Renovating a property can breathe new life into a home or business, but it can also create dangerous conditions for workers, tenants, and visitors. From falling debris and exposed wiring to uneven floors and heavy machinery, construction zones are filled with dangers that can lead to severe injuries. One of the most common legal questions is: Are property owners responsible for injuries during renovations?
In New Jersey, the answer depends on the circumstances. While contractors and construction crews carry significant responsibility, property owners may also be held liable if their negligence contributed to the injury. Understanding when liability applies is crucial for anyone injured during a renovation project.
General Rule of Property Owner Liability
Under New Jersey premises liability law, property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. This duty extends to guests, tenants, customers, and sometimes even trespassers. When renovations are underway, owners must take reasonable steps to protect people from foreseeable hazards.
Failure to do so can expose them to legal responsibility if someone gets hurt.
Common Renovation Hazards
Renovation projects often introduce new risks not typically present in everyday life. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Falling objects such as tools, building materials, or debris
- Slip and fall hazards from wet surfaces, loose cords, or uneven flooring
- Structural instability when walls or support beams are being removed
- Electrical dangers from exposed wires or faulty temporary setups
- Chemical exposure from paints, solvents, or asbestos removal
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment used by contractors
If a property owner fails to warn about these dangers or secure the site properly, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
When Are Property Owners Liable?
Property owners are not automatically responsible for every injury that happens during a renovation. Liability usually arises in situations such as:
1. Failure to Maintain Safe Conditions
If the owner knew about unsafe conditions, such as broken stairs, uncovered holes, or poor lighting, and failed to fix or warn about them, they may be held accountable.
2. Hiring Negligent Contractors
If a property owner hires an unlicensed or unqualified contractor who causes injury, the owner may share liability for negligent hiring.
3. Control Over the Worksite
When owners exercise control over day-to-day renovation activities, such as dictating how the work should be performed, they may assume responsibility for injuries.
4. Injuries to Tenants or Visitors
If tenants, customers, or guests are injured during renovations, property owners are often liable because they are responsible for ensuring safe access.
5. Code Violations
Allowing work that violates building codes or safety regulations can strengthen a claim against the property owner.
When Are Contractors Liable Instead?
Contractors and subcontractors carry their own duty of care. They are typically responsible for ensuring that their work does not create unsafe conditions. Situations where contractors may be primarily liable include:
- Failure to follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
- Improper scaffolding or ladder use
- Unsafe operation of heavy equipment
- Failure to secure tools and materials properly
- Ignoring known hazards despite warnings
In some cases, both the contractor and the property owner may share liability.
Injuries to Construction Workers
Workers injured on renovation sites often rely on workers’ compensation for medical care and wage replacement. However, workers’ compensation does not cover everything, and it does not allow lawsuits against employers.
If another party, such as a property owner, equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor, contributed to the injury, workers may pursue a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to workers’ compensation. This can provide broader compensation, including pain and suffering.
Similar Post: Work Injury Due to Third-Party Negligence? Here’s How to Get the Compensation You Deserve
Injuries During Renovations to Non-Workers
When tenants, customers, or passersby are injured by unsafe renovation conditions, they can bring personal injury lawsuits directly against the property owner and, in some cases, the contractors involved. For example:
- A customer injured by falling ceiling debris at a store under renovation
- A tenant tripping over exposed wiring in an apartment building upgrade
- A pedestrian struck by falling tools near a construction site
In these cases, the injured party may recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Proving Liability
To hold a property owner responsible for injuries during renovations, plaintiffs generally must show:
- The property owner owed a duty of care.
- The owner breached that duty by failing to act reasonably.
- The breach directly caused the injury.
- The victim suffered damages as a result.
Evidence may include photos of the site, witness testimony, building permits, inspection reports, and expert analysis.
Damages Available in Renovation Injury Cases
Compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, medications)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (if belongings were destroyed)
- Wrongful death damages (if a fatal accident occurs)
The exact value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury and the extent of negligence.
Statute of Limitations in New Jersey
In New Jersey, injured individuals generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to recover compensation. This makes it critical to act quickly after a renovation-related injury.
Similar Post: Time is Money: Why Delaying Your Personal Injury Claim in New Jersey Could Cost You More Than You Think
Why Legal Help Is Essential if You Suffered Injuries During Renovations
Cases involving renovation injuries often involve multiple parties, including property owners, contractors, subcontractors, and insurers. Determining who is responsible requires a detailed investigation. Property owners may try to blame contractors, while contractors may point the finger back at owners. Without skilled legal help, victims risk losing out on the compensation they need.
Were You Injured? Call Blume Forte Attorneys at Law to File a Premises Liability Claim Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries during renovations in New Jersey, you may have a claim against the property owner, the contractor, or both. At Blume Forte Attorneys at Law, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling complex premises liability and construction-related injury cases.
We know how to investigate unsafe renovation practices, uncover negligence, and fight for maximum compensation. With offices in Chatham, Jersey City, North Bergen, and Sea Girt, we are ready to stand by your side and hold negligent parties accountable.
Call us today at 973-845-4421 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Let Blume Forte Attorneys at Law protect your rights and help you move forward after a serious injury.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
