It is an unfortunate fact that we live in a society where lawsuits are common.
Should someone be injured on your property, you need to be prepared, know how to react in the moment, in the direct aftermath of the accident, and in the longer term.
What to do in the moment
As soon as the accident occurs, assess the injury or injuries. If you feel emergency care is needed, call 911. The injured party may try to refuse this for various reasons, including the cost of emergency care. If you feel that they are well enough to be driven somewhere, request a visit to an urgent care center as a compromise. Depending on the situation, you may want to have police come to take statements, ensuring there is a documented account of the incident right from the start.
In the direct aftermath of the accident
You should be careful not to admit fault, even if you feel it is your fault that the incident occurred. It can be difficult to think through the situation directly after it occurs, and you may eventually realize it is not so black and white. As such, do not say anything that can be used as an admission of guilt, especially in a text or email.
As soon as possible, contact your insurance agent to determine if a claim should be filed and how to do this. Take photos of the area where the incident occurred for documentation if your agent requests it. Also, ask the agent before fixing any issues that may have contributed to the accident; they may want it left as-is so they can document it themselves.
In the longer term
Because this is a sensitive situation, it is best to leave most follow-up tasks to your insurance agent, or should the incident escalate, to your lawyer. While it is fine to check in on the individual and to express concern, anything official should be left to professionals. Going forward, be diligent in looking for potential hazards in your home and preventing accidents.
Be prepared beforehand
From the start, do your best to work with contractors and insurance agents to remove risky elements from your property. Then protect yourself against a worst-case scenario with a quality insurance policy that covers injuries within your home.
Certain items, such as pools and trampolines, may require extra coverage. Speak with an experienced insurance agent to determine if your property is adequately insured.
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