Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Slip and Fall in Portland?

Accidents can occur at any time, in any place—including at someone else’s home. Some Portland homeowners fail to maintain a safe home, putting visitors at risk of a slip and fall accident. If you are injured at someone else’s home, you may wonder how to recover compensation following your slip and fall. You generally have two options for legal action: you can file a lawsuit, or you can file a claim against the homeowner’s insurance policy.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

A person’s home can have a variety of hazards. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that his or her premises are safe and take steps to fix the hazard. Additionally, he or she must warn visitors of potential danger. However, not all homeowners uphold this responsibility. A number of hazards can contribute to slip and fall accidents, such as the following.

• Holes 
• Uneven and cracked pavement
• Cluttered walkways
• Unshoveled driveways
• Unsafe stairs, porches, and balconies
• Loose floorboards or carpets
• Loose wiring and cords
• Broken and damaged handrails
• Poor lighting 
• Loose nails and other components
• Unkempt yard conditions

Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Slip and Falls

While it is not required, many Portland homeowners invest in homeowner’s insurance. In fact, mortgage companies often require homeowners to hold this coverage when they take out a loan. This insurance typically covers losses from theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, although the specific details of a policy may vary.  Many homeowners’ insurance policies come with liability coverage.

This insurance pays for the homeowner’s legal defense and the victim’s damages in the event of a slip and fall lawsuit. However, the insurance company will only pay a settlement if the homeowner’s negligence caused the accident. However, not all homeowners’ insurance policies will include this coverage. It is important to collect the property owner’s insurance information at the time of the accident so that you can verify the details with an attorney.

What to Do If You Slip and Fall on Someone Else’s Property

Being involved in a slip and fall accident can be a scary experience. In these situations, it is important to take the following steps to protect yourself and your future insurance claim or lawsuit.

• Seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can. Always save the records related to your injuries and the treatment that you require. You should always go to the doctor, even if you do not feel hurt at the time. You may have internal injuries that are not showing symptoms.
• Document evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photographs and videos of any visible injuries that you have and the hazard that caused your slip and fall accident. Save any relevant physical evidence, if possible.
• If any witnesses saw the slip and fall accident occurred, collect their contact information if you do not have it already. These individuals could provide powerful testimony in your future case.
• If you do not know this information already, collect the homeowner’s contact details. Ask for his or her insurance information as well. If the homeowner refuses to provide these details, speak to your lawyer as soon as possible.

After you receive medical care, speak to a Portland slip and fall accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can represent your case and help you navigate your homeowner’s insurance claim. Contact a lawyer immediately to discuss your next steps.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Portland, OR – Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland personal injury lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Open 24/7