While most would not hesitate to hold a business property owner responsible when they are hurt at a business, some may feel more conflicted if an injury occurs at a friend or family member’s residence. However, when you are injured on someone else’s property, even at a friend’s house, it is important to work with an experienced premises liability attorney to obtain compensation you will need to cover medical bills or lost wages. There are ways to obtain compensation you need without causing financial hardship to someone you care about, ensuring that you are able to get the medical attention you need.
If you are injured at someone’s home, compensation is typically obtained through homeowners insurance. Potential injuries at a residence may include:
- Slip and fall injuries caused by slick or poorly maintained floors, walkways or stairs at a person home.
- Dog bite attacks. If a friend or family member has dogs, unfamiliar visitors can put animals on edge, resulting in a dog bite attack.
- Swimming pool accidents and drownings. During the summer months, young children in particular, are at risk around swimming pools. Diving board and slide injuries top the list of injuries around a residential swimming pool; drownings can occur when children are left unattended.
- Collapsing structures. While not as common, collapsing structures such as balconies, decks or railings can occur which can result in serious injury.
Sources of compensation when a homeowner is liable for injuries
When injuries occur at a residence, the homeowner’s insurance policy will cover some or all of the damages. It is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to prove that the homeowner is liable in order to obtain maximum compensation. Even though a homeowner may be willing to accept responsibility for their guest injuries, it boils down to be able to negotiate with the insurance company with the knowledge of an experienced personal injury attorney as your advocate. Contact the Quad Cities premise liability attorneys of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for immediate assistance at 563-355-6478 .