When you are a homeowner, cleaning up, clearing the clutter and making small repairs is an important part of property maintenance. Chances are with the arrival of cooler weather, you are starting to play closer attention to the exterior of your property. Fortunately, November is a great time to prepare for winter and make any outdoor repairs a priority.
Being diligent about property maintenance helps protect your visitors from potential dangers, and yourself from potential lawsuits should someone happen to suffer an accident while on your property. Slips, trips and falls can happen quickly and may result in significant personal injuries leaving victims unable to return to work or their regular activities.
Tips to Avoid Personal Injury on Your Property
If you are a property owner in physical possession of the property, you’re responsible for taking steps to ensure visitors or renters are reasonably safe. It is important to frequently inspect the exterior of your property, looking for and removing any hazards. Here are some tips to help prevent accidents on your property:
- Look for uneven surfaces, crumbling concrete or other tripping hazards
- Carefully inspect your driveway, walkways and any exterior steps
- Check exterior lighting, especially those illuminating porches, walkways and driveways
- Test any railings to ensure they are secure and make any necessary repairs
- Repair leaky eavestroughs to prevent dripping or pooling water that can later turn to ice
- Remove any decaying trees or unsafe branches that may present a falling hazard
Be sure to draw attention to any dangerous areas if you are unable to repair and/or remove a potential hazard immediately. This can be done by posting warning signs or taping the area off.
Negligent Property Maintenance Can Result in Personal Injury Lawsuits
Failure to maintain a property or premises can result in conditions where slips, trips and falls become more likely. Learn more about the criteria for determining who is responsible in a trip and fall accident. If you are injured due to someone’s negligence in maintaining a safe property, an Ontario injury lawyer can help find out if you may be entitled to recover damages for your injury from the occupier.
Ontario’s injury lawyers are experts in personal injury and civil litigation claims. Find out how a personal injury lawyer can help you after a slip, trip or fall.
