Believe it or not, homeowners have a certain degree of responsibility to keep their property free of potential hazards. Once such hazard is the entry ways, driveways, and walkways that are coated in leaves in the fall. When the rain or weather comes down, the leaves can become slippery. If you walk to your vehicle to get in, you may find yourself on the driveway or sidewalk unable to move because you slipped and fell. When an accident like this occurs, who is going to be responsible for your injuries and medical expense? What if you can’t go to work while you are recovering; who’s going to pay for your living expenses?
Homeowners have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably free of certain hazards.
In most cases, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to keep all walkways, driveways, and entryways free and clear of any potential hazards and wet leaves can be a considered a potential hazard. Most of the time, these types of accidents are covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy. However, it’s not always that simple.
Homeowner Liability Basics
Premises liability is a legal term used to define the homeowner’s responsibility should an accident occur. Under this liability, the homeowner must act and take steps that are reasonable in making sure that any visitor that comes onto the property by walking, driving/riding a vehicle or motorcycle, or riding a bike can safely do so without an injury.
A licensee is an individual on your property for their own reasons but have your permission, either implied or expressed in some way, to be on your property. A licensee can also include any solicitor or social guest as well.
Invitees are individuals or companies that you hire to be on your property in order to do work for you.
A trespasser is someone who may enter the property without any type of permission or authorization to do so.
What can Homeowners do?
If you are a homeowner, you must take responsibility and ensure the safety of your family and all those who enter onto your property. Blow the leaves off the driveway before it rains and as they fall to avoid them becoming wet and slippery for your guests to step on. Keep your sidewalks and pathways clear and free of debris that could trip and cause someone to fall. Light up the pathways with solar power lights to see at night.
What to do If you Slip and Fall?
If you slip and fall on someone’s property due to negligence, then you have the right to report it, especially if you received an injury as a result. Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fredericton that can guide you in filing the claim, gathering facts, and presenting your case for you to win.