Many people are unsure who is liable if someone gets hurt on their property and if home insurance comes into play. The answer to this question depends on multiple factors. It’s every homeowner’s duty to ensure their property is safe. However, responsibility for an injury depends on who is injured and how the injury occurred. 

Who is Responsible for Injuries on Your Property?

Under Texas law, homeowners have limited liability for injuries to others who come onto their property. This means that you can be held responsible for negligence or intentional harm, but not most commonplace accidents. For instance, if you knew a handrail was loose and failed to fix it, causing someone harm, you could be held responsible for their injuries. Your homeowner’s insurance is your best defence when something like this occurs. Keep in mind that homeowner’s insurance does not cover people in your own household. 

Steps to Follow When Someone is Hurt on Your Property

If someone is hurt on your property, ensure their safety first and take steps to fix the issue to protect others.

• Call emergency services or seek help if the person needs medical attention.
• Document the incident, taking photographs of the hazards, including any warning signs or lack thereof. Also, document injuries and the surrounding area and get the contact information of any witnesses. 
• Be polite with the injured party, avoid making statements of fault, and be sure to stay in contact with them.

Take Preventative Measures

The most important things you can do to protect yourself are to make sure you have adequate insurance and that your property is maintained and doesn’t include any hazards. Post warning signs for things like wet floors, uneven flooring, or loose railings. Secure pools and animals that may bite. Also, contact us at West Texas Insurance Agency, serving Amarillo, TX, today to make sure you have enough personal liability coverage to protect you in the case of an injury on your property.