Tenant Suing Landlord Over Bathroom Tiles

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A landlord in Louisiana is facing a negligence lawsuit over poorly-installed tiles.

According to a report, the tenant suffered injuries in excess of $50,000 when she slipped on the bathroom floor of her apartment. She is asserting that the tiles were improperly installed, and that the landlord failed to:

Properly inspect the area;
Properly maintain and inspect premises;
Warn of the unreasonably dangerous condition;
Use reasonable and prudent care;
Repair the tile on premises; and
Follow state law.

The tenant further alleges that the landlord had prior notice of the hazard.

Premise liability lawsuits present a daunting challenge for landlords who must show that they were not responsible for the tenant’s injury. Failure to meet local building codes and other ordinances can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. Another factor that can aid the tenant’s case is to show the landlord is seldom present and slow to make repairs to the property.

Frequent inspections, diligent property management and meticulous documentation, including records of repairs and move in/out checklists, are instrumental to a landlord’s defense of a negligence claim.

The tenant in this case is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of earning capacity.

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