This scenario is a very common one, especially in a high crime city like Philadelphia. Time and time again, we see tenants injured due to criminal conduct such as assault, robbery, etc., and oftentimes, landlords can be held liable.
Under Pennsylvania law, landlords who fail to provide reasonable security measures in the face of known or reasonably anticipated criminal activity may be liable to a tenant who is injured as a result of criminal activity. This also applies to guests of tenants. For example, a tenant’s guest parks their car in a visitor’s parking lot and walks to the tenant’s apartment. The guest is viciously attacked and robbed by an unknown assailant. The landlord had received multiple prior reports of violent robberies, but failed to take any action to increase security or otherwise post warning signs.
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The key in these cases is proving that the landlord knew or had reason to suspect the criminal activity at the apartment complex. If there is sufficient evidence, the landlord can be held liable. Therefore, investigation is crucial, and it is important to look for other witnesses (tenants, guests, etc.) who were injured in a similar, prior incidents. In addition, it is important to obtain police incident reports from the local police department.
Legal Rights to Financial Compensation in Landlord Liability Lawsuits
Tenants and guests of tenants may have legal rights to financial compensation for physical injuries caused by criminal conduct. Oftentimes, violent assaults result in long-lasting physical and emotional injuries. Claims for financial compensation often include:
- medical bills,
- lost wages,
- out of pocket expenses, and
- pain and suffering.
For more information, contact our Pennsylvania negligent security and landlord liability lawyers. Call our Philadelphia office at (215) 399-9255. The office is located on Walnut Street in downtown Philadelphia, just blocks from City Hall and SEPTA stations.
Our lawyers offer free consultations. Guy D’Andrea and Stewart Ryan are former prosecutors who now help those who are injured as a result of crime.
**This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Updated: June 16, 2015
Published: July 12, 2012