Accidents are an unfortunate part of life. Despite many accidents being just that and nothing more, those who have suffered injuries often look for someone to blame — even when there is none. When someone is injured in a slip-and-fall accident, Texas homeowners are at risk of being accused of negligence.
Is the homeowner really at fault?
In general, homeowners are supposed to make sure that other people are safe on their property. This does not necessarily mean that they need to fix every single minor issue that may pose a small threat. Instead, it could look like warning a visitor of a loose carpet or uneven path. However, a victim might try to claim that the homeowner knew about the problem but made no effort to rectify the issue or warn visitors.
What about attractive nuisances?
There are certain items or features of a home that are considered attractive nuisances, which are things that children may be attracted to. Texas homeowners are expected to take careful precautions to discourage or prevent children from interacting with these items, or they could be held liable for a slip-and-fall injury even if a child was not supposed to be on the property. Examples of attractive nuisances include:
- Swimming pools
- Trampolines
- Playground equipment
Texas homeowners need to be prepared to protect themselves in the event of a slip-and-fall injury. Documenting dangerous conditions and the steps taken to fix them is one good approach, as is putting up signs that warn of uneven paths. Unfortunately, this is not always enough to ward off lawsuits, in which case many homeowners find that the careful guidance of a knowledgeable attorney can be an invaluable asset.