Living in a safe and secure home is a basic expectation for anyone renting an apartment. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for our client, who endured appalling living conditions in a Miami Beach apartment.
After suffering serious injuries due to the landlord’s blatant negligence, our team at Ginnis, Krathen & Zelnick, P.A. leveraged our expertise in personal injury litigation to fight for justice. After a six-day trial, we secured a $524,000 jury verdict, holding the landlord accountable for prioritizing profits over safety.
Problem
Our client lived in a deteriorating apartment building where the landlord refused to make necessary repairs. Despite charging high rent and taking advantage of tenants with poor credit histories by offering only month-to-month leases, the landlord neglected essential maintenance.
The building’s condition worsened to the point where the roof collapsed inside our client’s unit, causing severe injuries that required two surgeries. Even with clear evidence of negligence, the landlord refused to offer any meaningful compensation, initially proposing a mere $50,000 to settle the case.
Tenants deserve to feel safe in their homes, but too often, landlords exploit vulnerable renters while ignoring basic upkeep. This negligence can lead to serious consequences, as it did for our client.
Strategy
We took on the challenge of proving that the landlord’s disregard for safety wasn’t just a one-time oversight but part of a consistent pattern of negligence. Throughout the six-day trial, we gathered strong evidence showing that the landlord knowingly ignored safety protocols and chose to cut corners instead of making necessary repairs.
A key part of our strategy was showing that the landlord had multiple opportunities to address the water damage that eventually caused the ceiling to collapse.
By highlighting their failure to perform even basic inspections or repairs, we demonstrated to the jury that this wasn’t just a tragic accident but a preventable incident caused by neglect. Our team clearly communicated the landlord’s responsibilities and how their failure to act put tenants’ safety at serious risk.
Outcome
After nearly three hours of deliberation, the jury awarded our client a $524,000 verdict – far exceeding the landlord’s highest settlement offer. This outcome not only compensated our client for their pain, suffering, and medical expenses but also delivered a strong message: landlords must be held accountable for neglecting their legal responsibilities.
Despite spending over six figures in an attempt to avoid liability, the defense couldn’t escape the consequences of their negligence. This victory is a powerful reminder that tenants have rights, and landlords who disregard tenant safety will be held responsible in court.
Get Expert Personal Injury Litigation Support Today
At Ginnis, Krathen & Zelnick, our commitment to seeking justice for clients in need is at the heart of everything we do. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions in your apartment, don’t wait to seek legal advice.
Our team is committed to holding negligent landlords accountable and securing justice for tenants. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your rights and explore your legal options. Your safety matters, and we’re here to fight for you.