Many factors play a role in home ownership and liability. Homeowners need to ensure their property is safe. If someone steps foot on your property and suffers an injury, you may be responsible for this.

Understanding local, state and federal liability rules is a complex process. Your home insurance may be able to help, though. If someone suffers an injury on your property, your insurance company will likely help you navigate the claim process.

What If Someone Steps Onto Your Private Property?

A person is walking down the street. Their dog runs off onto your property. They run after the dog. They trip, fall, and suffer a broken leg. Who is responsible for the medical bills?

Most state laws list this person as a trespasser. That means you did not provide that person with permission to access the property. In this case, you may still have some responsibilities. Property owners cannot take willful steps to injure someone who enters the property. However, you likely have no other responsibility – in most states – to protect that individual's safety. This type of claim is unlikely to be successful. You might not need to file the claim because the person did not have permission to enter your property.

What If Someone Receives an Invite to Enter Your Property?

Your friend calls and wishes to visit. You welcome them over. But, your dog bites them. Who is responsible for the medical costs now? In this case, you will likely be responsible.

You knew the individual was present. You likely have an obligation to provide that person with protection and a safe place to visit. You have to take all reasonable steps to ensure their safety. Here, your home insurance is likely to provide coverage for a claim, depending on the terms of your plan. In this case, make sure you have pet bite coverage.

You Warn Them of the Risks

Your home suffers damage from a fire. You need help making repairs. You invite a contractor to the home to provide an estimate. You warn them about the dangers. The contractor falls and suffers an injury. Who is responsible?

In this case, the contractor is likely a licensee. You have the responsibility to warn them of the dangerous situation. However, after that warning, the individual makes the decision to enter the property. As long as you warn about risks or those risks are obvious, you may not be responsible for the claim.

Home insurance liability does provide significant help here. Work with your agent to ensure you have proper coverage at all times.

Do you need Pittsburgh home insurance? Let us help. Call Stalwart Insurance Agency at (844) 220-6047 for a fast, convenient policy quote.