When someone slips and falls on your property, the law usually goes by “premises liability.” However, in cases involving trespassing, things can quickly get complex. Although it’s rare that a trespasser who gets hurt on another’s property can recover for their injuries, there are exceptions. If you are a property owner, knowing what those exceptions are is imperative so that you don’t leave yourself vulnerable.

The general rule is that if someone is on your property and they do not have permission to be there, then you hold no responsibility if they are hurt. The exceptions are:

• If you have acted either aggressively or violently toward them and those actions end in their injury.
• If you have been egregiously negligent and expected that trespassers might enter your property, and have done nothing to make sure that conditions are safe. An example would be if you knew that there was a serious hazard on a property you owned and that someone could easily gain access, but you didn’t put up signs to warn anyone who came onto your property. Not alerting people that your property is highly dangerous means that you could be found liable for their injuries.

If you are chasing an intruder from your property, that does not make you liable for any injuries they sustain. Also, if you use a “reasonable” amount of force to get them off your property, then you likewise won’t be found liable for any injuries. If you use deadly force, however, or you use the threat of bodily harm, then that might be grounds for liability.

Special cases - like undocumented immigrants who trespass and are injured

In states like Texas where there is a large undocumented immigration population, trespassing is very common. In 2014, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of property owners when it came to liability when their properties were trespassed on by immigrants who got hurt. The specific case involved three undocumented immigrants who were trying to escape border control; they trespassed onto someone’s property and were killed.

The court ruled that the property owner was not liable for the trespassers’ deaths if the deaths were self-inflicted. Also, since the trespassers were engaging in illegal activities at the time, they forfeited their rights. Committing criminal acts, like smuggling drugs, meant that they gave up any rights they had, and the property owner could not be held liable for their deaths.

Do you need to put up a no-trespassing sign?

If you own property where hazards may or may not exist it is always a good idea to post a no- trespassing sign to warn individuals that they can be hurt if they come onto your property. That way people understand that it is private property and that if they pass over the boundaries, they are trespassing onto your private land. In some instances, you can protect yourself from premises liability simply because you gave written or verbal warning not to be on your property.

If you don’t have a fence around your property, then it’s a good idea to post signs to set boundaries. If it is a normal traveling route, then marking it, either through posting signs or putting marking on trees, will indicate to those who are crossing over onto private property that they do not have consent and are trespassing. If you have any specific hazards on the property then, yes, it is always a good idea to put up warning signs to protect yourself and to limit your liability.

If someone is injured while on your property, your liability will be determined by the specifics related to their injuries. One factor that will greatly affect if you are liable for a person’s slip and fall injury is whether or not you gave consent for them to be on your property.

Even if they were trespassing and didn’t have your permission, there is still a chance that you might be held liable for their injuries, which is why you want to have a slip and fall lawyers in your corner to ensure that you know what your rights and responsibilities are as a property owner. 

Taking care of your oral health is essential to good overall well-being – after all, a bright and healthy smile will make you feel more confident and comfortable in everything that you do. Having a good dentist that you feel happy about seeing regularly is a key part of that, but choosing a practice to sign up to isn’t always straightforward.

If you’re not sure about what to consider when looking for a dentist, read on for some useful tips to help guide you.

1. Location and schedule

A key part of having a dentist is being able to schedule appointments easily. You don’t want to choose a practice that involves a lengthy commute, or one that has awkward hours that do not fit with your own work or life timings, especially in cases where you have a sudden dental emergency, and need to see someone as a matter of urgency.

Start your search with those that are in a comfortable distance from you – this may mean somewhere you can walk, drive or get public transport to easily. Make sure you review their working hours and any particular policies they have about booking appointments, to ensure they suit your needs.

2. Friendliness and approachability

A good practice will be happy to advise their patients on what to do to take care of their teeth, and explain any procedures or issues calmly and clearly. While you can stock up on Kent Express dental supplies to make sure that you have everything you need, having some professional advice on what to get is always going to be helpful.

You can often judge from the reception desk to see how communicative and welcoming the practice is. If you have particular dental concerns, it’s always a good idea to chat to the practicing dentist before joining.

3. What kind of dentist are they?

Different dentists may specialise in particular areas of oral health, including orthodontists, specialist surgeons, cosmetic dentists and general dentists.

If you’re looking for general oral health care, then a general dentist will serve you well. However, if you have specific concerns, such as wanting to achieve a specific look, or help with a particular condition, it’s worth choosing a more specialised practice for your treatment.

4. Check their accreditations

Dental practices must be registered with the General Dental Council in the UK in order to practice. This includes dentists and other therapeutic staff, including dental nurses, hygienists and anyone else you might see.

They will normally have their certificates displayed clearly in the main reception area, and you can also check online. If you’re not sure, then steer clear.

5. Personal recommendations

Recommendations from trusted family or friends are always helpful, as you know that they will have had a good experience with someone.

However, remember that everyone has a unique dental health experience, and what works for someone else may not necessarily be the best option for you. It’s always worth reviewing closely before making a final decision.