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When someone is injured on your property, you could be held liable for that person's medical bills and pain and suffering. This can come as quite a shock to many homeowners, especially if they feel they are not responsible for the injury in any way. If you want to avoid being sued for a personal injury in Austin, TX, then you should read this article. It will offer you tips and advice for how to prevent injuries and avoid liability. Conduct Needed Repairs Do you have a front walkway that is cracked or uneven? Is one of your front porch steps crumbling? Is the rail on your porch rotted or loose? All of these issues could lead to someone being injured on your property, and you would most likely be held liable for that person's injury. As a property owner, it is you responsibility to maintain the property in such a way that it is safe for people to enter the property. Failure to do so can qualify as neglect, and can make you liable for any injuries that are caused by that neglect. If you notice any areas of your property that are in need of repair, you should conduct the repairs as quickly as possible. Repair that broken stair. Replace that railing. Though these little tasks may seem like a nuisance, they can save you some heavy court fees in the future. If you see something that needs repairs and can't get to it right away, post a sign on the area letting people know of the damage so that they can avoid it and prevent any potential injury. Maintain Property In addition to keeping your property in good repair, there are other ways in which you must maintain your property to help prevent injury. This primarily refers to keeping your exterior walkways and stairways clear of any ice during the winter. Again, this is considered your responsibility as a homeowner, and if you fail to fulfill this duty and someone is injured as a result, you are liable for it. Remember to shovel and salt your walkways, stairways, driveway, and the sidewalks in front of your house regularly throughout the winter. Additionally, make sure you provide sufficient exterior lighting on your home. This will make it easier for anyone visiting after sunset to find their way to your front door safely, potentially preventing any slips, trips, or falls. As an added bonus, good exterior lighting can deter thieves. Avoid Liability Traps There are certain features on a private property that can act as magnets for personal injury lawsuits. Such features can include trampolines, swing sets, swimming pools, and other such items. These property features and possessions can often lead to injuries in those who are visiting your property and making use of these features. If it’s feasible, you should avoid having these liability traps on your property. However, it's understandable if you still want to have these features around for your family to use. If this is the case, make sure that any guests you have over clearly understand how to safely use these features. Set clear rules, such as not allowing more than 2 people to jump on the trampoline at once, and not diving into the shallow water of the pool. If you insist that everyone follow these rules when they're on your property, you can prevent injuries and avoid potential lawsuits. These 3 simple tips can help to keep you from being the target of a personal injury lawsuit. However, if you do end up finding yourself being sued for a personal injury in Austin, TX, then make sure you find a good lawyer to help you.
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