Can my neighbors sue me if their kids get hurt on my property while tresspassing?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Can my neighbors sue me if their kids get hurt on my property while tresspassing?
I live on a private cul-de-sac and own 1/3 of the road. The house next to my house has their driveway coming off of the private road. New neighbors have moved in and they have 4 young kids (ages 6-11). If the kids get hurt riding their bikes on the private road can they sue me? The kids are trespassing on our property.
Asked on February 5, 2013 under Personal Injury, Georgia
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Although the law varies from state to state, generally speaking a home owner does indeed owe a duty of care to those that are considered trespassers on their property. You have a duty to exercise ordinary care to keep the property safe. So the facts that surround their injury and their status - trespasser - will determine if you could be held liable. In the meantime, keep your homeowners insurance up to date. Good luck.
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
As the owner of the property, you are liable for the injuries of people on the property even if they are trespassers. Your liability for the injured children would include compensation for their medical bills and compensation for pain and suffering. Compensation for the medical bills is straight reimbursement. Compensation for pain and suffering is an amount in addition to the medical bills based on the nature and extent of the injuries as documented in the medical reports.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.