Halloween is around the corner, and New York residents will likely have safety on their minds. Knowing that strangers will enter their properties, homeowners might be wise to make sure no hazards exist that could lead to premises liability claims. However, they might also be concerned about the safety of their children who will enter the properties of others who might not have taken due care to prevent injuries.
Leaving the porch light on typically invites trick-or-treaters, but even injuries to uninvited people on someone’s property might lead to liability claims. Unenclosed swimming pools and spas also pose risks for young children, and playground equipment at a home where children go for candy could be seen as attractive nuisances. If they cause injuries, the property owner could be held accountable.
Dogs can be unpredictable when many people with weird costumes come and go, and if they feel threatened, they might act out of character. Parents would be wise to warn their children not to touch or approach dogs on the properties of others. Another concern that parents with teenagers might have is the availability of alcohol at some of the homes where they might go trick-or-treating. Teenagers might be driving younger siblings on Halloween, and providing the young drivers with alcohol is not only illegal but also threatens the lives of many.
New York parents whose children are injured due to the negligence of others this Halloween might have grounds to file premises liability lawsuits. Establishing negligence might be challenging, but this is where the skills of an experienced personal injury attorney come in. A lawyer can provide the necessary support and guidance if there is a viable claim in pursuit of a monetary judgment to cover financial and emotional damages.
