Did you know that you could be sued for negligence if you fail to maintain your property in a safe manner? In order to be judged negligent a person must have a legal duty to use care, he must have failed to exercise this care and someone must have suffered a loss as a result of this breach of duty. Below are some things you should know about negligence as it relates to your property or residence:

Most people have Comprehensive Personal Liability insurance if they have a homeowner's, tenant's or condominium insurance policy. However, if you run a business from home, your homeowner's policy will not cover losses related to your specific business activities. If your neighbour gets hurt on your property you should be covered but, if a business client slips on your icy sidewalk, you could be without insurance unless you have separate business insurance.

We do not have the space to discuss every possible safety hazard in the home or place of business. You must use good judgement. For example, people can always slip down the stairs but, if steps are missing or rotting, then it is obviously negligence.

In general, keep your stairs levelled, walkways clear of snow or ice and the exterior of your home or business in good repair. Inside, you should keep obvious hazards away from areas where people could roam. Use your common sense; accidents will happen but they should not be caused by your negligence.

You should be aware of the safety issues that are covered by local bylaws. In most municipalities there are bylaws covering such things as keeping your dog on a leash or controlling access to your backyard pool or trampoline.

Landlords need separate insurance coverage for their rental properties. If you rent property, be sure to repair any safety hazards as soon as you become aware of them. Insist that your renters carry a tenant's policy of their own.

If you are unaware of a problem that can cause harm, your degree of negligence may be lessened, but it does not eliminate a possible claim. As an owner, your property is your responsibility. Liability claims are becoming more and more frequent, so survey your property and its conditions on a regular basis. If you are unsure of your responsibilities and your liability insurance coverages, consult your insurance broker.

For more information, E-mail us at info@mooneyinsurance.com