Lisa Hartman

Establishing the value of a personal injury claim is not an exact science, but when an accident with the same scenario occurs twice, only a few short days after one another, you can be sure that the claim value will substantially increase if the defect that caused the problem isn't mitigated.

It is good risk management practice for property owners and managers to prepare for any and all potential losses. Your property policy covers you for physical damage and/or loss of use to buildings and personal property that you own, lease or are legally liable for, if caused by a covered peril.

New England winter storms can be messy, unpredictable, and prolonged. Injuries caused by slipping and falling on snow and ice can be expensive, disruptive, painful and sometimes even tragic for property owners and managers. A proactive plan designed to identify, control and eliminate these losses is the best way to reduce or prevent these accidents.

In today's litigious society, there can be a reluctance to help out in emergency situations. Some people are hesitant to provide first aid to accident victims, even when they are trained in CPR, because of fear of liability for making a mistake. Property owners and managers, uncertain if Good Samaritan laws apply, often ask if their employee should call 911 rather than offer to perform CPR or first aid in an emergency situation...

From a crack in the sidewalk to loose handrails, it seems people are suing for everything these days. The following two typical scenarios with the actual resulting liability judgment against the property owner highlight the inherent risks a property owner faces in the day to day operations of their property.

What should you do if you are notified that a registered sex offender is a tenant or resident of one of your properties?

If you are a property owner or manager and are planning to allow the use of a common area for a party that will likely be serving alcohol, you should be aware that the responsibility for ensuring the guests are not over-served may rest or be shared with you. Although you may not be the one "hosting" the party, you may still be considered a social host.