Many slip and fall accidents occur in residential homes. In the majority of cases, homeowners are held legally responsible for these accidents. However, there are some exceptions where they are not held at fault. For example, if a person loses balance outside of someone’s property and falls down, the homeowner is not legally responsible.
Just because someone falls down on your property, does not mean you were negligent. The condition that resulted in the accident must be considered unreasonably unsafe.
When Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Cover a Slip and Fall Accident?
If a person gets hurt on your property, your homeowners insurance company should cover the damages. In order for the coverage to kick in, you must have been negligent in some way. For example, you may have had wet floors, leaking ceilings or carpets with frayed edges. You may have poorly placed rugs or carpets on the stairs.
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to keep your home reasonably safe for others.
What To Do If a Slip and Fall Claim Is Filed Against You
If a person slips and falls in your property and files a claim against you, follow your insurance company’s instructions. Be completely honest about what caused the accident and provide as many details as possible. If you are dishonest about any detail of the accident and your insurance company finds out, they may deny the claim.
Once it has been proven that the person suffered injuries because of your negligence, the insurance adjuster will decide if your homeowner’s insurance can cover the damages. In most cases, your insure should be able to cover the damages if you did not cause the accident on purpose. If the case favors the plaintiff, your insurance company may opt for an out-of-court settlement. However, if the case goes to trial, your insurance company should be able to cover the expenses you will have, like the settlement.
If your insurance company is trying to deny a legitimate slip and fall claim or is taking a long time to move things along, it may be in your best interest to hire experienced Charlottesville injury lawyers. He or she can protect your rights and help you get what is rightfully yours. Many slip and fall lawyers offer free initial consultations, so there is no risk to speaking to one about your case.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Martin Wren, P.C., for their insight into personal injury.