Getting hurt in your own apartment complex or while visiting someone else’s property is not something most people prepare for. Unfortunately, apartment building injuries in McAllen happen more often than they should, usually due to the presence of safety hazards on the property—stairs with loose railings, lights that do not work, broken pavement, or just plain neglect. If you were injured because a building was not properly maintained, you have the legal right to pursue compensation and should consider consulting an experienced premises liability attorney.
Property owners and managers are expected to take reasonable steps to keep tenants and visitors safe. That means addressing hazards, maintaining common areas, and making sure safety features such as handrails and locks are functional. When property owners compromise on safety standards or fail to address known problems, people get hurt—and the owners may be held legally responsible.
When the Property Owner Is at Fault
Texas law puts a duty on landlords and property owners to keep their buildings reasonably safe. If they fail to fix known dangers or inspect the property regularly, and someone gets hurt as a result, they could be liable.
These are some of the most common ways McAllen apartment buildings become dangerous, potentially causing people injury:
- Broken stairs or railings: Unstable handrails and steps can increase the risk of falls
- Slip and falls: Wet floors, slick staircases, uneven pavement, or debris left in walkways can all lead to painful injuries
- Faulty wiring or appliances: Exposed wires, outdated panels, or faulty outlets can lead to shocks, fires, and burns
- Negligent security: Broken locks and lack of lighting or cameras in high-risk areas may increase the risk of security threats
- Poor lighting: Dim or broken lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking areas increases the risk of falls and even criminal attacks
These kinds of problems are more than just nuisances—they can lead to head injuries, broken bones, burns, or long-term physical limitations. If the building’s owner or manager knew about the danger and did not act, an injured person may have grounds for a claim.
What To Do After an Apartment Injury
When someone gets hurt, their first instinct may be to minimize their injury’s significance or delay addressing it. However, quick action matters—both for their health and their case.
Here is what an injured person should do:
- Get medical care immediately: Seek treatment even if the injury feels minor, as delaying care could negatively impact your recovery and ability to prove damages
- Report the incident: Tell the property manager or landlord what happened, ask them to document the report, and request a copy for records
- Take photos: Document the area where the injury occurred, including any hazards or conditions that contributed to the accident
- Talk to witnesses: Speak with anyone else who saw what happened or knows about the unsafe condition, and get their contact information
- Keep everything: Save medical bills, correspondence with the property, and anything else related to the injury
Premises liability cases are not always easy to prove. An injured person needs to show that the property owner had a duty, failed to meet it, and that failure directly led to their injury. This is where a McAllen apartment building injury lawyer becomes essential.
In Texas, someone hurt in an apartment building generally has two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Due to this limited timeframe, it is a good idea to take action as soon as possible.
Talk to a McAllen Lawyer About Apartment Building Injuries
You do not have to deal with apartment building injuries in McAllen alone. If you were injured because a property owner failed to maintain their building, you may have a valid legal claim. At KGS Law, we represent tenants and visitors who have been hurt due to poor maintenance, unsafe conditions, and neglected property. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.