Household Guest Injuries Compensable Under Homeowner Policies

Each year, over 10 million victims are treated in emergency departments nationwide for home-related injuries. Fortunately, almost every homeowner carries insurance, and many tenants maintain renter policies. This type of insurance shields residential property owners against personal liability when someone else suffers bodily harm or property damage in an accident caused by the homeowner’s negligence. While homeowner’s insurance is typically regarded as protection against property damage, these policies also provide crucial liability coverage for guests’ injuries. 

Are Accidents In Homes Covered By Insurance?

All land owners, including homeowners, are legally obligated to maintain their property reasonably safe for guests. When property owners expose visitors to unnecessary risks by failing to remedy safety concerns or neglecting to warn guests about known dangers, they can be held responsible for any adverse consequences suffered. Victims of household-related injuries are responsible for more than 6 million insurance claims annually. Coverage for bodily injury could compensate an injured person for their medical expenses if their injuries were caused by the owner, other household residents, or even their pets. Additionally, if a guest’s property is damaged, the homeowner’s policy could pay for its repair or replacement. 

Common Types Of Household Accidents

Various dangerous incidents can occur on someone else’s property due to poor maintenance, inadequate repairs, lack of proper safety precautions, and carelessness. Some examples of frequently occurring accidents that may be compensable under homeowner’s insurance include: 

1. Slip and fall accidents;
2. Dog bites or dog attacks;
3. Backyard pool drownings;
4. Electrical burns; and
5. Backyard bonfire burns.

Coverage Exceptions 

A new state law prohibits insurance companies from refusing insurance for certain dog breeds. While policy owners are also typically protected when their dog bites a guest, their insurance may not cover injuries caused by a dog that has either previously attacked without justification or poses an imminent threat. The related injuries would not be covered in situations involving intentionally inflicted injuries, such as a homeowner assaulting the victim. Additionally, exotic pets, such as alligators, snakes, tigers, and wolf-dog mixes, are generally excluded from homeowner insurance policies. 

Call The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Battle-Tested Household Injury Litigators Now!

Suppose you or a family member have been seriously injured in an accident at someone else’s residence. You may be entitled to compensation under the homeowner’s insurance policy. Unfortunately, it is common for insurance adjusters to make lowball offers or outright reject legitimate claims. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his elite team of premise liability attorneys can fight for the money you deserve, such as hospital bills, prescription medications, lost earnings from missing work, pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, and much more. Take your first step towards obtaining reasonable compensation today by contacting our highly experienced lawyers at 716-839-3939 or completing the online consultation form.