If you are hosting this Fourth of July, chances are you’ll start preparing beforehand–you’ll start cooking certain foods the night before, you’ll clean the house, and you’ll do whatever else your barbecue requires to make it a fun day for everyone. It is important to keep in mind that just as you prepare for fun, you should spend an equal amount of time preparing for safety. If you are celebrating the holiday on your property, this means you are most likely liable for any injuries sustained during the course of the night. In order to prevent any Fourth of July accidents, you must first understand the concept of premises liability.
What is premises liability?
Essentially, if someone is injured on your property and it could have been avoided, there is a good chance you will be held responsible. Here are some of the main causes of premises liability in general:
- Slip and falls
- Trip and falls
- Drowning accidents–if you are a pool owner on the Fourth of July, you need to seriously consider this one, especially if children will be present
- Inadequate lighting
- Inadequate security
- Sidewalk accidents–or, if you are having guests to your house and have an irregular driveway or steps, make sure you at the very least warn those who have trouble getting around
How do I know if I am eligible for compensation after I’ve been injured on another party’s property?
If any of the above scenarios have happened to you, or you have sustained injuries due to another form of negligence on another’s behalf, then there is a good chance you will qualify for compensation. Since the Fourth of July is coming, it is important to consider the necessary firework, swimming pool and boating precautions. These are all fun, leisurely activities, but that does not mean they are completely safe. For example, if you are in charge of the fireworks and do not tell everyone to stand a safe distance away and someone gets hurt, you will most likely be held accountable.
How do I prove negligence if I was injured on another party’s property?
To prove negligence, you must first satisfy the burden of proof. This just means you have to prove that your injuries could have been avoided if the negligent party had taken the necessary precautions. If you are involved in any sort of accident on another party’s premises, then you should immediately take pictures or videos if at all possible. If you have photographic evidence documenting the incident, there is a greater chance you will satisfy the burden of proof. Additionally, it is important that you receive medical attention right away. Medical documents also help satisfy the burden of proof in a personal injury case.
Contact our Pennsylvania firm
If you or someone you know has sustained injuries on another party’s property due to their negligence, contact the Law Offices of Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.
