When you rent an apartment, you expect your home to be safe and properly maintained. Unfortunately, apartment accidents caused by landlord negligence, unsafe conditions, or defective construction happen far too often in California. Victims can suffer serious injuries ranging from broken bones to life-changing disabilities. At Hillstone Law, we fight for tenants and visitors injured in apartment accidents, holding negligent property owners accountable.

What is Considered an Apartment Accident?

An apartment accident is any injury that occurs in or around a rental property due to unsafe conditions. Common examples include:

• Slip-and-fall accidents from wet floors, loose carpets, or broken stairs
• Fires caused by faulty wiring or missing smoke detectors
• Balcony or railing collapses
• Elevator or escalator malfunctions
• Mold exposure and toxic conditions
• Swimming pool accidents in apartment complexes
• Inadequate security leading to assaults or robberies

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the U.S., with many occurring in residential settings.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/index.html

Landlord Responsibility in California

Under California premises liability law, landlords and property owners have a legal duty to:

• Maintain safe living conditions
• Repair hazards in a timely manner
• Provide adequate security measures (locks, lighting, cameras)
• Comply with housing codes and safety regulations

If they fail to meet these responsibilities and someone is injured, they may be held financially liable.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs explains tenant rights, including the landlord’s duty to keep rental units habitable.
Source: https://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/repair.shtml

Common Injuries in Apartment Accidents

Victims of apartment accidents often suffer:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Head and brain injuries
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Severe burns and smoke inhalation
• Cuts, bruises, and scarring
• Permanent disabilities or paralysis

These injuries can lead to overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering.

Steps to Take After an Apartment Accident

1. Report the accident to the landlord or property manager immediately.
2. Seek medical treatment and keep detailed records.
3. Take photos of the hazardous condition and your injuries.
4. Collect witness statements if others saw the incident.
5. Request copies of maintenance reports or prior complaints.
6. Contact an apartment accident lawyer to protect your rights.

How Hillstone Law Can Help

At Hillstone Law, we aggressively represent tenants and visitors injured in apartment accidents. Our team:

• Investigates unsafe property conditions
• Collects evidence of landlord negligence
• Works with medical and safety experts
• Negotiates with insurance companies
• Files lawsuits when necessary to recover full compensation

We fight to secure damages for:

• Medical expenses and future care
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Wrongful death damages for families of fatal accidents

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an apartment accident in California, Hillstone Law is ready to fight for your recovery.