Whether you’re planning a big trip overseas like the McAllisters in Home Alone, or if you’re just driving a couple hours to visit family, before you leave home for the holidays, you’ll want to safeguard your home. Understanding premises liability can help protect you and your family while you are away.
If you have questions about someone being injured on your property, contact Aversa & Linn for a free consultation to discuss your options.
What Is Premises Liability?
The general rule in Pennsylvania is: if someone is injured on your property, they may have a premises liability claim against you if the injury was due to wrongdoing or negligence on your part. This means that the injured person can try to get money from you to pay for medical bills and other damages.
Learn more about premises liability claims.
Will I have to pay damages if someone is hurt when I’m not home?
If someone gets hurt in your house, you might have to pay for their medical bills and damages, whether you were home or not.
Your liability depends on several factors including:
- Did you know of the potential dangers?
- Did the person have permission to be in your home?
- Did you take necessary precautions to prevent injury (like keeping hazardous materials stored away)?
If it can be proven that you were negligent in providing adequate safety precautions, then you could potentially face legal action.
When You’re Away
It’s important to understand that when you’re away from home, your responsibility as a property owner still applies. This means that if someone were injured at your place while you were away (either an invited guest or trespasser), there’s a chance that you could be held liable for their injuries, depending on the circumstances. If this happens, contact Aversa & Linn for a free consultation to discuss your options.
7 Ways To Protect Yourself
Here are steps that every traveler should take before leaving home to reduce the chances of being held liable for any injuries or damages incurred while they are away:
- Lock all doors and windows securely before leaving;
- Ensure any dangerous items or hazardous materials (such as weapons or cleaning supplies) are stored safely away;
- Unplug all appliances and electronics;
- Have someone check on your house periodically while you’re gone;
- Make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly;
- Leave detailed instructions with trusted individuals regarding any items left behind;
- If needed, contact an experienced attorney who specializes in premises liability law!
We all want the peace of mind of knowing our homes will remain safe while we’re gone. By understanding what premises liability is and taking the appropriate steps ahead of time, travelers can rest easy knowing they’ve reduced the risk of any unfortunate events occurring while they’re away. Knowing your home is secure can help you relax and enjoy your time away. And if you accidentally leave your 8-year-old behind, hopefully they are as resourceful as Kevin McAllister!
If you have questions about someone being injured on your property, contact Aversa & Linn for a free consultation to discuss your options.
