Does homeowner’s insurance cover personal injury?

Maybe you’re a new homeowner who plans to have guests on your property. Maybe you’ve owned your home for 30 years but want to build a pool and invite the whole neighborhood.

In any case, if you plan to host a group of people on your property, you’re probably wondering whether your homeowner’s insurance will cover you if one of the visitors suffers an injury. Does homeowner’s insurance cover personal injury? This article will provide the answer to that question.

An Albany personal injury lawyer with The Shrable Law Firm, P.C. will be here if you need us. We have an extensive amount of experience in personal injury law, and we’ll protect your rights at every turn. You can contact us online or call (229) 349-6291 for a free consultation.

Liability coverage and homeowners insurance

If someone visiting your home is injured in an accident (or if you’re at someone else’s home and you’re the one who’s hurt), you’ll need to know about liability coverage. This is part of a policy that should cover damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills. 

But it’s important to remember that the typical homeowners insurance policy has a liability limit of $100,000. That might not be enough to cover the injured person’s damages, but you do have the option of purchasing so-called “umbrella” coverage. This extra layer can cover what basic liability won’t.

Types of personal injury claims covered by homeowners insurance

Suppose someone visiting your home falls down stairs that were in disrepair, or they hurt themselves using your pool. They might suffer an injury while using the trampoline in your backyard. In these instances, your liability coverage will pay for their medical expenses. It will also cover legal fees if they decide to sue you. 

Again, though, the average $100,000 liability policy might not be sufficient. If you have a trampoline, pool, or other so-called “attractive nuisance,” you might need more coverage.

An attractive nuisance is a part of someone’s property that could be hazardous.

It would probably be a good idea to purchase an umbrella policy of at least $250,000. You might even need $500,000. 

Exclusions and limitations

A homeowners policy does have exclusions and limitations that pertain to personal injury accidents. In other words, a policy won’t pay under certain circumstances. For instance, someone gets hurt while they’re engaged in an illegal activity on your property. If that’s the case, your liability coverage probably won’t apply.

Likewise, a homeowner will likely not be covered if they hurt someone intentionally. The same principle applies if one visitor hurts another one on purpose, such as by pushing them down a flight of stairs or off a balcony.

Why you need to review your homeowners policy

Take a close look at your homeowners insurance policy to have as clear an idea as possible regarding what is and isn’t covered. You definitely won’t want any surprises should something happen at the next get-together you host. 

Call us if you have questions about a homeowners policy

If you’re uncertain whether homeowner’s insurance covers personal injury, speak with The Shrable Law Firm, P.C. We’ll be here if you’re injured on another person’s property or if someone is hurt on yours. Our lawyers are experts in insurance law, so we’ll know exactly how to protect your interests.

You can get in touch with us by using our online contact form or by giving us a call at (229) 349-6291.