Don't Get Stuck With The Liability: How To Protect Yourself From Personal Injury Claims This Summer

Summer is approaching quickly. You'll soon be getting your backyard ready for those weekend get-togethers. If your backyard is going to be filled with guests this summer, it's time to start taking steps that will help protect you from personal injury claims. If any of your guests are injured while they're on your property, your homeowner's insurance rates may take a hit, especially if the injuries are significant. Here are just a few steps you can take to reduce your liability and protect your guests from injuries this summer.

Keep Your Pathways Well-Lit

If you're going to be partying into the night in your backyard, you'll want to make sure that the pathways are well-lit. Leaving your yard poorly lit could lead to trip and fall accidents. Before summer arrives, and you have your first guests of the season over, you'll want to install lighting throughout your yard. If you're concerned about the cost of wiring your yard for lighting, choose solar landscape lighting instead. You just need to make sure that your guests can see where they're walking during your late-night get-togethers.

Secure Your Pool Area

If you have a pool in your yard, you need to take measures to secure it – whether it's an above-ground pool or a built-in. If your pool is not properly secured, and someone is injured or drowns, you could be held liable. This is particularly true if you haven't taken measures to secure it properly. Before you start inviting guests over for the summer, be sure to install security fencing around the pool area. You should also install an alarm system for the pool. For above-ground pools, you can use floating pool alarms that alert whenever the water is disturbed.

Check Your Yard for Holes

If you have dogs that like to dig, or your yard has been invaded by moles or gophers, you need to check your yard for holes. The last thing you want is for a guest to trip in a hole and break their ankle. Unfortunately, if you haven't taken measures to fill in the holes, you could be liable for the broken bones. Before each get-together, walk around your yard, and fill in any holes that you find.

Monitor Your Fire Pit

If you're going to be having a fire pit this summer, you'll need to monitor it during backyard get-togethers. If you don't, you could be held responsible for any burns that your guests sustain while in your yard.

Don't risk a personal injury claim this summer. Use the tips provided here to protect your guests from injuries, and yourself from personal injury claims. If someone is injured while at your home, be sure to consult with an attorney right away. For more information, contact your local personal injury attorney.

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