Under state law, everyone in charge of a property open to the public has a legal duty to remove hazards on that property. If they cannot, they must post warnings to passers-by within a reasonable amount of time. That’s true in private homes with guests as well as in stores, restaurants and other businesses. In addition to cleaning up tripping hazards that could cause a slip and fall accident, property owners should be careful around swimming pools, large dogs and in neighborhoods with a known risk of violent crime. If a property’s owner fails in that duty, people who are hurt as a result may sue to recover all of the costs of their injuries.