Fremont Recommends Use of Hunting Hold Harmless Agreements

Property owners who allow others to hunt deer on their property are advised to use a Hunting Hold Harmless Agreement to help mitigate damages that may result from a claim, according to Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc.

Individuals may be exposed to potential liability in the event of any bodily injury or property damage resulting from the actions of hunters, so Fremont makes available the hold harmless agreement on its Web site.

Under Michigan law, a property owner has a duty to warn of hidden defects on the premises or other features that may cause or contribute to the loss. If money, or any other form of consideration, is exchanged for allowing others to hunt on an individual’s property, then the duty is even higher and requires the property owner to make the property reasonably safe, warn of known dangers, and inspect and make necessary repairs, according to the insurer. Even if no money is exchanged, however, the homeowner can still be held liable should a situation occur that results in injury or property damage.

“Deer hunting season in Michigan is among our most widely observed outdoor traditions, but homeowners need to be careful to avoid lawsuits related to injuries suffered by hunters on their property,” said Kurt Dettmer, vice president of marketing for Fremont Insurance. “A simple, low-cost solution can be a Hunting Hold Harmless Agreement.”

A Hunting Hold Harmless Agreement is a simple document that Fremont-insured homeowners can use with anyone they allow onto their property for hunting purposes. Hunting Hold Harmless Agreement signers waive any claim against the property owner and agree to indemnify and defend him in the event their hunting causes injury to another.

Source: Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc.

Topics Michigan Property