Posted on 12/10/24
Property owners must maintain their structures to meet the city’s building codes. These codes are meant to protect and increase safety for those using the space. Yet, violations are not uncommon. For occupants and owners, it is crucial to know what common building code violations occur in Buffalo, New York, and what can be done about them. Be sure you speak with a Buffalo construction accident lawyer about your case.
Building Code Violations in Buffalo
Building code violations range widely in terms of why or how they occur. The following are some examples of the most common code violations:
- Poor lighting. Common areas of buildings must have proper lighting. That helps minimize the risks of slipping and falling. Typically, this applies to all shared areas of a building, such as steps, hallways, shared seating areas, laundry spaces, and storage areas.
- Failure to maintain surfaces. In Buffalo, it is very common for outdoor areas to be difficult to maintain during winter. Yet, property owners must ensure they do everything they can to maintain the walkways and sidewalks on the property, including reducing the risk of uneven or cracked surfaces. If you become injured from not properly maintained surfaces, our Buffalo sidewalk slip and fall attorney can help with your case.
- Defective handrails and balconies. Any area where there is a higher risk of serious falls, such as stairs and steps and balconies, must have protecting railings in place. If these are not in place or not stable, and someone falls as a result, it can be the property owner’s fault.
- Fire safety code violations. These types of violations are more extensive but could include improper use or maintenance of appliances and equipment, gas or other fuel leaks, poor fire management, such as blocking fires, or non-working fire alarms. If a fire suppression system is not present and required under the building code or fails to work, the property owner could be responsible for losses.
- Faulty equipment. All appliances and equipment the property owner provides, such as appliances in units, must be safe to use. That means that they need proper maintenance and upkeep. This could include reducing the risk of electrical shock, fires, mold and mildew, and other standards.
What Happens When Negligence Occurs
In situations where a property owner fails to maintain proper building codes, the city can issue fines and, depending on the severity of the risk, even evict people from the area until the problem is fixed. If a person falls or suffers injuries related to these types of building codes, the property owner must pay for the losses.
Buffalo premises liability accidents and building code violations go hand in hand. When a property owner fails to meet regulatory standards for any building code, and someone is hurt as a result of that negligence, the property owner is responsible for medical bills, lost time at work, and other losses incurred by the victim.
Hiring an Attorney Is Critical in These Cases
In situations of serious loss and injury, victims should seek the help of an attorney. A Buffalo personal injury attorney can help determine where the mistakes occurred and create a clear plan for the future. It is quite important to seek legal representation if you have serious losses from such events since insurance companies may not be willing to pay for losses easily.