Can my landlord be held responsible for a personal injury that occurred in the house.

I live in the state of Maryland and rent a townhouse from a private individual. The stairs in the townhouse has a carpeted runner on the already carpeted stairs. The runner is very slippery as the landlord told me that he had taken several spills. The runner is nailed to the stairs. I have slipped and fallen down the stairs several times. Recently I slipped and fell but this time I broke my ankle. Can the landlord be held responsible for this injury?
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Answers (3)

Kevin J. Connolly

Kevin J. Connolly

Contributor Level 4
You should meet with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. You said you broke your ankle. If by that you mean you have a fractured malleolus, then two things should be kept in mind. #1 you will have serious arthritis in that ankle within 20 years. #2 your case is worth six figures. In my neighborhood, a bi-bone fracture of the malleolus will generally settle at around $300,000. Your mileage may vary, but you can show a dangerous defect and landlord's actual awarness of it. Looks like a strong case to me.
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Paula Jeanette Mcgill

Paula Jeanette Mcgill

Contributor Level 7
More information is needed. However, based on his knowledge of the dangerous condition, if he was responsible for maintaining the area, it is likely the landlord will be held responsible. I am licensed in Maryland and handle premises liability matters. If you need additional information or want to schedule an appointment, please contact me.
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Mark L Rosenberg

Mark L Rosenberg

Contributor Level 7
I agree with the other two attorneys. If the landlord was aware of the hazard presented, you may have a claim for this. I handle these types of matters and would be glad to meet with you at my Bethesda office to go through the analysis with you.
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