Suing Your Landlord for Injuries in San Francisco
The majority of people in San Francisco rent, and this means that they must deal with landlords on a regular basis. If these tenants are lucky, they will work with responsible, polite, and committed landlords. But if they are not so fortunate, they may interact with landlords that are unresponsive, dismissive, and irresponsible. While this might be a minor inconvenience for many tenants, an irresponsible landlord can cause serious injuries to others. Ignoring necessary repairs and neglectingbuilding code requirements can easily put tenants in danger. A recent story from San Francisco highlights just how much harm irresponsible landlords can cause.
If you feel as though your landlord in San Francisco has caused you to suffer injuries, you do not need to simply sit back and accept this without taking legal action. Book a consultation with Mary Alexander & Associates, and you can strive for the best possible results. We will help you hold your landlord accountable, and we can guide you toward financial compensation. You can use this compensation to cover any medical expenses or missed wages you might have incurred. A lawsuit can also provide you with a sense of closure after a traumatic accident, allowing you to move on with your life as best as you can.
Tenants Sue Landlords After Their House Explodes in San Francisco
On May 25, 2023, it was reported that a house exploded in San Francisco. The blast occurred in the city’s Sunset District back in February of 2023. The explosion was so intense that it claimed one person’s life and injured another. The neighboring homes were also seriously damaged by the blast. It later became clear that the home was being used as some kind of drug laboratory.
Months later, two of the neighbors decided to sue the landlord, alleging that he knew the home was being used as a hash production facility. They point out that the home’s basement was filled with highly flammable and explosive butane tanks that the landlord should have been aware of. The neighbors also claim that the landlord visited the home numerous times, and it seems unthinkable to them that these obvious signs of drug production would go unnoticed. The neighbors suffered no injuries, but this was only because they coincidentally decided to leave their home minutes prior to the explosion. They also lost everything in the ensuing fire.
Examples of Landlord Negligence
An exploding house is obviously a very extreme example of what can go wrong when a landlord allegedly fails to inspect the building. But there are many other less obvious examples of landlord negligence that can easily lead to injuries:
- Fire Safety Issues: Landlords are responsible for ensuring a fire safety system that adheres to state and municipal regulations. Required safety features may include smoke detectors, fire-safe door knobs, sprinklers, fire escape lights, and so on. If a landlord fails to adhere to these regulations and you suffer injuries as a result, you may have the ability to sue.
- Building Code Violations: San Francisco has very specific building code regulations. These codes regulate staircases, hallways, windows, ventilation, and virtually every other aspect of a home. Landlords may violate these codes in a number of ways. For example, a staircase might lack a required handrail. The staircase might be too narrow, or its steps might be broken. A hallway might not have enough light. All these factors and many others can cause innocent victims to trip and fall – potentially suffering serious injuries in the process. These injuries can lead to lawsuits.
- Unsafe Water: Landlords also have a legal responsibility to ensure that residents have access to clean, drinkable water. If your water supply seems tainted, you should alert your landlord immediately. If they refuse to take action, consider getting in touch with a lawyer or the city. The city can send over trained professionals to test the quality of your water, and this can help you prove the negligence of your landlord. Unfortunately, many victims only realize that they’re drinking tainted water after they have been diagnosed with serious medical problems.
- Unsafe Air: Landlords must also provide tenants with clean air. This air must be free from mold, toxins, and other contaminants. Asbestos particles can be especially harmful, particularly if you are living in an older home. Adequate ventilation may also be legally required, as the lack of ventilation can cause people to suffer serious health consequences during hot weather.
- Pests: As soon as you alert your landlord to the presence of pests, they must take action. Pests include insects, rodents, or even larger animals such as coyotes, skunks, or raccoons. These creatures can cause all kinds of health issues. Larger animals may bite or scratch, causing rabies and other infections. Smaller pests can carry diseases, and they may make your living environment highly distressing.
- Mold: The presence of mold should be addressed immediately by landlords. Allowing mold to stay inside a home can expose tenants to serious health problems. Black mold can infect the lungs, and it may be fatal. This is especially true for younger individuals. Landlords can be sued for allowing mold to grow and remain in homes.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in San Francisco?
If you have been searching for an experienced personal injury attorney in San Francisco, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. With our help, you can strive for the best possible results and hold your landlord accountable for causing your injuries. Remember, you have rights as a tenant in San Francisco. Landlords also have important responsibilities to uphold the safety of people on their premises. If they fail to provide this duty of care, they must face the legal consequences. By taking legal action, you send a clear message – and you help prevent further acts of negligence against tenants. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
