Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately common occurrences that can result in serious injuries on someone else’s property. A slip and fall lawyer can provide essential legal assistance in such cases, helping victims to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims and secure the compensation they deserve. Data from the National Floor Safety Institute reveals that falls account for 8 million ER visits each year, with fractures the most serious outcome, occurring in 5% of people who fall. CDC data further shows that 1.8 million aged 65 and over ended up in the ER because of a fall.
As a homeowner, you may be wondering if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers injuries from slip and falls that happen on your property. There are several factors to consider when looking at injuries covered by homeowners insurance.
Liability Coverage
A standard homeowners insurance policy includes personal liability coverage in case someone gets injured on your property and decides to take legal action. This coverage helps pay for the injured person’s medical bills as well as any legal fees or court judgments against you. It’s a serious concern given 95% of hip fractures are caused by the person slipping sideways and falls are the most common cause of TBIs.
So, if someone slips and falls while visiting your home, your liability coverage would typically kick in up to the policy limits. This applies whether the guest trips on a slippery floor, icy sidewalk, wet deck, etc.
Policy Exclusions
Unfortunately, injuries covered by homeowners insurance also include various exclusions where the insurer will not pay out a claim. For slip and fall incidents, common exclusions may include:
- Injuries to residents of the home or relatives, so if your grandma is one of the 300,000 people hospitalized for a hip fracture because she slipped on your deck, your insurance company might not pay out.
- Slip and falls that happen to contractors or their employees while working.
- Incidents related to commercial business activities on the premises.
So, while liability coverage often applies to visitor injuries, there are exceptions. Checking the exclusions section of your policy is important.
Steps to Take After an Incident
If someone does happen to suffer a slip and fall injury on your property, you should take proactive steps including:
- Consult a personal injury lawyer
- Report the incident to your insurance agent
- Document details through photos and written statements
- Keep records of medical bills or legal notices
Taking quick action helps demonstrate that you are ready and willing to make use of your liability coverage to properly compensate the injured party. This reduces the chances of excessive legal action.
Other Key Considerations
Finally, some other factors in slip and fall cases relating to injuries covered by homeowners insurance include:
- Dollar limits – Personal liability coverage often has limits of $100,000-$300,000 or more. If injury costs exceed this, you could pay out-of-pocket. Discuss appropriate limits with your insurer.
- Safety issues – Your premium could be affected by a claim if negligence contributed to slipping hazards not being addressed properly with lighting, railings, maintenance, etc.
Standard home liability coverage will apply to a wide range of visitor slip and fall accidents, but checking exclusions and claim details is always advised after an incident occurs.
