Injuries happen every day on private property, whether it’s a tenant or a guest. Oftentimes, the cause is related not to the person’s actions, but to a fault with the property or some kind of issue with the owner’s belongings or pets. A lawsuit can cause your insurance rates to raise – or worse, cause you to lose money out of your pocket. If you own property, you owe it to yourself to protect your finances by protecting the people who live and visit there.

Consult with an Expert

Find a personal injury lawyer who’s willing to sit down with you to go over the most common causes of personal injury on private property. He can customize the standard advice so it’s applicable to your property. For example, if there is no second or higher floor on your property, you needn’t worry about injuries from falls from upstairs windows and balconies, although if you have a pond on your property, that opens up many concerns about water safety. It’s especially important that landlords protect themselves by meeting with an expert as soon as possible.

Keep Everything in Good Condition

At least once a year, have craftsmen take a look at your home to point out any potential problems, like a rickety handrailing or uneven cement. Keep all of your appliances in good working order and fix any issue that arises promptly. Both you and your tenants or guests will benefit from keeping a house in good condition, and the cost of repairs is far less than the cost of a lawsuit.

Monitor Guests When Possible

If you’re a landlord, you can’t always be watching your tenants and making sure they’re safe. If you have guests over, however, you can take measures to protect them during the gathering. Keep unfriendly animals in different rooms or on a leash when outdoors. Ask that the guests stay away from potentially dangerous areas of the property. Make sure your driveway and sidewalks are clear of snow and ice in the winter – which is something a landlord should also be concerned with.

If, despite your best efforts, an incident does occur, make sure the person seeks immediate medical attention and then schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Even if your insurance takes care of it or the injured person is willing to let it slide, it’s best to have representation so you can act quickly if a lawsuit is filed.