Having a piece of property that is suited for recreational activities can be engaging and rewarding when you share it with family and friends. You could even lease out the property for activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. Have you ever taken into consideration your guest’s safety? What would happen to your investment if one of your invited guests got hurt on your property? Or even if a trespasser that is there without your knowledge has an incident? You may be on the hook for liability if something goes wrong and your investment could be threatened. A property owner can even be held responsible for injuries arising from criminal activity or other security issues if it is determined that the incident was foreseeable or predictable. Due diligence for maintaining your property is a must to protect you and your assets.
Common conditions that can lead to an accident include:
-Open cisterns/wells
-Branches not cleared and damaging vehicles or injuring a person
-Old structures that could injure a person
-Existing tree stands that fail
-Washed out roads
What actions can you take as a property owner?
As a property owner, prioritizing your guest’s safety is essential. Many injuries the involve legal liability could have been avoided if property owners had been more vigilant. By closely monitoring the state of your property and addressing repairs, maintenance and issues, you can safeguard your guests from harm.
Regularly monitor your property and evaluate hazardous situations
Accidents frequently happen due to unsafe conditions. It’s essential to be aware of your property and identify where these risks may be present to safeguard your property from guests – invited and uninvited! After walking your property and identifying risks, take steps to fix and secure what you can, and ensure that areas that cannot be repaired are made safe. Some issue may require you to take the extra precaution to block off the area and display warning signs about the hazardous condition.
Actively manage preventive strategies
You are tasked with the duty of maintaining and repairing your property. Neglected properties can create unsafe conditions that may lead to injuries. For instance, a uncovered old well could result in a broken ankle, and loose overhead branches might fall and cause someone serious injury. By promptly addressing and fixing issues you notice, you can significantly reduce the risk of such accidents.
Ensure roadways and trails are not blocked
Regardless of whether you have riding trails or walking trails, obstacles can frequently lead to accidents. Even a seemingly minor item like a cable stretched across a path can result in someone tripping and sustaining an injury. For your guest’s safety it’s essential to routinely check your property for any obstructions or dangers on your trail system and promptly eliminate them. Fixed washed out roads. Clear branches and other debris that may be blocking the trail. Avoid leaving equipment out and if they must be positioned adjacent to the trail, ensure they do not extend into the path.
Obtain proper insurance for the right usage of your land.
If you are a property owner, it is vitally important to have liability insurance for your property. Vacant Land Insurance can help protect you if someone is injured while visiting your property. Like car insurance, if someone is injured while visiting your property, your premises liability insurance may cover the costs associated with their injury.
It is important to remember that medical care, vehicle and equipment repairs are very expensive, especially for significant injuries. Defending yourself from legal action could leave all your assets vulnerable. Determine what coverage limits you might want to make sure you have adequate coverage to protect your guests, your property and all your other assets.
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