Use Caution When Hiring A Tree Service
Are homeowners responsible for tree care accidents on their property? It is not simple to answer because it depends on the state law, the type of insurance coverage that the tree company and homeowner each has, and the situation of the accident.
Tree work can be very dangerous, even for skilled tree experts, so homeowners always have to be cautious to ensure protecting their home and property. Liability is a complex issue, but there are several tips homeowners should keep in mind to reduce the risk of lawsuit.
- Do not forget to verify credentials and contracts.
Before hiring a tree company, always ask for validated certificates of liability and tree worker’s compensation insurance. This is very important because not all tree companies are trustworthy. If homeowners hire a company without insurance or current certificates, homeowners may be responsible for accidents, injuries, and damaged property. Disreputable tree care companies may not have that documentation, may fabricate them, or may exaggerate their coverage. It is always good to verify their claims by contacting their insurance company directly. Another thing homeowners can ask for is a signed contract with cost, dates when the worked is to be performed, and the description what is to be done. A reputable tree care company like Royal Tree LLC will never have issues with those requests.
- Do not neglect obvious hazards.
Homeowners may ignore obvious hazards – such as a loose step on a porch, studs with long nails stuck out, broken deck flooring – on their property, but they may still be liable for injuries and damage to contractors. Homeowners should inspect their property frequently for the dangerous stuff and fix the problems if it is needed. If something happens and you can’t repair right away, homeowners should tell contractors about the risk. It is also a good idea to check homeowner’s insurance coverage which shows the personal liability section to ensure all the necessary coverage is active.
- Do not micro-manage the tree care project.
It may be no wonder homeowners want to micro-manage the tree care project, because they have significant financial investment in the project. It is natural that they want everything to go well with plans. However, this may be a mistake from a legal perspective. Exceeding surveillance can cause personal injury liability if a tree worker gets injured on the job. It is always best to watch from a distance, and let the professional arborists do the job.
If you have any inquiries, please give Royal Tree a call at (720)626-3352. We can go anywhere in Denver, Golden, Westminster, Lakewood, Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Parker and Boulder to help with your trees.
