Depending on the policy, renters insurance might cover personal injuries sustained by someone who is not the policyholder. For example, if you are injured in the backyard of a house rented by someone else, renters insurance might apply to your case.
Filing a claim against the policyholder’s renters insurance is a way of holding that party accountable for their actions while allowing you to recover appropriate compensation. A Long Island personal injury lawyer from our firm will assist you with your claim.
In This Article
Reading time: 4 minutes
- When Does Renters Insurance Cover a Personal Injury?
- What Damages Will Renters Insurance Cover?
- How Do You File a Claim With Renters Insurance?
- How Do You Get the Insurance Company to Pay You Appropriately?
- Learn More About Renters Insurance and Your Rights
When Does Renters Insurance Cover a Personal Injury?
Depending on the policy, the injured party has the right to file a claim against someone else’s renters insurance if their injury occurred on the covered property, especially if the injury was caused by the policyholder’s negligence. Common forms of negligence include the policyholder’s failure to:- Clean up liquid spills, standing water, ice, or snow, which could lead to a slip and fall accident
- Repair trip hazards like broken or uneven stairs or floorboards
- Provide enough lighting so that others are able to see and avoid possible hazards
- Keep their dog secured with a leash, a crate, or other device in order to prevent unprovoked attacks
- Warn others about and/or block access to possible hazards, if they are unable to fix those hazards right away
- Act with reasonable promptness to address any complaints or obviously dangerous conditions
For a free legal consultation, call (516) 932-0400
What Damages Will Renters Insurance Cover?
Again, the specifics vary based on the policy and on what kind of accident you were injured in. A typical policy will cover your:- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, diagnostic tests, medication, and various forms of therapy
- Property damage, such as if your cell phone or an expensive piece of jewelry was lost or damaged
How Do You File a Claim With Renters Insurance?
Each insurance company has its own rules for how an accident victim should file a claim. They might list these rules online, or you might be able to call the company and ask for more information. You always have the right to ask for an attorney’s assistance with your claim. Our law firm will handle the details of:- Collecting evidence like photos, medical records, and expert testimony to support your claim for damages
- Filling out all required forms
- Writing out a complete description of your accident and injuries, and a clear request for damages
- Staying in touch with the insurer throughout the case
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How Do You Get the Insurance Company to Pay You Appropriately?
Even if your injuries are covered by renters insurance, that does not mean the company will pay you right away. Insurers sometimes try to manipulate claimants into accepting a settlement before speaking to legal counsel or waiving their right to appropriate damages. A good way to fight back against these tactics is to hire a personal injury attorney. As stated above, our legal team will handle all communications with the insurance company and negotiate for the best possible settlement offer. If indicated, we will be prepared to commence a lawsuit and take your case all the way to a trial before a judge and jury in the courthouse.Should You File a Lawsuit After Being Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
Filing a lawsuit—if reaching a fair and appropriate settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company is unlikely or the case is too close to the applicable statute of limitations—is indicated in some cases. If circumstances make filing a lawsuit the most prudent course of action to protect your rights, state law gives you a limited time to begin. (It is also very important to note that a shorter statute of limitations may apply to your situation, depending upon the circumstances of your case. It is best to take advantage of a free case review with our firm so that you know exactly what deadlines you are facing and what your best options for legal action are.)Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Learn More About Renters Insurance and Your Rights
Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., understands that every case is different and that there is often more than one way to seek damages after an accident. Call us today to find out if renters insurance covers your personal injury and what other legal options you might have. The initial consultation is free.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form