Summer is that perfect time of the year to throw a party. On the flip side, this is also when most accidents happen. Barbecues and outdoor get-togethers are some of the most common and enjoyable summer events. They are where a large number of accidents occur. Slips, trips, and falls are common causes of injuries on other people’s property.
Why is a landlord’s insurance policy important?
A landlord’s insurance policy is critical for property owners. There are three common types of coverage for injuries sustained by visitors to someone’s property:
- Liability coverage
- Structural and personal property
- Medical payments
Property owners who have a swimming pool may be required to pay more for a property policy.
Injured visitors are not automatically compensated; they have to prove that the property owner was negligent. If the injured person is able to prove that the property owner was negligent the insurer will be required to compensate the injured person.
What can a property owner do to prevent accidents?
As a property owner, you are responsible for the safety of anyone who visits your property. You may be held liable if you are aware of hazards on your premises that can cause harm and injury to visitors and do nothing to fix them. To prevent this, you can:
- Get rid of dangerous items: This can be old equipment, debris from an improvement project or a broken swing. Anything that could cause injury to a visitor on the property.
- Restrain your pets: You may be held strictly liable if your dog or any other pet bites, scratches or injures a guest.
- Fix structural problems: These could be damaged deck boards, broken tiles, loose handrails or missing or inoperable stairwell lights.
- Pool: If you own a pool and it’s not being used make sure that the fence enclosing it is not damaged, and the gate is locked. If it is in use, you should have it properly supervised when people are using it, especially when children are swimming.
- Alcohol: This is one of the most common causes of accidents. An intoxicated guest may hurt himself or others on the property. To protect yourself and minimize accidents property owners should never allow minors to drink and should also keep an eye on adult guest’s alcohol consumption.
Can both parties be at fault?
A visitor also has a duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety when on someone’s property. As a property owner, you can present the argument that the injured person was partly or totally at fault for the accident. When a visitor fails to exercise reasonable caution they may be barred from recovering any compensation or their financial recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
What factors are used to determine premises liability?
- Legal definition of the visitor (whether the person is legally on the property, is a trespasser or is a very young child)
- The condition of the property
- Whether both the owner and visitor are at fault
What happens when you sustain an injury on someone’s property?
If you are injured on someone’s property obviously the first thing to do is get the medical attention you need. Also, be sure to report the accident to the property owner. You should also disclose all the details of how you were injured on the premises to your attorney.
