Understanding Property Management Company Negligence

Our homes should be our sacred space where we feel more safe than anywhere else in the world. But sadly, when a property management company is negligent, this threatens everything that we all near and dear and provides a very real risk of injury.

The Palm Beach Post recently reported that a 92-year-old Boynton Beach area woman has died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a tragedy that reportedly occurred because a handyman improperly installed the batteries in an alarm that would have saved her life. The company that employs the handyman provides management services to Valencia homeowners who pay $1,500 per quarter for various services, including landscaping, maintenance and routine repairs. Tragically, the woman lingered in the hospital for four months after her unconscious body was discovered 20 feet away from a carbon monoxide detector that would have alerted her that the deadly, but odorless, fumes were filling her home.

Who is Liable?

While it was established in Youngblood v. Pasadena at Pembroke Lakes South Ltd. that landlords have a duty to make sure that a rental property is in reasonably safe condition before allowing a tenant to move in and live in the premise, it is also clear that property management companies also have to continuously operate with due care.

Generally speaking, if you are injured because of a property management company’s negligence, you can sue the company. In order to demonstrate this, you will generally need to demonstrate that those who are responsible for property – including businesses, landlords and property owners – owed the injured party a duty of care that was breached by whatever form of negligence occurred. The silver lining to the tragedies that can result from this kind of negligence is that the Sunshine State affords those who have been injured by someone else’s negligence to seek full compensation for everything from medical expenses to lost wages and other damages related to the accident and injury.

What Should You Do if You Suspect That Your Property Management Company is Acting Negligently?

While everyone can make mistakes, some mistakes have more serious implications than others. Fortunately, taking certain actions early on can help you later substantiate your claims and hold the accountable party responsible for your injuries. Ensure that you always do the following in relation to your property management company.

In case you have a problem later:

• Notify your property management company of any suspected problems
• Always put every communication in writing so that your assertions can be substantiated later
• Comply with the terms of your lease or HOA agreement

If a problem occurs:

• Call authorities and obtain medical help as quickly as possible
• Take the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses
• Photograph the scene of the accident and the surrounding area

Allow Us to Help.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been injured because of the negligence of a property management company, then we can help. We understand how serious the impact of this kind of negligence can be for both you and your family, and we can offer the competent legal help you need while you focus on recovering. Contact the experienced West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm today and we will help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Daytona, Jacksonville, and Bradenton areas.

Resource:

palmbeachpost.com/news/20190502/improperly-installed-batteries-in-alarm-led-to-boynton-area-womans-death-lawsuit-claims

https://www.pendaslaw.com/lifeguard-duties-and-responsibility/