Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property
Carlos Vargas |Sep 21 2025 12:00
What happens if someone trips, slips, or falls on your property?
Whether it’s a friend, delivery driver, or neighbor, accidents can happen fast—and they’re almost always unexpected. One minute you're chatting on the porch, the next someone’s on the ground in pain. After making sure they’re okay, one big question usually follows: “Am I liable for this?”
What are you responsible for—and what could it cost you?
If someone is injured on your property, you could be held financially responsible, even if it wasn’t intentional. Medical bills, lost wages, legal fees—these costs can escalate quickly. And many homeowners are surprised to learn that a simple accident can lead to a personal injury claim… or worse, a lawsuit.
That’s where personal liability insurance comes in.
Promise: You’re about to learn what personal liability coverage does (and doesn’t) protect you from.
In this article, we’ll walk through what personal liability insurance actually covers, what steps you should take if someone is injured on your property, and how to make sure you’re not exposed to major financial risk.
By the end, you’ll know how to respond to an accident, when to notify your insurance company, and how to avoid coverage gaps that could cost you later.
What Is Personal Liability Insurance?
Personal liability insurance protects you when someone is hurt or suffers property damage and holds you responsible.
This coverage is typically part of your homeowners or renters insurance and includes:
- Medical expenses for injuries that happen on your property
- Legal defense fees if a lawsuit is filed
- Damages awarded if you're found liable
It’s designed to protect your financial assets in the event of an accident—not just your home.
What Kinds of Accidents Are Covered?
Most common household accidents are included, such as:
- A friend slipping on an icy walkway
- A child falling down your stairs
- A delivery driver tripping over a loose garden hose
But coverage doesn’t mean unlimited protection. If you were grossly negligent (for example, failing to fix a known hazard), your insurance might not fully cover you. And intentional harm is never covered.
What Should You Do if Someone Gets Hurt?
Step one: Get medical attention if needed. Even if the injury seems minor, documentation matters. Take these additional steps:
- Document the scene with photos and notes
- Get the injured person’s contact info and a statement if possible
- Notify your insurance provider right away
- Don’t admit fault—just report what happened
These actions help your insurer assess the situation quickly and protect your ability to file a valid claim.
Do You Have Enough Coverage?
Most policies come with $100,000 in personal liability coverage—but that may not be enough. If a serious injury results in legal action, expenses can easily surpass that. You might want to raise your coverage limit or consider an umbrella policy to add an extra layer of protection.
Key Takeaway: Don’t Wait for a Lawsuit to Understand Your Liability
Personal liability insurance isn’t just about protecting your property—it’s about protecting your future. Accidents happen, and if someone gets hurt on your property, knowing how to respond (and what your policy covers) can make a world of difference.
Have Questions About Your Coverage?
If you're unsure whether your current policy offers enough protection, or if you’re not clear on what to do after an accident, we’re here to help.