Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Slip and Fall Injuries?
March 21, 2025
Slip and fall homeowner’s insurance might sound overly specific, but you’d be surprised how common these injuries are and why you might need to know whether homeowner’s insurance covers them.
For example, if you like going to barbecues, this might be a familiar scene: You’re visiting a friend’s house, enjoying a lazy summer day on their back patio with the classic spread of burgers and dogs. You walk down the stone steps to top off your drink and maybe snag another scoop of your buddy’s famous potato salad — but before you know it, you’ve slipped and fallen. Now, you’re on the ground with shooting pain in your back — or worse.
The pain from your fall is immediate, but the consequences can go on and on, like medical bills, lost wages, potential disability and the toll a life-altering injury takes on your mental health. If this happened to you, the first question on your mind might be, “Will slip and fall homeowner’s insurance cover me?”
Unfortunately, it’s not a simple yes or no answer. Coverage depends on several factors, including the specifics of the accident, the insurance policy in place, and the laws in the area where it happened.
Understanding Homeowner’s Insurance Fall Injuries
Homeowner’s insurance protects homeowners when accidents or injuries happen on their property, with coverage for:
- Medical payments for the injuries, no matter who’s at fault
- Liability, protecting the homeowner from lawsuits filed by an injured person and covering legal fees and potential settlements or judgments.
However, there are limitations and exclusions to homeowner’s insurance coverage. For example, if the homeowner knew about a hazard on their property and failed to address it, they could be held liable for any injuries that happen as a result. And if the injured party was engaging in risky behavior or trespassing, they might not be eligible for coverage.
Pursuing Claims After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, take these steps to help yourself and start building your case right away.
Get Immediate Medical Care
Your health is most important. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, get seen by a doctor. On top of making sure you’re okay, this creates a medical record of your injuries, which you’ll need for any insurance claim or legal action you might pursue.
Document the Accident
Take photos or videos of the accident scene if you’re able, including what conditions caused your fall. Try to get witness statements from anyone who might have seen what happened, and keep all of the medical records documenting your injuries and treatment.
File a Report
Let the homeowner know what happened and file a report with their insurance company. Make sure to provide as accurate and detailed an account as you can.
How a Lawyer Helps With Slip and Fall Homeowner’s Insurance Claims
Dealing with the aftermath of a slip and fall accident is overwhelming, especially when you’re injured and facing mounting medical bills and lost income. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in your time of need. Here’s how:
Investigating the Accident
A lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident to build your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are much more likely to offer a fair settlement when you have a lawyer in your corner. This won’t be the first rodeo for a seasoned personal injury attorney — they’ll know how to negotiate on your behalf and advocate for your best interests.
Filing a Lawsuit
If necessary, a lawyer can file a lawsuit against the homeowner or their insurance company to pursue fair compensation for your injuries. They’ll also ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Call (215) 569-0900 today to see how Wapner Newman can fight for you.
Legal Factors in Homeowner’s Insurance Fall Injury Claims
Again, these cases aren’t usually cut and dried. Several factors can influence the outcome of a slip and fall homeowner’s insurance claim.
Negligence
Negligence is key to definitively proving who is at fault. But to establish it, you have to prove that the homeowner knew or should have known about what caused your fall and that they failed to take reasonable steps to address it — which can be more complicated than it sounds.
There’s also comparative negligence, meaning that, depending on the circumstances, you could be found partially at fault for your accident and be entitled to less compensation because of it.
Statute of Limitations
Like many states, there’s a statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall lawsuit in Pennsylvania. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim — all the more reason to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Homeowner’s insurance may cover slip and fall accidents, but it’s not guaranteed. Getting the right legal representation can make or break your claim.
How Homeowners Can Be Proactive
There’s a flip side to these accidents — what happens to the homeowners. Someone else getting injured on your property can be as life-altering as your own injury. If you own a home or property, you can take steps to prevent slip and fall accidents. Make sure you . . .
- Regularly inspect your property for hazards like loose paving stones, uneven sidewalks, or slippery surfaces
- Promptly repair or remove any hazards
- Make sure your property is well-lit, especially at night
- Warn guests of potential dangers if they’re unavoidable.
Taking precautions like these not only makes your home a safer place for you and your family, but it also helps prevent accidents — and their sometimes costly consequences — before they happen.
Getting Back on Your Feet After a Slip and Fall
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Homeowner’s insurance may cover your injuries, but navigating the claims process can be complex, not to mention very daunting.
The attorneys at Wapner Newman can be an asset to you at this critical time. Not only will we fight to get you every penny you deserve and need to recover, but we’ll also protect your interests at every step along the way. An accident turns things upside down, but it doesn’t have to throw your life off-course. Call us today at (215) 569-0900 for a free case review and see how we can help you get through this.