Awkward! What To Do If You Get Hurt At Someone Else's Home

It is an awkward situation for sure, but what should you do if you happen to get injured on someone else's property? Know that even when there is insurance coverage involved, premiums may rise. This may show you who your true friends are, or it may be an uncomfortable experience that estranges people you thought were close.

If you get hurt at someone's home, here is what you should do:

  1. Take care of your injuries. Above all, seek medical attention for injuries when needed. Don't delay going to the emergency room, and don't try to wait a couple days to see if you feel better. This may exacerbate the injury and could complicate or prevent some insurance carriers from paying for your visit.
  2. Take pictures. If you are legitimately injured, take pictures. Even taking a couple quick photos with your phone will help to document your injuries later on, if needed. If you tripped or got hurt due to the homeowner's negligence, such as a dangerous stairway or slippery porch, try to catch a quick picture of that, if feasible.
  3. Check out your own insurance coverage. Regardless if you claim the injury on your own insurance or if the homeowner claims the incident, premiums for any claim are going to raise insurance rates; it is inevitable. However, there is usually a deductible involved, which means someone has to pay it for your injury: you or the homeowner. If you want to preserve the friendship, you may choose to report the injury to your own carrier but know that forms offered may ask if the incident can be claimed on any other person's insurance, so you should always be honest- even if it impacts your friendship.
  4. Talk to the homeowner. If the injury occurred at the home of a true friend, they may offer to claim the incident on their homeowner's insurance. There are some alternatives to filing a traditional claim, such as a voluntary medical payment or no-fault premise, so it pays to talk with the insurance company to find the most appropriate resolution.  
  5. Talk to an attorney. If you are injured at someone else's home and they are not being cooperative or forthcoming about filing a claim, contact an attorney at a law firm like Erickson Law Office. Depending on the extent of the injuries, this may be a practical option to pursue immediately after seeking medical attention. Many attorneys offer a free consultation which may determine if your claim is viable.

Talk to a personal injury attorney about your rights and liability, as well as to garner more information about the homeowner's responsibility. Unless you were trespassing on someone's property, there is a burden of safety and protection on the homeowner that should cover the costs of your injury. 

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