No one wants to think about what could happen if someone gets hurt on their property. But accidents do happen, and it’s essential to be prepared in case they do. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide on what to do if someone gets hurt on your property and give you tips on when to contact a premises liability lawyer.
Contents
What Kinds Of Accidents Can Happen On Your Property?
A few different types of accidents can happen on your property. The most common type is a slip and fall accident. These usually occur when something on the ground causes someone to lose footings, like water or oil. Other common accidents include people tripping over objects, falling stairs, or getting hit by flying objects.
Premises Liability And Negligence
To be held liable for an accident on your property, the injured person would have to prove that you were negligent. That means they would have to show that you knew or should have known about the hazard that caused the accident, and you did nothing to fix it or warn people about it. You probably won’t be held liable if they can’t prove that.
What Laws Protect Homeowners?
There are a few different laws that protect homeowners from being held liable for accidents that happen on their property. The first is the attractive nuisance doctrine. This applies to hazards that might attract children onto your property, like swimming pools or trampolines. The second is the trespasser doctrine, which says you’re not liable for accidents that happen to trespassers on your property. The third is the assumption of risk doctrine, which says that people who voluntarily put themselves in a dangerous situation can’t hold you liable if they get hurt.
What Are Your Legal Responsibilities?
You may be liable for their injuries if someone gets hurt on your property. This is especially true if the accident was caused by something you did or didn’t do. For example, if you left a wet floor without putting up a warning sign, you could be held liable if someone slips and falls. That’s why you must know your legal responsibilities as a property owner.
First, assess the situation and make sure that everyone is safe. If there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911 right away. If not, see if the injured person can walk and move independently. If they can’t, or if you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and call for medical help.
Once you’ve determined that everyone is safe and that there is no immediate medical emergency, you’ll want to gather information. Get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. You’ll also want to get the injured person’s name and contact information. If possible, take pictures of the scene of the accident as well as any damage that was done. This will all be important for insurance purposes later on.
If the person who was injured can walk and move around, you can offer to call them a taxi or help them get to where they need to go. If they cannot walk, wait with them until medical help arrives. Once they’ve been taken care of by medical professionals, you can offer to help them with any necessary follow-up care, like getting a ride home from the hospital or arranging for physical therapy.
What Legal Steps Need To Be Taken?
After an accident on your property, a few legal steps must be taken to protect yourself from liability. The first step is to contact your insurance company and tell them what happened. They will likely want to send an adjuster to investigate the accident and determine how much coverage you have.
Next, you’ll want to consult with a premises liability lawyer. They can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities and what to expect from the insurance company. An attorney can also help you if the accident goes to court.
Finally, document everything that happened before and after the accident. This includes taking pictures of the scene, getting witness statements, and keeping track of any medical bills or other expenses related to the accident. This documentation will be vital if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or take legal action.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to think about what could happen if someone gets hurt on their property. But accidents do happen, and it’s essential to be prepared in case they do. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that everyone stays safe and that you have all the information you need in case of an accident.
