Our firm has handled many cases involving tenants getting injured by defective conditions on and in property they are renting. This time of year, especially in college rich, Buffalo, NY many college students are coming to town and choosing off campus housing. Please have a discussion with your child about living off campus. They are young adults who may have limited funds but they are still entitled to safe housing. Before your student signs any lease, have them walk the property with the landlord. Take photos of any walls, windows, stairs, etc, that are damaged. This is important for two reasons: 1.) Your student should not be held responsible for damage they did not cause; and 2.) Your student deserves a safe living space. A landlord has a duty to make certain repairs; put them on notice to correct the problem. Personal injuries at rental properties can be serious. A loose handrail, broken steps, and torn carpeting are but a few examples of conditions that have caused injuries to our clients.

Recent Fourth Department Case Law
In Kmiotek v Chaba ____ A.D. 3d ____ the Appellate Division, Fourth Department set a minimum value for spinal disc injuries. The Appellate division also upheld the trial Court’s Order directing a verdict on the issue of serious injury. This case involves an appeal from a judgment of