Tenant Fell in The Parking Lot... Can I Be Sued?

[Jonathan Dickerson]

Hey there, BPers. First time poster. I've got a townhouse with a tenant in it. 

While walking through the parking lot of the townhouse complex, he slipped on ice, fell and busted his skull open tot he tune of $125k in medical bills. I didn't hear about the incident until a couple weeks after it happened when I went by to pick up rent. He mentioned he was suing the HOA of the townhouse complex since maintaining the landscaping, clearing ice, snow and public spaces like the parking lot are the responsibility of the HOA. 10 months later, I get a letter from a Personal Injury attorney asking me to provide all of my liability and umbrella insurance policy and to cease all contact with my tenant...

Any lawyers out there who can help me understand how I could be held liable for a tenant falling on the parking lot, which is a public space of the townhouse complex (which is not my property)? Many thanks and y'all have a great night!

[Jill F.]

Not a lawyer but have been sued for slip and fall when we use to own a restaurant. People can sue anyone for anything anytime. Just give the lawyer the insurance info. The insurance company will deal with it. You'll only have to be involved if they actually go to court instead of settling and then the insurance company will defend you.