Don’t Put Guests In Danger for the Sake of Decorating

Decorating for the holidays has become a sort of competition in some neighborhoods. Thanks to social media and fantastic DIY sites, it’s easier than ever before to get ideas for decking the halls. While you are trying to outdo your neighbor this year, or maybe even just decorate a bit more outlandishly than you did last year, don’t forget that you need to make sure your home and property are safe for guests.

Premise liability is a type of personal injury law that essentially states you are responsible for ensuring the safety of guests while they are on your property. If you decorate your home in a way that presents a hazard to others, you could be setting yourself up for a lawsuit. Here are some tips to use when decorating your home this holiday season.

1. Keep Cords Tucked Away

Cords for lights and other decorations should be kept tucked away both in the house and out. Don’t run extension cords over any walkways outdoors, and keep cords for decorations in the house tucked up against baseboards.

2. Don’t Block Walkways

Keep large decorations in the yard or against the house where guests wouldn’t normally walk. This may mean that you have to scale back on outdoor decorations if you have a small yard. With the number of inflatable decorations available, it can be tempting to purchase several. Stick with one or two.

3. Secure the Tree

If you put up a tree this year, make sure that it is securely in place. You may have to tie it to the wall if it is extraordinarily tall. If you have it in a stand, and chances are that you do, make sure that the stand is secure and level. If your tree comes toppling down on an unsuspecting guest, they could be injured.

4. Up on the Rooftop

If you’re going to be hanging decorations up on your roof, make sure they are secure. A strong wind can easily blow off decorations that aren’t tied down properly. Should your roof decor come crashing down, you could find yourself in court if someone is injured.

5. Be Mindful When Asking for Help

You may be thinking of asking for help when decorating this year, but you better ensure that you are providing adequate tools for the job. Old, rickety ladders won’t cut it. If your helper falls off of a ladder that is in ill repair, you could be on the hook for their medical bills.

If you are injured on someone’s property in Charlotte, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. Reach out to our team of experienced personal injury attorneys for more information about your legal rights. We will review the details of your accident during a no-cost case evaluation and advise you of your options. Call today to schedule your appointment or browse our website to learn more about the types of cases we handle.