What to do if a lawyer has asked for permission to come onto my property to take pictures of my walk because someone slipped and fell down the stairs before I owned the property?
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What to do if a lawyer has asked for permission to come onto my property to take pictures of my walk because someone slipped and fell down the stairs before I owned the property?
Can I be pulled into the suit? The incident happened 2 years ago; I bought the house this year.
Asked on July 13, 2013 under Personal Injury, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Legally, you would not be responsible for what occured on the property before you even bought it: you were not at fault, did not own the property, and had no connection (I presume) to the property or the owner. All that said, you still might tell the lawyer that you will only allow him on the property if his client executes a release promissing that he or she wil notl take any legal action against you, because sometimes, people will bring suits against the wrong persons, either mistakenly or deliberately (to try to get someone to pay them to go away--which yes, is illegal, but they count on it being easier and cheaper sometimes to pay then fight); there is no reason to not protect yourself before letting them on your land, and if they won't sign, that may mean they intend to sue, which will give you warning.
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