How to Protect Against Personal Liability In and Around the Home

Many people view their automobiles as their primary source of personal liability to third-parties. While it is true that automobile accidents are a leading source of personal injury lawsuits, accidents occurring in and around the home can also create personal liability exposure. Third-party injuries arising from such common events as trip-and-falls, slip-and-falls, dog bites, recreational activities, and construction accidents can all subject the homeowner to personal liability. Several steps can be taken to minimize the potential for such third-party liability exposure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Appropriate warning signage
• Properly maintained home
• Homeowner’s insurance policy

1. Inspect your home’s exterior for physical hazards that could pose a danger to visitors. In so doing, view the property from the perspective of an outsider unfamiliar with the property.

2. Conduct a similar survey of the home’s interior, paying particular attention to walkways and common areas. Keep such pathways clear of objects that could cause slips, trips or falls.

3. Ensure that professional service providers, such as painters and other contractors, are fully insured and bonded.

4. Assess your pets from a liability standpoint and take needed precautions. Ensure that dogs are adequately restrained and warning signs posted.

5. Ensure that adequate homeowners insurance is in effect. Such insurance provides liability protection for home related accidents up to defined policy limits.

Tips & Warnings

• When inspecting the outside of your home, look for potential fall hazards such as garden hoses, exposed wires or cables and garden tools. Pay particular attention to commonly traveled routes such as driveways, walkways and stairs. Repeat this exercise before any outdoor event when guests are expected, such as cookouts and outdoor parties, as the chances for accidents increase at such times.
• Fill in holes in your yard, particularly in the front of the home where visitors may walk.
• Perform the recommended indoor inspections before any event where guests are expected, such as holidays and parties.
• Be mindful of loose or rotten railings and stairs.
• Realize that contractors and other workers can sue the homeowner for injuries sustained on premises. Do not assume that worker’s compensation insurance will prevent a suit against you.
• Note that certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls, are particularly high liability risks.