Lawyer for Lawsuits Against Maryland Landlords

Miller & Zois handles premises negligence cases throughout Maryland involving injuries from accidents caused by negligent landlords who do not do what they are obligated to do to take proper care of their tenants. We handle only personal injury accident cases against landlords. We do not handle landlord-tenant disputes.

A common thread running through successful lawsuits against landlords in Maryland are claims involving accidents that cause injury in (1) common areas, (2) defects in the premises at the time the lease was signed, and (3) injuries that occur for conditions that the landlord agreed to fix. The more difficult cases are injuries that occur inside the injury victim’s home that do not fall into the categories listed above.

Landlords also have a duty to take reasonable precautions to keep their tenants safe. This includes taking proper security measures, including maintaining and regularly inspecting lights, locks, and other devices implemented to deter criminal activity.

Common Lawsuits Against Landlords

Here are some types of premises liability claims that can be brought against landlords:

1. Slip and Fall Accidents: This is one of the most common premises liability claims. It occurs when a tenant or visitor slips, trips, or falls due to a hazardous condition on the property, such as wet floors, torn carpeting, or uneven surfaces. Maryland is a little tough on these cases because of contributory negligence. But strong slip-and-fall cases will receive high compensation.
2. Inadequate Maintenance: If the landlord fails to maintain the property properly, leading to conditions like broken stairs, leaking ceilings, or faulty wiring, they will be held liable for resulting injuries.
3. Defective Conditions: This could include structural defects or other problems with the property that the landlord either knew or should have known about but failed to address.
4. Negligent Security: If a landlord does not take reasonable steps to secure a building and someone is injured or assaulted, the landlord could be held liable. The settlement amounts in these cases can be really high. You have deep pockets, and the injuries – particularly in sexual assault lawsuits – are awful.
5. Elevator and Escalator Accidents: If a tenant or visitor is injured due to a malfunctioning elevator or escalator, and the landlord (or the contractor) fails to ensure proper maintenance or repair, they could be held responsible.
6. Dog Bites or Animal Attacks: In some jurisdictions, landlords could be held liable if a tenant’s animal injures someone, especially if the landlord knew the animal was dangerous and did nothing to ensure others’ safety. Dog bite lawsuits in Maryland typically fetch high settlement payouts.
7. Swimming Pool Accidents: If a rental property includes a swimming pool and the landlord does not maintain it properly or fails to secure it, leading to drownings or other injuries, they could be held liable.
8. Exposure to Toxic or Harmful Substances: This can include exposure to mold, lead paint, asbestos, or other harmful chemicals or substances. If a landlord knew or should have known about the presence of these substances and failed to remediate them or notify tenants, they could be responsible for the resulting health issues.
9. Fire: If a fire breaks out due to the landlord’s negligence, such as faulty wiring or a malfunctioning heater, they can be held liable for injuries, deaths, or property damage.
10. Attractive Nuisance: This doctrine applies when children are injured on a property due to hazards that are attractive to them (like an unsecured construction site). If a landlord has such a condition on their property, they could be held liable for injuries to children, even if the children were technically trespassing.

Hiring a Lawyer to Sue a Landlord

If you have a severe injury lawsuit you believe was caused by your landlord’s negligence, our attorneys will be glad to speak with you. You can reach a Maryland slip and fall lawyer at 1-800-553-8082 or get a free, no-obligation Internet consultation.

More Maryland Premises Liability Information

• Slip and Fall Cases in Maryland
• Negligent Security Lawsuits
• Sample Deposition Subpoena to Property Owner (premises liability)
• Sample Complaint Against Landowner (sample premises liability lawsuit)
• Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer Help Center (samples of interrogatories and other discovery and trial materials)
• Lawsuits Against Home Depot
• Why Hire Miller & Zois for Your Lawsuit Against Your Landlord