What happens when someone is hurt on your property? The injured person might decide to file a lawsuit against you. It’s also possible that he or she will send you his doctor bills; and if you pay them, that could be the end of it. But what if you don’t have the extra cash to pay someone else's medical expenses?
If you have a homeowners insurance policy, you won’t have to worry about that possibility. If you turn in a claim to your insurance company, they can determine if you are liable for the incident. While they are reviewing liability, they can pay the injured person's bills under the “Medical Payments to Others” provision of your policy.
Injuries Happen Every Day
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that home and recreational activities are responsible for about one-third of all injury-related ER visits, millions of which were caused by falls.
Injuries happen every day. When a mishap occurs on your property, it can mean expensive medical bills for the injured person. It can also mean a liability exposure for you. Fortunately, when your insurance company pays the bills, an incident that could have turned into a big problem could wind up only costing you your deductible.
Some Injured People Just Want Their Bills Paid
Some people might see an injury on your property as a money making opportunity, even when liability isn't crystal clear. While these people might file suit no matter what you do, not everyone thinks that way. Often an injured person will say, “I just want my bills paid.” But as time passes and unpaid bills start piling up, they may rethink their position.
Even an amiable disposition could change if you can’t or won't pay the medical bills from an injury on your property. The injured person might go to an attorney. They may file a personal injury lawsuit. Even if you didn't do anything to cause their injuries, a suit could keep you tied up in court for years.
That’s where medical payments coverage comes in. It's an easy solution for those injured persons who really only wanted their bills paid. If your insurance company pays the bills soon after the injury occurs, it may prevent a lawsuit down the road.
Medical Payments Coverage Pays Regardless of Fault
Medical payments is a “no fault” premises coverage. When someone is injured on your property or due to your actions away from home, this coverage can pay the injured person’s medical bills whether or not you are at fault.
Your policy’s medical payments coverage can pay for ambulance, doctor, ER, nursing and other related medical expenses. Of course, there are certain time limits, exclusions and conditions that apply, which are spelled out clearly in your policy.
Get the coverage you need. Call Town and Country Insurance Agency at 308-346-5220 for more information on Burwell home insurance.