Summertime is a great time for grilling, swimming and gathering with friends and family. However, sometimes accidents happen, especially when someone does not properly maintain their property.
If you went to a neighbor’s summer barbecue and you fell through their poorly maintained deck, you might be unsure what to do. You are likely left with medical bills, pain and potentially lost wages from the accident, and you might have the question, can you seek compensation from your neighbors for these injuries?
Premises liability
Indiana law has provisions that hold property owners accountable for maintaining their property safely. If they do not and you get injured as a result, the courts may hold them responsible for your injury.
Prove negligence
To seek compensation, it is essential to establish that your neighbors were negligent in maintaining their deck. This means demonstrating that they either knew or should have known about the poor condition of the deck, neglected to repair it and that this negligence led to your injury. If these points can be successfully proved, you could potentially have a valid compensation claim.
Seek compensation
If your neighbors’ negligence led to your injury, you have the right to seek compensation. The compensation may cover your medical expenses, lost wages and even pain and suffering. It could also cover any future expenses if your injury requires ongoing medical care or impacts your future earning ability.
Insurance’s role
Many homeowners have insurance policies that cover accidents such as the one you experienced. Your neighbors might have such an insurance policy. If that is the case, you can initiate a claim with their insurance provider.
Remember, it is essential to take care of your health first and then consider your options for seeking compensation. Doing so may not only provide recompense for your injury but may also prevent others from experiencing a similar fate.