An accident can happen almost anywhere, but many people feel safe in their own neighborhood. Hazards are everywhere, however, and even if you keep a close eye on your children, things can change in the blink of an eye. The neighborhood that seems safe from crime, traffic and other nuisances may not be quite as safe as it should be. Read on to learn how children can get in trouble and what actions you can take when trouble happens.

An attractive nuisance

The term attractive nuisance might seem to be a bit confusing since it combines two words that are at odds with each other. It is the attractive nature of some things that cause the problems, at least in this instance. What might not constitute much interest in an adult can be endlessly fascinating to children of all ages. While you've likely taken measures to make your own home safe, you might be surprised at what lurks in many neighborhoods that can lure children in and cause them injury or even death. When your child's natural curiosity about the world around them turns into a dangerous situation, you have a right to seek compensation.

Duty of Care

Everyone owes those vulnerable to harm a measure of responsibility. You cannot expect children to understand the full extent of the danger; therefore, access to attractive nuisances must be prevented. Whether it be the nice family down the street or the city-owned park nearby, steps should be taken to keep children from getting hurt. Your parental responsibility is an ever-present issue, but that does not lessen the duty of care others have to ensure that no one is hurt due to their own carelessness or negligence.

Attractive nuisances in your neighborhood

Whether your child is old enough to bicycle to the local park or they've pulled a fast one and escaped your supervision, the following attractive nuisances should be considered:

• Bodies of water, such as swimming pools, lakes, ponds, man-made fountains, hot tubs and so on.
• Pits, wells and other openings in the earth where a child might venture.
• Tree-houses, bouncy houses and inflatables
• Dogs or other pets
• Medications left sitting out.
• Dangerous tools and machinery
• Chemicals not safely stored, such as in garages and sheds

Attractive and available

As you might have noticed, you may be surrounded by many of the above attractive nuisances. It is up to the owner of the property to ensure that access is prevented for these and other nuisances, however. Children are perfectly capable of climbing fences and entering areas where they should not be, but as long as the owner has done everything possible to secure dangerous areas, then they may not be liable.

As a parent, you can seek monetary damages against a landowner who failed to prevent harm to your child. You may be entitled to medical expenses, pain and suffering and more. Speak to a personal injury lawyer from a firm like The Cochran Firm of the Mid-South for more information.