What Happens If You’re Injured at a Friend or Relative’s House?

No one expects to suffer a personal injury while visiting a friend or family member. When it happens, you’re left with more than just physical pain.

The idea of pursuing a claim against someone you care for is an emotional burden. Still, accidents happen and seeking medical attention is often a costly endeavor. While the idea of pursuing compensation can feel awkward at best and agonizing at worst—it’s your right to seek assistance for unexpected bills.

Common Causes of Injuries

Homeowners are required to maintain a safe property – both inside and out. In Rhode Island, various laws exist to help keep people safe whether they’re at home or another residence. Homeowners with a pool must have a fence around the structure to prevent guests or visitors from accidental falls and injuries.

Other potentially unsafe areas and risks include:

• Dog bites
• Uneven pavement
• Stairs with no handrail
• Inadequate outdoor lighting
• Wet or icy floors and walkways
• Work being done in or around the home

What happens after your injury?

Often, we naturally respond to a moderate injury by saying “I’m fine!” and brushing it off. This reaction is even more likely to happen if you’re at the home of a family member or friend. While this might seem like an appropriate response in the moment, it can lead to medical issues down the road.

Seeking medical attention for moderate to severe injuries is very important. Failure to do so could put you at risk for further injury and compromise your chances of winning a claim.

In addition to seeking medical attention, you should:

• Document your injury and the events leading up to it
• Take pictures of your injury
• Keep accurate records of any medical bills
• If you’re out of work, record any missed days and wages

Understanding Liability

If you decide to pursue a claim against your friend or family, it’s important to remember that your loved one has homeowners insurance for accidents that occur on the property. and injuries. As the injured party, filing a claim is not a personal attack on your friends and family but rather your right to seek assistance from their existing policy.

Accidents happen. It’s your legal right to seek damages for an injury resulting from another person’s negligence—even if the homeowner is your favorite aunt or a close friend.  Obviously, emotions are high on both sides. To minimize the risk of the accident and claim harming your relationship, try your best to not make it personal.

In most cases, the homeowner feels horrible about the incident. They want you to receive quality medical care. While they might not be able to pay out of pocket, they have homeowners insurance. Obtaining the maximum benefit allowed under the policy is where a personal injury lawyer can help.

When it comes to navigating the legal process and your rights, we can help. We’re experts at dealing with aggressive insurance companies and—a stress you don’t need while under medical care.
Our highly-skilled personal injury attorneys work with Rhode Island residents just like you, to get you the settlement you deserve.

Why Kirshenbaum Law Associates

A sudden and unexpected injury is a traumatic event. When it occurs while visiting a friend or family member, the emotion of the event can cloud your judgement. Our in-depth experience navigating emotional personal injury and accidents cases helps you get the maximum settlement you’re entitled while minimizing the potential impact to your relationship with the homeowner.

We’ll work with you to help you understand that the case isn’t personal. As an injured party, you have a right to collect damages to pay for your medical bills. In the majority of cases we handle, friends or family care for your well-being and want what’s best for you and your recovery.

We’re here to help. There is no fee unless we recover damages for you.

To schedule a free consultation, call Kirshenbaum Law Associates at (401) 467-5300 or contact us online today.  The sooner we review your case, the sooner we can get you the settlement you deserve.