Delivery Person Slipped On My Steps
The situation: A delivery driver slipped on my icy steps and hurt their wrist. Could they sue me, and does my homeowners insurance cover it?
Quick Answer
Your homeowners policy may respond in two ways. Medical payments coverage can pay the injured person's medical bills up to a small limit, regardless of fault. Personal liability coverage can pay if you're legally responsible for the injury, including your defense. A delivery worker may also have workers' compensation through their employer.
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What Happened
During a freeze, a delivery driver slipped on ice on Grace's front steps and broke a wrist. Grace reported it to her insurer. Her homeowners medical payments coverage paid some of the driver's initial medical bills, up to its limit. The driver's employer's workers' compensation also covered the injury. Later, a claim for lost wages was handled under Grace's personal liability coverage after the insurer investigated.
Likely Relevant Policies
- Homeowners Insurance
- Renters Insurance
Potential Coverages
Medical Payments Coverage High likelihood
Pays medical bills of people hurt on your property, up to a small limit, regardless of fault.
Personal Liability Coverage Medium likelihood
Pays if you're legally responsible for the injury, including defense costs, up to the limit.
Possible Exclusions
- Injuries related to a business you run from home are generally excluded from personal liability.
- Intentional acts are excluded.
Questions That Determine Coverage
- Where and how did the fall happen?
- Was the hazard something you knew about or could have fixed?
- Is the injured person covered by workers' compensation?
- What are your medical payments and liability limits?
Recommended Immediate Actions
- Help the injured person and call for medical help if needed.
- Photograph the area and conditions.
- Report the incident to your insurer promptly.
- Don't admit fault or promise payment; let the insurer handle it.
Documents to Collect
- Photos of the steps and conditions
- Names and contact details
- Any medical bills sent to you
Common Claim Process
The insurer may pay small medical bills under medical payments coverage. If the injured person makes a liability claim or sues, the insurer investigates and defends you under personal liability, paying any settlement or judgment up to the limit.
Potential Outcomes
- Small medical bills paid under medical payments, regardless of fault.
- A liability claim is handled under personal liability if you're found responsible.
- The worker's own workers' comp may cover much of the injury.
Risk Prevention Tips
- Clear ice and snow, and use salt or sand.
- Fix loose steps and railings.
- Light walkways at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a delivery driver's injury?
It can, through medical payments and personal liability, depending on the facts.
Should I pay their bills myself?
Report it to your insurer first; medical payments coverage may pay them.
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- tdi.texas.govHome insurance guide · Texas Department of Insurance
Educational information, not advice: This scenario describes how a loss like this commonly goes, not how your claim will be decided. Coverage depends on your policy's wording, limits and deductibles, your state, and the facts. Confirm specifics with your insurer.