Landlord liable??

[vinny4451]

What is the name of your state? MA
I'm not sure if my question would fall under this category or tenant/landlord issues...

I live in 2 floor house (divided into two apartments and a studio in the basement) with a garage that is used by all three tenants (basement tenants door is in the garage). Recently I have been parking my car in the garage while the other tenants park outside (due to our scheduling differences this makes hte most sense). The outside button for the automatic garage doors does not work and I use a side door to get into the garage when i leave.

A few weeks ago, while entering the garage door, I tripped and fell over two computer moniters that are in front of the doorway (it is a step down into the garage). Because there is no light switch for the garage, it is impossible to see, although before this i have not had a problem getting in. I broke a bone in my foot, lost a weeks pay, and was in an aircast for 5 weeks. I called my landlord immediately on the advice of my family... when I called him back recently, he said his insurance broker said he wasn't liable since i didnt trip due to structural damage to the building, etc etc.

But isnt it his responsibility to make sure hte other tenants keep debris from blocking exits an entrances? Should i call him back, and at least see if he can't collect from the other tenants, since it was there stuff i tripped over..

I'm not looking for a huge settlement. I am looking to get my medical bills covered, which aren't that much... but I am a college student on a shoe-string budget, and these bills are going to eat into my pockets (and my food money!)
Thanks

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by vinny4451

What is the name of your state? MA
I'm not sure if my question would fall under this category or tenant/landlord issues...

I live in 2 floor house (divided into two apartments and a studio in the basement) with a garage that is used by all three tenants (basement tenants door is in the garage). Recently I have been parking my car in the garage while the other tenants park outside (due to our scheduling differences this makes hte most sense). The outside button for the automatic garage doors does not work and I use a side door to get into the garage when i leave.

A few weeks ago, while entering the garage door, I tripped and fell over two computer moniters that are in front of the doorway (it is a step down into the garage). Because there is no light switch for the garage, it is impossible to see, although before this i have not had a problem getting in. I broke a bone in my foot, lost a weeks pay, and was in an aircast for 5 weeks. I called my landlord immediately on the advice of my family... when I called him back recently, he said his insurance broker said he wasn't liable since i didnt trip due to structural damage to the building, etc etc.

But isnt it his responsibility to make sure hte other tenants keep debris from blocking exits an entrances? Should i call him back, and at least see if he can't collect from the other tenants, since it was there stuff i tripped over..

I'm not looking for a huge settlement. I am looking to get my medical bills covered, which aren't that much... but I am a college student on a shoe-string budget, and these bills are going to eat into my pockets (and my food money!)
Thanks

double post

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