Top 10+ Household Items That Could Be Legal Liabilities (And How to Replace Them)

Old Extension Cords

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Old extension cords are a hidden danger in millions of homes. According to the U.S.

Consumer Product Safety Commission, faulty electrical cords cause more than 3,300 residential fires each year. Frayed wires, missing grounding prongs, or overloaded capacity can lead to fires or electrical shocks, which can leave homeowners legally responsible for any injuries.

If someone trips over a poorly placed cord or is shocked by a faulty one, you could be sued for negligence. The best replacement is a surge-protecting power strip with a built-in circuit breaker and proper length for your needs.

Look for UL-listed products, which means they’ve met strict safety standards. Keep cords away from foot traffic and never run them under rugs or furniture, as recommended by electrical safety experts.

Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Decorative stairway rugs may look nice, but they can be a serious liability if they don’t have non-slip backing. The National Safety Council reports that falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the U.S., with over one million stair-related injuries annually.

If a guest slips on your stairs because of a loose rug, you could face a costly lawsuit. Replace old or unsecured rugs with stair treads that have high-traction, non-slip rubber backing.

Make sure to regularly inspect for wear and tear, and always secure rugs tightly to each step. Many safety organizations recommend using adhesive stair grips as an extra precaution.

Unanchored Bookshelves

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Large, unanchored bookshelves and furniture tip-overs send thousands to the emergency room every year, especially children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2024 report noted over 19,000 tip-over incidents in 2023 alone, with some resulting in fatalities.

If a bookshelf falls on a guest or a child, the homeowner can be held liable for injuries. Replace old, unstable shelving with modern units that come with anti-tip kits.

Always anchor heavy furniture firmly to the wall using brackets or straps. Retailers are now required to include these safety devices with most new furniture under updated federal regulations.

Worn-Out Smoke Detectors

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Smoke detectors save lives, but only if they work. The National Fire Protection Association found that nearly three out of five home fire deaths occur in properties without functioning alarms.

If a guest or tenant is hurt in a fire and your detectors are found to be expired or not working, you could face legal action. Replace outdated smoke detectors with new models that have sealed, 10-year batteries, and conduct monthly tests.

Some states now mandate interconnected alarms, which means when one goes off, they all do. Always follow current local building codes for fire safety.

Loose Outdoor Railings

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

A wobbly porch or deck railing is an accident waiting to happen. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, deck failures cause thousands of injuries yearly, many due to inadequate railings.

If a railing gives way and someone falls, the property owner can face significant liability claims. Replace old wooden railings with code-compliant metal or composite systems, and have them professionally installed.

Annual inspections are essential—look for rust, rot, or loose fasteners. Modern building codes often require railings to withstand 200 pounds of force, so always check your local regulations.

Unlocked Medicine Cabinets

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Unsecured medicine cabinets are a legal risk, especially for households with children or visitors. The CDC documented that, in 2023, more than 60,000 young children went to the emergency room for accidental medicine poisoning.

If a guest’s child accesses prescription drugs in your home, you could be held liable under “attractive nuisance” laws. Replace regular medicine cabinets with lockable versions, or use locking boxes for medications.

Always store all medicines up high and out of sight, and keep the Poison Control number handy. Many states are considering stricter safe-storage laws, so stay informed about your local requirements.

Old Space Heaters

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Portable space heaters cause over 1,700 house fires every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s most recent data. Most incidents involve outdated units without modern safety features, leading to fire and injury liability for homeowners.

Replace any heater older than five years with an Energy Star-rated model that includes tip-over protection and automatic shutoff features. Never leave heaters unattended or use them near flammable materials.

Newer models also include cool-touch surfaces and timers, further reducing liability risks.

Uncovered Electrical Outlets

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Uncovered outlets present a shocking hazard, especially for families with young children. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that over 2,400 kids are treated in emergency rooms annually for electrical shock or burns from outlets.

In some states, building codes mandate tamper-resistant receptacles in homes built after 2008. Replace old outlets with tamper-resistant ones, or use secure outlet covers if rewiring isn’t possible.

Regularly check all outlets for wear or damage, and call an electrician if you notice any issues. Property owners can be held responsible if a preventable injury occurs.

Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Standard glass shower doors can shatter unexpectedly, causing serious injury. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received hundreds of reports of injuries related to glass doors, with some resulting in legal claims against homeowners.

Replace old glass doors with tempered or laminated glass, which is much less likely to break dangerously. For an added layer of protection, apply a clear safety film to existing doors to prevent shards from scattering if the glass breaks.

This simple upgrade can make your bathroom much safer and keep you protected from liability.

Dog Doors Without Locks

Old Extension Cords, Stairway Rugs Without Non-Slip Backing, Unanchored Bookshelves, Worn-Out Smoke Detectors, Loose Outdoor Railings, Unlocked Medicine Cabinets, Old Space Heaters, Uncovered Electrical Outlets, Glass Shower Doors Without Safety Film, Dog Doors Without Locks

Dog doors are convenient, but they can be a security risk and a legal liability. In recent years, police departments across the U.S.

have reported a rise in burglaries where intruders gained access through unsecured pet doors. If a break-in occurs and it’s found that your home was easily accessible, your insurance claim could be denied, and you could be held liable for injuries to others.

Replace basic pet doors with models that include electronic locks or only open for your pet’s microchip. Always secure the door when you’re away, and consider additional security measures like cameras or alarms to further reduce your risk.

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