When accidents occur on your property, it’s important to have adequate coverage for any personal injuries sustained. If an injury should happen, your home insurance policy may cover the injured person’s medical bills, income lost, or damages sustained, as well as assist with your defense if you are sued for damages. Here are some of the types of personal injury your policy may cover.
Property Issues
A responsible homeowner will let their guests know about any areas to avoid while waiting on repairs. However, there may be some problem areas you have not yet identified. Personal injuries received by your guests or by utilities employees may be covered under your home insurance policy. Some of the most common causes for personal injury claims due to property problems include:
- Slippery flooring
- Holes or uneven walking surface
- Obstacles encountered while walking
- Defective structures or fixtures, such as steps, patios, or lights
- Supports and railings
Pet Bites
If your dog, cat, ferret, snake, or other favorite pet bites a guest on your property, the injury may be covered under your home policy. Typically, it doesn’t matter whether the animal was provoked, and other than the bite, no other proof is generally required.
Accidents Caused by Intoxication
In some areas, you may be found accountable if a guest leaves your house intoxicated, then injures someone on their way home. Unless it can be proven the guest did not appear to be inebriated when they left or the non-minor guest brought their own alcohol, you may share in this liability. When alcohol is included in your home event, make certain all guests leave sober to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of others.
What’s Not Covered?
- Weather Conditions. The owner is not usually liable for personal injury accidents on their property caused by weather events, such as snow, ice, or rain, except under certain circumstances. If, for example, a guest receives an injury from sliding on ice where the owner earlier piled it, this may be covered under personal injury claims.
- Deliberate Injuries. Does home insurance cover personal injury intentionally caused by the owner? If the owner assaults a guest, although the owner is personally liable for the injury, it is unlikely the insurance policy will provide coverage.
- Unexpected Assaults on Guests. If a burglar, or even another guest, unexpectedly injures a guest in your home, this may not be covered.
To safeguard against injuries, ensure the appropriate repairs are made on your property in a timely manner. If your repairs are not yet completed, make your guests aware of any danger spots they should avoid during their visit. Become familiar with the liability coverage in your policy and contact your agent with any questions. If you would like more information about homeowners insurance or personal injury insurance in the Dallas – Ft. Worth metroplex, contact us. ABCO Home Plus Insurance Agency has the answers to all your insurance questions.