Imagine this: your child is happily playing around your rented property in Palm Springs. Suddenly, your child trips over a loose floorboard or falls down the stairs because of the broken railings.
In such a situation, your peaceful days turn into panic. You start questioning, “Was this something that can be prevented”? And if yes, “Who is responsible for this accident”? These are the important questions and you deserve clear answers for them.
In this article, we’ll discuss a step-by-step process on what to do if your child gets hurt in a rental property. So, let’s begin:
- Take Care of Your Child First
First and foremost, you need to make sure that your child is okay. If he/she is hurt, call 911 or take them to the nearest hospital right away.
Even if it is a small bump or bruise, it is a good idea to let the doctor check it out, just to be safe. Kids don’t explain how they feel, so it is better to be sure.
One most important thing: keep all medical records and doctor’s notes with you. It will help you later as you need to show what actually happened and how much it costs.
- Document Everything
It is really important to document everything that happened as it will help you file the claims later.
Try to gather all the information about the incident. Take pictures of the area where your child got hurt. Also, you can record clear videos of it. Show the broken step, loose tile, or whatever the issue was.
Moreover, write down the details of the accident like the date and time, and how your child got hurt.
Tell your landlord about the incident and save all the communications, such as texts or emails.
- Understand Who’s Responsible
After you document everything, take a moment to understand who is responsible for this accident.
Landlord’s Responsibility: Usually, the landlord is responsible for keeping the property safe for everyone. It includes fixing up things like broken stairs, faulty wiring, leaks, etc.
Tenant’s Responsibility: As a tenant, you’re responsible for keeping things up to the mark inside your house. It includes cleaning up spills and making sure your child doesn’t climb the furniture.
So, if your child got hurt because something was broken or unsafe in the rental—and it was the landlord’s job to fix it—they might be held responsible.
- Consider Talking to a Lawyer
If your child is in a serious condition, and you believe that it is your landlord’s fault, then it is wise to talk to a premises liability lawyer.
A premises liability lawyer in Palm Springs can help you understand your rights and explain if you have a case. Many lawyers offer a free first meeting, so it will not cost you anything. Also, a lawyer will tell you if you might get help with medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Know that a lawyer is always there to help you stand up for your family if someone else is at fault. They can also help you get the right compensation that you deserve.
- Was the Landlord Negligent?
To make a legal claim, it is important to show that your landlord was negligent.
It means that you have asked your landlord to fix things up but he/she failed to do so. If the landlord knew about the problem and didn’t fix it, then the landlord would be considered negligent.
- Prevent Future Accidents
Last, but not least, take some time to childproof your home.
Start by checking your home for common dangers like loose wires, slippery floors, or sharp corners. You can use baby gates, corner protectors, outlet covers, and cabinet locks to childproof your space.
If you see something that needs repair—like a broken step or loose railing—report it to your landlord right away.
Most importantly, regularly check smoke detectors and make sure all safety items are working. Also, talk to your child about safety in a way they can understand. Small steps can make a big difference.
By being watchful and prepared, you can help prevent future accidents and keep your child safe.
Wrapping Up
For parents, nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing your child getting hurt in a rental property in Palm Springs.
If your child is hurt in your rental property, as a parent, you should know what steps you should take next. It can help you protect your family and get the support you need.
Take care of your child first, gather information, and don’t be afraid to speak up. Your child’s safety matters, and you have every right to a safe and healthy home.
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