You are liable for an injury or damages caused by your negligence. You could be liable if you did something or failed to do something that is causally related to the manner in which your guest is injured. If the guest’s own negligence caused his or her injury, then you are generally not liable. You would not be liable if the injuries were caused by an accident or circumstances that neither of you contributed to. Even if your negligence did contribute to the injury, your negligence must be greater than that of your guest’s negligence. Thus, if you are both negligent, but the guest is more negligent, even by the slightest degree, you will not be held financially responsible.
There are other factors to consider as well, such as “Notice” and “Foreseeability”. You, as home owner, are responsible for the condition of your premises. If a dangerous condition causes the injury suffered by your guest, then you may be liable. However, if the condition just occurred a short time prior to the injury and you had no notice, or reasonable opportunity to discover and or correct the defect / condition, it is possible that you may not be liable. You also may not be liable if the circumstance that caused the injury was not reasonably foreseeable.
Regardless, if anyone is injured at your home or place of business, it is crucial that you notify your insurance company within the time required by your policy and to consult with an attorney to make certain there is nothing else you need to do to protect yourself.
The attorneys and staff at Bellenot & Boufford, LLC are Experienced, Knowledgeable and Ready to help you. Law@BBesq.com
Representing Danbury and All of Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
