If a person is injured in a slip and fall accident on residential property, the homeowner may be held liable especially if there is still a mortgage on the residence.

A homeowner has certain legal obligations to persons or guests invited onto the property. Homeowners must use reasonable care in keeping their homes and property free from hazards or unreasonably dangerous conditions.

Homeowners insurance will typically step in when legal action is brought forward after a slip and fall accident, and the homeowner is found liable. If someone is injured on your property, your insurer should cover any injury claim filed if found legitimate. Homeowner’s insurance policy generally has two separate types of coverages:

1. Liability coverage – takes care of all losses associated with the injury
2. Medical payment coverage – pays for the medical bills

Most injuries and property damages will be taken care of by liability coverage within the homeowners’ insurance policy as long as negligence by the homeowner is proven. Accidents that are likely to be included in liability coverage include those caused by:

1. Wet or slippery walkways.
2. Stairs that are not up to building codes.
3. Stairs with loose boards, foreign objects, no handrails, shallow or uneven steps.
4. Flooring, rugs, or carpet that are uneven, frayed, loose, have holes.
5. Broken or uneven sidewalks or walkways.