Slip and fall claims can be brought against you for many reasons, including sidewalk falls, stairwell accidents and flooring-related slips. Typically, these incidents are covered under a homeowners insurance policy. If you have any questions on what type of homeowner’s insurance you need, contact a representative from Pizano Insurance in Wayzata, MN. In the meantime, here is some information to help you understand your legal rights and obligations regarding other people who visit your property.

Types of Slips and Falls 

Stairway accidents are often caused by objects left on the stairs, while sidewalk accidents often happen when someone slips on ice or snow, or trips on uneven sidewalks. Inside the home, accidents often occur as the result of a guest slipping on uneven or slippery floors.

Regardless of the type of slip or fall, it’s not automatically the homeowner’s responsibility. In order to win a slip and fall case, the injured party needs to show the owner’s negligence caused or contributed to the conditions causing the injury.

This is determined by proving the owner was or was not reasonably safe. For example, homeowners are usually held responsible for keeping the areas where visitors walk safely. A big exception to this is someone who’s committing a crime on the property.

Homeowners’ Insurance and Slip and Fall Claims

If you are liable for an injury that occurred on your property, the next question is whether it’s covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Most policies coverslip and fall injuries as long as the owner didn’t intentionally cause the accident.

Homeowners’ have two types of insurance coverage, liability and no-fault medical. 

Liability covers someone injured on your property. However, if the medical expenses exceed your policy limits, you may have to pay the difference.  Medical coverage, called “no-fault medical coverage.” pays for injured person’s medical treatment, whether the owner is at fault or not.

If you want to learn more about your current policy in Wayzata, MN or determine if there’s another that’s better for you, call Pizano Insurance to set up an appointment for a free quote.