Burn Injuries in Rental Properties: Landlord Responsibilities and Tenant Rights

As a tenant, you have the right to a safe living environment. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining premises that are free from fire hazards and remedying any fire dangers of which they know about or of which they should have been aware.

If you were burned in a rental property fire and think your landlord is to blame, read the following guide on landlord responsibilities and tenant rights. Then, contact an experienced San Antonio burn injury lawyer to discuss your case in detail.

Landlord Responsibilities in Texas

Landlords owe tenants a duty of care that includes maintaining a living environment free from fire hazards. Part of this duty includes:

• Supplying all rental units with working smoke detectors;
• At least one smoke detector must be installed outside of each bedroom and in working order upon move-in;
• Keeping fire exits free of debris;
• Regularly inspecting and responding to maintenance requests regarding appliances and HVAC units;
• Providing accessible fire extinguishers to tenants;
• Addressing pest control; and
• Keeping buildings up to code.

Landlords who neglect these responsibilities may be liable for tenant burn injuries and property damage. 

Landlord Liability in Texas

When a landlord neglects their duty of care by failing to fix a dangerous situation that they are aware of or should have been aware of, they may be liable for a tenant’s accident-related injuries and expenses. 

Tenant compensation may include:

• Medical bills;
• Hospital stays;
• Physical therapy;
• Plastic surgery;
• Lost wages;
• Loss of earning potential;
• Psychological counseling; 
• Loss of enjoyment of life;
• Loss of consortium; and
• Pain and suffering.

Proving a compensation case will require a thorough investigation into the cause of the apartment fire. 

Investigating a Rental Property Fire

Retaining an experienced burn injury attorney is vital in a rental property fire injury case. These cases need independent investigations to determine their cause (or causes).  

An investigation may reveal multiple parties share liability for the fire. If so, each responsible party will be pursued on behalf of the victim. 

Limited Time to File a Burn Injury Claim in Texas

It is crucial to speak with an experienced San Antonio burn injury attorney if you were injured in a rental property fire. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations or time limit to file a burn injury case. 

If you file a case outside of the two-year timeframe, you will be barred from receiving any monetary compensation for your injuries.

Contact an Experienced San Antonio Burn Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries through no fault of your own, contact the experienced attorneys at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC. We are a Texas law firm committed to providing our clients with personalized legal services and the attention they deserve.

Our burn injury attorneys are skilled in all areas of personal injury and premises liability law and can help resolve your legal matter professionally and efficiently. Call The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, today to schedule your complimentary consultation!