working order
- Keep the stairs, sidewalks, and other common areas in a safe condition
- Obey local housing codes
- Inform tenants if the property is sold
If a landlord fails to abide by their legal responsibilities, there are several claims a tenant can file. In the event of a negligent security matter, applicable claims include breach of obligations by landlord and personal injuries.
Tenants have the right to request repairs and property upgrades to improve the safety of their rental unit or shared common areas. They must mail a formal letter and wait for a response. In some instances, tenants are allowed to fix the problem themselves and recoup their costs by reducing their rent. However, instances like that are only valid in writing. If there are serious concerns that the landlord is not addressing, contact the health department or a building inspector to determine the gravity of the situation.
How Do I File a Negligent Security Claim?
The claim process is complex, which is why it is likely in your best interest to seek guidance from a firm well-versed in North Carolina premises liability law. When you reach out to Edwards Injury Law, we will evaluate your situation and help you determine how best to proceed. Should you decide to hire us to represent you, we will conduct a thorough investigation to learn why your accident happened and who to hold accountable for your losses.
The compensation you seek is referred to as compensatory damages. You can pursue compensation for direct financial and personal losses incurred from the accident. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, the cost of future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
It is crucial to note that you only have three years from the date of your injury to file a claim. If you fail to meet the statute of limitations, you will render yourself ineligible for compensation. When you work with an attorney, you can rest assured that nothing will jeopardize your chance at recovery.
How Edwards Injury Law Can Help
With a history of service, Edwards Injury Law stands up for injured victims in and around Charlotte. That is why we focus many of our resources on the latest technology, which ensures our clients’ cases are fully developed and strong. If you have concerns about negligent security at apartments, we are here to evaluate your situation and help you determine how best to proceed based on your unique circumstances. Contact us today to learn more.
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