April showers bring May flowers – and slips, trips, and falls. When winter ice melts and rain starts to fall, many property owners fail to adapt to the change in weather. Additionally, many businesses are not prepared for increased foot traffic when people stop hiding from the cold and come out to shop, eat in restaurants, and enjoy the springtime.
For Property Owners
If you own property, make sure you are ready to receive guests. Keep your sidewalk clear of debris and the interior of your home or business free from clutter. Spring is also a great time to deep clean your property and make any necessary repairs. If you have a broken step, fix it – and clean any slippery winter residue off your floors.
Property owners should also:
- Remove hazardous chemicals or construction materials from guest areas
- Replace their smoke alarms
- Clean the dust covers of carbon monoxide detectors
- Check fire extinguishers
- Throw out old, fraying cords and tape down cords and cables
- Address any dangers that may be present on their properties
After spring cleaning, you should be able to host guests and customers without incident. Remember to keep up your maintenance throughout the year.
For Everyone Else
Spring cleaning and tax season are the perfect times to go through old paperwork. If you have an insurance claim you still have not dealt with or medical bills that need to be paid, you should deal with them before it is too late.
As long as the statute of limitations hasn’t expired, you may be able to file a claim for damages. This money can help you repair your car, pay outstanding medical bills, and much more. After an accident, many people stash all their paperwork away and don’t think about it. Making paperwork part of your spring-cleaning routine can create much-needed opportunities for recovery.
If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property last year, for example, it may be because the property owner did not follow the spring safety tips we mentioned above. Even if you did not want to file a claim immediately after your injury, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to change your mind. Instead of letting your medical bill accrue late fees, bring it into Foley Griffin, and discuss your legal options during a free consultation.
Our attorneys have been faithfully serving and giving back to the community for over 25 years, and we are ready to help you, too.
Don’t forget to complete your spring cleaning, and if you need help dealing with old paperwork, slip and falls, or legal issues, call us at (888) 966-8480 or contact us online.