85% of homeowners in the U.S have homeowners insurance. Here’s how to know if homeowners insurance will cover slips and falls.
Homeowner Negligence and Insurance Coverage
A homeowner can only be held liable for an accident if their negligence caused the accident. Just because an individual fell on a homeowner’s property does not mean the homeowner is automatically liable. If there was a slippery floor or unsafe condition on the property, the homeowner was not necessarily negligent. The conditions that led to the injury must be considered unreasonably unsafe for the homeowner to be held accountable.
The medical payments provision of the homeowner’s insurance policy might cover some medical bills resulting from the slip and fall, but the homeowner is not liable unless he or she was somehow legally at fault for the accident.
The majority of slip and fall accidents on residential properties occur on stairs, rugs, carpets, floor, sidewalk, ice, or snow.
Related: How to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in California
Slipping or Tripping on Stairs
Staircase slip and fall accidents don’t always result in the homeowner being liable. For example, if someone was texting while walking down the stairs, the homeowner may not be liable.
The following may qualify as reasons for a homeowner being liable for a staircase accident on their property:
- risers (the height of each step) that are of the wrong height or of varying heights
- steps that are too shallow
- a foreign substance on the stairs
- fraying or unsafe carpets/rugs on the stairs.
- lack of or poorly-designed handrails
Related: Slip and Fall Out of Court Settlement Amounts
Slipping or Tripping on Rugs, Carpets, or Defective Flooring
Homeowners can be liable for accidents resulting from their rugs, carpets, and floors. For example, area rugs without a proper grip pad underneath are a serious slipping hazard. Also, flooring tiles can be broken or improperly laid, or just dangerously slippery, especially if they are wet or freshly waxed.
Slipping on Ice or Snow
Ice and snow settlements tend to be low in compensation. Furthermore, homeowners with insurance tend to be benefitted from our judicial system. Jurors in states with ice and snow conditions tend to believe that individuals should be aware of these common-sense hazards.
Tripping on a Broken Path or Sidewalk
Homeowners must keep their paths and walkways in a reasonable state of repair. Public sidewalks are the municipality’s responsibility. A negligence claim can be made depending on the size of the crack in the path, walkway, or sidewalk.
Related: How to Sue a City for Negligence: Steps & Laws
If you slip or fall on a homeowner’s property, find out if there is homeowners insurance and report the injury to the insurer as soon as possible.
FAQs About If Homeowners Insurance Covers Slips & Falls
What if the homeowner refuses to allow me to file a claim with their insurer?
In this case, you would have to sue the homeowner and demand they provide the necessary contact information of their insurer.
Do renters insurance cover slip and fall?
Renter’s insurance covers slip and fall injuries inside an apartment or house where the tenant is at fault. An example of this would be spilled grease or water that wasn’t cleaned up right away and resulted in a slip and fall injury.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one would like to know more about if a homeowners insurance police will cover a slip and fall claim, get your free consultation with one of our California Slip and Fall Attorneys today!