Domestic violence was a part of my family's life for years. When I made the decision to leave with my children, I had to rely on the law to provide the protection we needed. Sometimes, the system does not work as fast as we want. I soon learned that going at it alone without any guidance caused significant delays. I created this blog to help others who are seeking legal means to deal with an abusive ex. By making the right moves, it is possible to get the necessary protections in place so that you can also live a happier and healthier life.
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Doing a small job for a friend or neighbor, such as helping them install a new garbage disposal or checking on their cat while they are on vacation, isn't usually any cause for financial worries. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents do happen and you may need to be compensated for the cost of treatment, lost wages, or even pain and suffering. The following guide can help you understand what you may be entitled to.
Injury and Medical Coverage
Fortunately, your medical bills and any direct costs of treatment will likely be covered by one of two sources:
Their home insurance. If the injury was due to your own mistake, such as slipping off a ladder, or due to something else deemed accidental, such as tripping over a screw driver, then the medical payments portion of your neighbor's home insurance will likely cover the medical expenses.
Your medical insurance. Your own emergency care coverage from your health insurance policy may also be called in to cover all or part of the injury, especially if your neighbor doesn't have home insurance.
In most cases, you will simply need to seek treatment and then provide your health insurance information. Your insurance provider will then seek information on the neighbor's insurance coverage and they will sort out the financial aspect of which insurance is covering what expenses.
Lost Wages and Pain
Unfortunately, these may not be covered unless you can prove neglect. In the above example of slipping off the ladder, for example, you will only be able to sue for lost wages or pain and suffering if the slip was due to some sort of neglect, such as your neighboring knowingly providing you with a broken ladder. If the ladder was in proper operational condition, then you are responsible for your own injuries beyond the medical care aspect.
Even if there was neglect, you may be limited in how much you can seek. Lost wages will only apply to your paid employment, not for any "under the table" wages the person was paying you to help them with the task. You will also need to demonstrate that you are truly undergoing pain and suffering. A small injury, such as a cut that needs stitches but is otherwise healed within a week, may result in a day or two of lost wages, but not really any pain and suffering.
It's a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer in your area if you have questions when it comes to navigating the tricky situation of an injury in a friend's or neighbor's home. Contact a firm like Dunnigan & Messier P.C. for more information.
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