Maybe you bought a new condo, and someone comes to visit or deliver food. They fall while on your property, and they end up with an injury. You’re probably wondering: if someone falls on your property are you liable?
It’s possible that when someone has a slip and fall injury on your property, you could face liability for it. Depending on the circumstances, something as simple as tripping over a crack in the concrete or having a faulty balcony railing that causes someone to fall can be an expensive problem for you. However, it’s not always the case.
Here’s what property owners need to know about liability trip and fall accidents.
What is a Slip and Fall Claim?
A slip and fall accident on your property can turn a friend into an enemy. If they feel that you’re liable for injuries they sustain in a fall at your home, they could make a claim and pursue a lawsuit.
1] Are You Responsible?
If that happens, don’t panic. The cause of the person’s fall helps determine your liability-or not.
In most cases, a property owner will only face financial liability if your property created an unsafe situation that caused the fall. An “unsafe” situation could include a variety of things, like.
- Broken steps.
- Loose railing.
- Cracks in the driveway or patio.
- Wet floors.
- Piles of snow that block a pathway.
- Torn carpets.
- Debris that causes someone to trip.
If a person can prove that any of these kinds of conditions caused their fall and injury, a property owner could be responsible for financial compensation to the injured person.
2] When You’re Not Responsible
When you keep your property in excellent condition, you reduce the risk if a fall happens on your property. Anyone can fall and sprain an ankle, break a wrist, or hit their head at any time-even if it happens on your property.
If conditions do not indicate that your property causes someone to fall, you are not liable for their slip and fall injury. However, it can be challenging to determine the liability if time passes after someone falls on your property.
3] Protect Yourself
Being a property owner comes with plenty of responsibility. To protect yourself from a potential slip-and-fall lawsuit, make sure to keep your property in good condition.
- Keep walkways clear year-round.
- Repair issues with driveways, steps, and railings.
- Trim trees and bushes to keep limbs from falling.
- Watch for rips in carpets and rugs.
- Dry water on the floor right away.
Make sure you also have liability insurance for your property. With liability coverage, you’ll pay a deductible while your insurance company (and your lawyer) works with the injured person to arrange a settlement.
4] If Someone Falls On Your Property Are You Liable? Maybe
If someone falls on your property are you liable? If your property has unsafe conditions, you could be liable. Keep a tidy house, and you reduce your risk of a lawsuit.
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