Thread: Legal question and advertising a yard display

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We do a yard display each year in our yard and on our front porch, however this year the scene on our porch is very dependent on the lighting. Because are ToT times are ridiculously early here (from 5 to 7) we're planning on enclosing our porch this year (which is very small) with black plastic to block out the sun light. We're also planning to add an entry arch in front of our porch. Somewhat like the Gothic Entry that Eerie has done in the Tutorials section. Could all this could be a problem legally? Our haunt isn't a walk through, we don't charge, and we only have it set up for Trick or Treat night. Kids just step up on our porch, look at the display area (which will be blocked off), get their candy at the door then leave. I'm just wondering if enclosing the porch in plastic would be a problem?

Also we are planning to advertise our display a little by making some flyers and maybe a small sign or two to put in the neighborhood. I was going to add our haunt name, the date, and times. I also wanted to put our website address on there but I started thinking that might make it look too much like we're advertising a pro haunt or something. Should I just stick with the name, date, and time without the website? or perhaps only put the website on the flyers? What do you think?

Let me start by saying; "I'm not a lawyer." I don't even play one on T.V.
I did recently, however, take a Business Law course, and I asked my professor about this.
If you do not charge, and do not ask for donations, your home-owners insurance will cover any claims associated with your walkthrough.

It sucks that we have to worry about this kind of stuff, doesn't it?

I put black plastic over our long side porch every year for the same reason. "Tunnel of Terror" or "Hallway of Doom." Granted, we don't advertise.

I've never had an issue.

Technically, someone could trip in your driveway and claim it on your homeowners since it was on your property. Doesn't seem any additions have the potential to harm or help you. We are in a litigous society now...unfortunately.

Glad to hear that putting up the plastic shouldn't add any extra problems. I feel a bit better now knowing others have done this, hopefully everything will go smoothly.

I've watched enough People's Court (and scoff if you will, but I learn a lot from it) to know no home owners insurance companies are the same and laws vary from state to state. I would call my insurance company and tell them specifically what you are doing and ask if Tot'er injury would be covered should the worst happen. It's hard for people to give advice on this sort of thing because we don't know who your insurance company is and what loopholes they may have for not wanting to pay if something should happen and we don't know your state laws.

Could you maybe print out something to attach to each of your treats to advertise your website or is that something you want seen before the big day?

I would like for it to be seen before the big day, that is if I get the website up in time. Basically just to give people an idea of what to expect ahead of time. Here is the flyer I made up tonight. I tried to simply get the point across in the wording that it was just a home display and not some kind of pro attraction.

THAT is beautiful!!! It would probably cost a ton to have it printed up in the local newspaper, huh?

Thank you Succub'Oz! I actually haven't looked into what it might cost to have it printed in the local newspaper. The thought has crossed my mind though, just not sure if we're ready for the amount of people it could possibly draw by being in the newspaper.