When you think of being held liable after an accident, your mind probably goes to traffic violations and fender benders, but liability can take many shapes and forms. Here are four strange ways that you can be held liable should an accident occur.
1. Dog Bites
Having a fence and a warning sign isn’t enough in the state of Florida to escape liability if your dog attacks someone. Florida law has strict liability for dog owners whether the bite occurs on your property or in public.
2. Social Hosting
While hosting others in your home or on your property, it’s your responsibility to maintain safety for your guests. Installing proper warning signs and barriers is important, and failing to do so could stick you with the bill if a guest is hurt.
3. Attractive Nuisances
Trespassers on your property cannot be a liability to you; however, if your property contains “attractive nuisances” like swimming pools, trampolines, abandoned large appliances or power tools, you could be liable if a child is injured. In order to avoid this type of liability, you must take steps to make sure children cannot wander onto your property or by securing the items in your yard.
4. Leaving Your Car Keys
Under Florida law, drivers are required to remove their keys from the ignition before leaving their vehicle unattended. If you leave your keys inside your car, and the car is taken and wrecked, you could be held liable for any damages.
Liability in auto accidents or premises liability cases can be very confusing, especially when it comes to understanding Florida laws surrounding it.
