A brick house with a red door decorated for autumn. The steps leading to the door are adorned with various pumpkins, gourds, chrysanthemums, and autumn foliage. Greenery and flower pots are arranged on both sides of the steps and windows.

As you know, Halloween is right around the corner. There are few holidays more exciting than Halloween, and if you are someone who is planning on handing out candy, you should ensure that you do your part to keep your property safe for all children who come trick-or-treating at your home. Please continue reading for some useful Halloween safety tips for homeowners and speak with our New York personal injury attorneys if you or your child are injured this Halloween. Here are some of the questions you may have:

How can I make sure my property is safe for trick-or-treaters?

There are various precautions you can take to ensure that your property is safe for all this Halloween, including the following:

  • If you have pets, ensure they are kept in the other room, especially if they have an aggressive nature.
  • Ensure that you do not put Halloween decorations in the middle of walkways or anywhere they may pose a tripping hazard. This is especially the case with jack-o-lanterns with real candles in them, as it may start a fire if accidentally kicked over.
  • Ensure that all steps and railings are secure.
  • Ensure all walkways are well-lit.
  • Always check expiration dates on candy–never hand out spoiled or expired candy.

What should I do if my child is injured this Halloween?

If your child is injured this Halloween, you should take several steps to document the incident as it happened. You should:

  1. Notify the property owner of the accident.
  2. Take pictures of the unsafe condition that caused the accident.
  3. Ask anyone who saw the accident for their contact information.
  4. Ensure your child receives immediate medical treatment.
  5. Retain the services of an experienced Westchester County personal injury attorney.

How long will I have to file a personal injury claim in New York State?

If you or your child are injured this Halloween, you will have to file your premises liability claim within the state’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for premises liability claims in New York State is, generally, three years, which means that in most cases, you will have three years from the date of your accident to sue the liable party. Our firm can help as soon as you bring your case to our attention.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WESTCHESTER COUNTY FIRM

Hausman & Pendzick effectively represent victims of negligence in Westchester County and across the state of New York. We understand how challenging life can be without financial compensation for serious injuries you have wrongly sustained. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.