How Building Code Violations May Cause You Injury
The reason building codes and sanitary codes exist is to protect people from being injured in many environments, such as while a tenant in rented property or while a visitor on public or private property. Many times a property or business owner fails to keep their property up to code. Not only is this illegal, it is dangerous for patrons, visitors or employees who may come into contact with a hazardous building code violation.
Any property owner (for example a retail store, movie theater, restaurant, etc. or even a private homeowner) has a legal responsibility to make sure that their property is safe and free from hazards which may cause a serious injury.
Unfortunately, many building code and sanitary code violations may go unnoticed or uncorrected in an effort to save the property owner money. This creates a situation where a person may be injured. Examples of building code violations that present an unsafe environment include the following:
- improperly installed or maintained electrical wiring;
- cracked or crumbling sidewalks or walkways;
- inadequate or poor lighting;
- broken, missing, or improperly installed railings;
- broken or unsafe steps or stairways;
- missing or obscured signage;
- slippery or wet floors; and
- broken or improperly maintained electrical elements or devices such as elevators, escalators or automatic doors.
The injuries that result from these dangerous building code violations can be serious, if not fatal. Broken bones, electrocution, scrapes, bruises, concussions and soft-tissue injuries are just a sampling of what you may be dealing with if a business or property owner has violated the established building or sanitary codes.
In addition to pain and suffering, you may be left footing the bill for medical expenses and suffer lost wages and after an accident like this. So, what can you do if you believe you are entitled to compensation from a property or business owner in Massachusetts?
The first thing you should do is contact Worcester personal injury attorney Peter Ventura to find out what your legal rights and options are. If you can prove that your injuries are a result of building code or sanitary code violations – you may be eligible to file a premises liability claim against the negligent property owner or other responsible party in question. It’s important to gather as much evidence as you can, such as photos of the accident site, your injuries, and medical reports, to back your claim. Get started by consulting Attorney Peter Ventura today at 508-755-7535.
