What To Do When Someone Is Injured On Your Property

Many of us enjoy having friends and family visit our homes. In addition to these invited guests, you likely get visits from delivery people, contractors, utility workers, and others as well.  Dangerous conditions in your home or yard make accidents more likely to happen. If someone is injured on your property, insurance policies you have in place may help compensate them for their losses. Find out more about filing this type of property damage claim in Daytona Beach and the steps you can take to protect yourself against liability.

Reducing The Risks of Personal Injuries On Your Property 

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common place for personal injuries to happen is the home. Falls are one of the biggest hazards and there are a number of dangerous conditions that can make them more likely to occur. These include:

• Uneven walkways and sidewalks;
• Lack of proper lighting or landscaping, such as having tree branches or other debris scattered on your lawn;
• Wet, slippery floors and a lack of floor mats at entrances/exits;
• Torn carpeting or chipped flooring tiles;
• Cluttered halls;
• Lack of handrails on stairs.

In addition to falls, other common types of accidents that occur in or around the home include getting struck by or against objects, swimming pool accidents, and dog or other animal bites. It is important to have adequate fencing, secure pets, remove debris and clutter, and perform other routine maintenance to prevent accidents for which you could be held personally liable for.

When Personal Injuries Happen On Your Property

Under the Florida Statutes, homeowners can be held personally liable for injuries that happen on their property, whether it involves invited guests, visitors, or even in some cases, trespassers. Fortunately, personal liability coverage is generally included as part of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Review the terms of your coverage to ensure you have this protection and take the following steps if a situation arises:

• If someone is injured on your property, make note of the time, date, and exactly where and how it happened;
• Take photos or videos of the scene and their injuries;
• In cases of serious accidents, notify police so that an incident report can be filed;
• Encourage the injured party to get medical care;
• Notify your insurer right away.

This situation can easily get awkward if the injured party is a friend, neighbor, or family member. However, once you report it they can deal directly with your insurer, rather than with you. In the event your insurance company fails to reach a settlement with them, they do have the option of taking you to court. In this case, your policy may cover some of the legal costs involved.

Let Us Help You Today 

When personal injuries happen on your property, Bundza & Rodriguez protects you when dealing with insurers and can help prevent you from having to pay out of pocket costs. Call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage attorneys online and request a consultation right away.