How Does Homeowners Insurance Work if I Get Hurt on Someone’s Property?

Homeowners' insurance protects both the property owner and visitors in the event of an accident. According to the Insurance Information Institute, liability claims under homeowners' policies result in payouts of billions of dollars each year. In New York, if you get hurt on someone’s property, their homeowner’s insurance policy may pay for your medical bills and other losses. This coverage helps with expenses caused by the property owner’s negligence. At Davidoff Law, we help injured clients understand their insurance coverage, file homeowners insurance claims, and seek fair compensation through personal injury claims.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance and Liability Coverage

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect against both property damage and personal injury claims. It helps cover accidents that occur on someone’s property. The liability coverage part of the policy pays for injuries sustained by guests or visitors due to unsafe conditions. Most homeowners' insurance policies also help pay for legal defense if the property owner is sued. Our firm helps clients understand these coverage details and determine whether they can file a claim for compensation after an injury.

What Is Included in a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

A homeowner’s insurance policy includes several types of coverage. Each protects against different losses, including property damage and injuries to others. When an injury occurs, the personal liability portion of the policy may apply.

Here’s what most homeowner's policies typically include:

• Dwelling coverage: Protects the home's structure from storm damage or fire.
• Personal property coverage: Pays for damage or theft of belongings inside the home.
• Personal liability coverage: Covers injuries or property damage caused by the homeowner’s negligence.
• Medical payments (Med Pay) coverage: Helps pay for medical care if someone is hurt on the property, even without proving fault.

We guide injured clients in reviewing the homeowner’s policy and determining what coverage applies to their injuries.

When Homeowner’s Insurance Covers Personal Injury Claims

A homeowner’s insurance cover can apply when someone suffers an injury because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. These incidents often fall under premises liability claims, which hold property owners responsible for hazards that cause harm. Common examples include:

• Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors or icy sidewalks
• Dog bites or other pet-related injuries
• Broken stairs or handrails that cause falls
• Objects falling from shelves or unsafe structures

However, not every injury is covered. Exclusions may apply if the injury was intentional or caused by criminal activity. At Davidoff Law, our attorneys review each client’s case carefully, identify the responsible party, and help prove negligence to strengthen your legal claim. We also work directly with the insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve under the homeowner’s insurance coverage.

What Happens if You Get Hurt on Someone’s Property in New York

Under New York law, a property owner can be held liable if unsafe conditions on their property cause injuries. This is known as premises liability. If you are hurt on someone’s home or business property, you may be able to file a homeowners' insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on who was at fault. Most policies include homeowners coverage that protects both the property owner and the injured party. At Davidoff Law, we help clients understand their options, contact the insurance company immediately, and pursue full compensation for their losses.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury on Another’s Property

After an accident, acting quickly helps protect your legal rights and strengthens your claim. These steps ensure that evidence is preserved and that you can obtain the coverage and compensation you deserve:

1. Get medical care right away. Your health is the top priority, and medical records prove your injuries and medical expenses.
2. Document the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the unsafe condition that caused your injury.
3. Collect witness information. Ask anyone who saw the accident to provide their statements and contact details.
4. Notify the homeowner’s insurance company immediately. Reporting early helps avoid coverage disputes or claim denials.
5. Contact a lawyer for assistance. An attorney can help protect your best interests and guide you through dealing with insurers.

Our firm helps injured clients follow these steps and ensures no critical evidence is lost during the legal process.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Homeowners Insurance Claim

Filing a homeowners' insurance claim can be confusing, especially when insurers try to limit payouts. We help clients deal with insurers and ensure their rights are protected. At Davidoff Law, our lawyers handle every part of the process — from reviewing coverage limits to negotiating settlements.

Our assistance includes:

• Reviewing the homeowner’s policy to confirm liability coverage and exclusions.
• Communicating directly with the insurer to protect your best interests.
• Collecting and submitting documentation such as medical records and lost income reports.
• Negotiating for fair compensation when dealing with complex coverage issues or large medical expenses.

We work to ensure you receive the maximum homeowners coverage allowed under the policy, not just what the insurer initially offers.

How Homeowners Insurance Pays for Medical Bills and Damages

When an injury occurs, a homeowner’s insurance policy can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. The liability coverage section of most policies protects against accidents that happen on someone’s property. It helps cover damages caused by the policyholder’s negligence and prevents their personal assets from being at risk. At Davidoff Law, we make sure victims understand how coverage limits and exclusions affect their potential recovery.

Coverage for Medical Payments

Most homeowners' insurance policies include “medical payments to others” coverage, also known as Med Pay. This part of the policy covers immediate medical care, even if no one is found at fault. Med Pay helps injured guests recover quickly without waiting for a liability decision. Common examples include:

• Slip and fall injuries in someone’s home or on outdoor steps
• Dog bites or animal-related injuries while visiting a property
• Cuts or burns from accidents that happen on another person’s property

This type of coverage is limited, but it can help pay for emergency treatment and early medical bills. We guide clients in filing these claims and ensuring payments are processed without unnecessary delays.

Compensation for Serious Personal Injuries

When an injury results in significant or lasting harm, Med Pay alone may not be enough. In these cases, victims may need to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover full compensation. Our attorneys assess the homeowner’s liability and work with their insurer to pursue fair settlements for:

• Severe or permanent injuries that require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
• Lost income or reduced earning ability caused by the injury
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress related to the incident
• Future medical expenses, such as surgeries, therapy, or medication

We fight to obtain the maximum compensation allowed under the homeowner’s insurance policy. If needed, we take legal action to ensure the insurer and policyholder meet their responsibility to pay for the harm caused.

When Insurance Companies Deny a Homeowners Claim

Insurance companies do not always approve claims right away. They may deny coverage if there is confusion over liability, missed paperwork, or certain policy exclusions. In some cases, insurers argue that the injury does not fall under the homeowner’s liability coverage. When this happens, it can delay your access to the medical care and compensation you need. At Davidoff Law, we understand how insurers work and can step in to challenge unfair denials, helping you get the coverage and financial relief you deserve.

Common Reasons for Denied Insurance Coverage

There are several reasons a homeowner’s insurance company may deny or reduce a claim. These denials often result from errors, missed deadlines, or disagreements over fault. We help clients understand the reason behind a denial and take legal action if needed.

Common reasons for denial include:

• Policy exclusions: Some homeowners' policies exclude injuries caused by certain activities or guests.
• Late reporting: Missing the claim deadline can lead to denial, even for valid injuries.
• Disputed liability: The insurer may claim the injured party was at fault.
• Coverage limits reached: If medical expenses exceed the policy limits, payment may stop.
• Failure to prove negligence: The insurer may argue that there is insufficient evidence to show the property owner was responsible.

We can generally appeal or litigate denied claims to ensure clients receive fair compensation. Our team works with insurance adjusters and uses solid evidence to prove the claim should be covered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Our New York Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you were injured on someone else’s property, contact Davidoff Law for a free consultation. We help victims file homeowners' insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits to recover fair compensation. Our legal team has years of experience dealing with liability coverage disputes and insurance company denials. We work to secure your access to full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. With our firm’s guidance, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process on your behalf.