Many of our own yard choices have a direct impact on liability because they create hazardous conditions that are unsafe for visitors. Here are some things to consider to try to limit liability in your own yard.
1. Broken Concrete: If you have cracks or breaks in your concrete, you have an increased liability. If someone trips, falls, and injures themselves because of broken concrete, they can claim it is your fault because it should have been repaired.
2. Poor Lighting: People need light to see, but it seems reasonable that they should be careful when there is not enough light. This is not always the case. Make sure there is proper lighting in places where people would reasonably expect to travel, and avoid this liability.
3. Slippery Surfaces: Slip and fall accidents represent a huge amount of personal injury law, so make sure you are painting your cement stairs with materials that are non-slip, and put door mats or other anti-slip measures in place wherever there is risk.
4. No Hand Rails: Along with slippery surfaces, people are more likely to harm themselves if they don’t have any way of catching themselves when they fall. Install hand rails to avoid risk of injury.
5. Swimming Pool: All swimming pools should be fenced. If you are reluctant because you have an incredible view or an infinity edge, install a glass fence.
6. Trampoline: Most insurance companies would strictly advise against trampolines because they inevitably cause injury. If you must (they are fun), make sure you get proper fencing and padding.
7. Pets: Try to keep pets in the back yard where they won’t have access to visitors unsupervised. Even the best of pets may bite, and the consequences for you, the bitten person, and the pet can be severe.
8. Invisible Fences: Speaking of pets, if you have an invisible fence in the front yard, you have a liability. Because people cannot see them, when your dog comes running, they may startle and harm themselves.
9. Poisonous Plants: There is something in personal injury law called an attractive nuisance that applies to children trespassing on property. This applies to poisonous plants because even if a child is trespassing, you may be liable for injuries sustained by eating poisonous plants.
10. Dead Trees: Lastly, it is important to maintain your trees, so they don’t injure people who walk or drive beneath their branches. Dead limbs can fall and injure or kill people.
A good way to avoid liability in your own yard is to walk around and monitor for hazards. A vigilant person will be able to recognize and correct any hazards.
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Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas.
770-619-2929
North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
