Ensuring Safety at Home

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1. Understanding Premises Liability and Child Safety

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

March 03, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Understanding Premises Liability and Child Safety

As a homeowner or renter, creating a safe environment for children is important. Not only does it provide peace of mind for parents and guardians, but it also helps decrease the risk of accidents and potential legal liabilities. Understanding premises liability and the concept of attractive nuisances is important when it comes to safeguarding your home against potential hazards. In this blog post, we will discuss what premise liability is and provide practical tips on how to keep your home safe for children.

Understanding Premises Liability:

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners or occupants to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Property owners generally have a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent injuries to individuals on their property. This duty extends to both invited guests and trespassers.

Attractive Nuisances:

One part of premise liability that is relevant to child safety is the concept of attractive nuisances. An attractive nuisance is any condition or object on a property that may attract children but poses a potential danger to their safety. Common examples include swimming pools, trampolines and playground equipment. Property owners may be held liable for injuries sustained by children who trespass onto their property to access these hazards if it is found that a level of care was not practiced.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe for Children:

1. Secure Hazardous Areas: Identify potential hazards in and around your home, such as swimming pools, hot tubs and unfenced yards. Install appropriate safety measures, such as fences, gates and locks, to prevent unauthorized access to these areas.
2. Childproofing: Childproof your home by securing cabinets, outlets and using safety gates at staircases to prevent accidents and injuries.
3. Safe Storage: Store hazardous substances, such as cleaning products, medications and sharp objects, out of reach of children or in locked cabinets. 
4. Proper Maintenance: Regularly inspect your property for potential hazards, such as loose handrails, uneven walkways and tripping hazards. Address any maintenance issues promptly to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
5. Supervision: Supervise children closely, especially around potentially dangerous areas or objects. Educate children about safety rules and guidelines.

Creating a safe environment for children requires proactive measures and diligence. By understanding premises liability and addressing potential hazards in and around your home, you can help ensure the safety of children and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. 

If you or your child were injured on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Berger and Green for a free consultation.