What if My Child Is Injured at a Friend’s House

What if My Child Is Injured at a Friend’s House?

Children go play at their friends’ or hang out at a school mate's home after school. Whether they are younger and being supervised by adults or older and supervising themselves, there is always a risk for injury. If your child sustains an injury while at a friend’s house, their homeowner’s insurance policy would typically cover those injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the injury, you may also have a personal injury claim against the owners of the home.

Timely Notice

Homeowner’s insurance policies are very clear and almost all policies have a “timely notice” statement. This means that if the insurer is not given timely notice of the injury, they can deny the claim regardless of fault. After you have verified your child’s injuries, contact the homeowner and their insurance policy to notify them. You should notify them also in writing so that you can prove they were officially notified and when.

Medical Payment Coverage

Most homeowner’s insurance policies will carry medical payment coverage. This is a no fault coverage that is available to compensate for injuries. That means your child’s medical expenses for their injury are covered regardless of how the injury occurred. You do not have to prove the family or child was negligent to get coverage either. As long as you prove the child was injured on their property, they should receive medical care. The amount of coverage will vary and you will need to verify with the insurer how much coverage the family has.

Bodily Injury Liability

This is only paid when the homeowner or their family was found at fault for your child’s injuries. You must prove that the owner or representative did something or failed to act appropriately and therefore it caused your child’s injuries. Ultimately, you must prove that they were negligent. Even if the homeowner admitted fault, stories will change once they realize they are potentially facing a lawsuit. This is why as a parent, you should document everything regarding the injuries and any statements made from your child, other children present and the homeowners. You will need everyone to discuss the specifics of what happened. This can help protect you if someone changes their mind later.With bodily injury liability you can collect more in damages than medical payments - because medical payments only cover the cost of the medical care. Liability claims will cover things such as your lost wages while caring for your child, pain and suffering and other damages that resulted from your child’s injury.

Hire an Attorney for Your Child’s Injuries

Unfortunately, these cases are difficult on everyone. Often the family that you must sue is a friend or even a family member. But, don’t let relationships stand in the way of your child’s care. Instead, contact an attorney to handle the matter for you. The team at Vasilaros | Wagner will help you receive compensation for your child’s injuries. Schedule a free consultation today at 386-777-7777.