Slipping on a friend’s icy steps or tripping over a loose rug at their home can be as awkward as it is painful. Along with your injury, there’s the emotional weight of handling a legal issue involving someone you care about.
If you’ve been hurt in a fall at a friend’s home, a good first step is learning about your rights. A good second step is learning how to approach the situation with care and respect.
Legal options for premises injuries
Commercial and private property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for guests. If your injury was caused by a hazard, like a missing step or wet floor, you may have cause to seek action.
You can seek compensation, typically through their homeowners insurance, for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. To support your claim, seek prompt medical attention and gather evidence, such as photos or videos of the scene and witness statements.
Filing a claim doesn’t mean suing your friend personally – it’s a request for coverage through their policy.
Start with a respectful conversation
Bringing up a potential claim can feel uncomfortable, but honesty and empathy go a long way. Tips for your discussion include:
- Let them know you value the relationship and aren’t looking to assign blame.
- Explain that you’re facing medical bills and other expenses, and need to explore your options.
- Reassure them that the claim is with their insurance company and that you are not suing them.
An injury claim involving a friend can be a sensitive issue, but with honesty, respect and clarity, it’s possible to protect both. Someone familiar with the legal side of premises liability claims can offer knowledgeable guidance.