When people think about homeowner’s insurance, the first thing that often comes to mind is coverage for fire, theft, or storm-related damage to the house itself. While this protection is vital, many homeowners overlook another equally important aspect of their policies: personal injury coverage. In fact, homeowner’s insurance can play a critical role when someone is injured on your property, potentially saving you from paying expensive medical bills or facing a lawsuit.
For residents in Richmond, Midlothian, and across Virginia, understanding how homeowner’s insurance handles personal injury claims can make all the difference in protecting your finances and peace of mind. If you’re seeking guidance, a personal injury lawyer Richmond VA can provide critical support when navigating these claims.
What Is Personal Injury Coverage in Homeowner’s Insurance?
Personal injury coverage under a homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to protect policyholders when another person is injured on their property. While the term “personal injury” is sometimes used broadly to describe various harms (like defamation or invasion of privacy), in the context of homeowner’s insurance it usually refers to bodily injuries sustained by others.
For example:
- A guest trips on a loose step and breaks an ankle.
- A delivery driver slips on icy stairs and suffers a back injury.
- A child is hurt while playing in your yard.
- A guest is attacked by a dog.
In these situations, your homeowner’s insurance may help cover the injured person’s medical expenses, legal fees if you’re sued, and even settlements or judgments. A knowledgeable injury attorney in Richmond can help ensure claims are handled efficiently and fairly.
Types of Injuries Typically Covered
Homeowner’s insurance liability coverage generally extends to:
- Slip and Fall Accidents – One of the most common claims. Uneven walkways, wet floors, or cluttered porches can easily lead to injuries. Those facing such claims may benefit from consulting a slip and fall lawyer Richmond.
- Dog Bites and Animal-Related Injuries – If your pet injures someone, your policy may provide coverage (though some insurers exclude certain dog breeds).
- Recreational Injuries – Accidents involving swimming pools, trampolines, or playground equipment on your property.
- Visitor Injuries – Guests who suffer accidents indoors or outdoors because of hazards on your property.
What Is Not Covered
Common exclusions include:
- Intentional Acts – If you deliberately injure someone, your policy won’t step in.
- Business-Related Injuries – If you run a business from your home and a client is injured, you’ll likely need separate coverage.
- Certain High-Risk Pets or Activities – Some policies exclude specific animals or hazardous features.
- Injuries to Household Members – Your family members typically aren’t covered under liability, only outside visitors.
The Claims Process
If someone is injured on your property, here’s how a personal injury claim usually unfolds:
- Report the incident immediately to your insurance company.
- Document the accident scene, injuries, and medical treatment.
- Cooperate with the insurer’s investigation.
- Work toward resolution, which may include paying medical bills, negotiating a settlement, or defending you in court.
Why Legal Experience Matters in Virginia
Virginia is one of the few states that follows contributory negligence. This means that if an injured person is even 1% at fault, their claim may be denied completely. That’s why navigating a homeowner’s insurance injury case in Virginia can be far more complex than in other states.
Having an experienced Richmond personal injury lawyer by your side can help ensure claims are presented clearly, defenses are handled appropriately, and compensation is maximized within policy limits.
How Burnett & Williams Can Help
At Burnett & Williams—one of Virginia’s oldest and most respected personal injury law firms—attorneys bring decades of combined trial and negotiation experience to cases involving homeowner’s insurance claims.
- C. James Williams III is a veteran litigator and Principal of Burnett & Williams. A summa cum laude graduate of George Mason University School of Law, he has tried over 100 personal injury jury cases and brings unique insight from his years as litigation counsel for Progressive Insurance. His extensive experience in both plaintiff and defense work makes him invaluable in insurance-driven cases.
- Kimberly J. Raab focuses her practice on personal injury litigation and has been in the courtroom since day one of her legal career. Admitted to practice in both Virginia and New York, she has tried numerous cases across Virginia courts and is deeply committed to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients through trials or alternative dispute resolution.
Both attorneys are highly recognized:
🏆 Best Lawyers
🏆 Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame
🏆 Million Dollar Advocates Forum
🏆 American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
Their dedication, combined with meticulous case preparation, ensures that injured victims and homeowners facing liability claims receive skilled representation.
Offices Across Virginia
Burnett & Williams proudly serves clients throughout the Commonwealth with offices in:
- Midlothian – (804) 794-0080 | 1527 Huguenot Rd., Suite 201
- Richmond – (804) 415-4531 | 6 West Broad St.
- Hopewell – (804) 458-7070 | 224 North Main St., Suite 360
- Leesburg – (703) 777-1650 | 105 Loudoun St., SE
- Orange – (540) 308-4080 | 104 West Main St.
- Winchester – (540) 667-3500 | 14 South Kent St.
- Culpeper – (540) 308-4080 | 609 S. Main St., Suite 203
Final Takeaway
Homeowner’s insurance is more than property protection—it’s a shield against the unexpected injuries that can happen every day. Understanding your policy’s limits, exclusions, and the claims process is crucial, especially in a contributory negligence state like Virginia.
If you or someone you love is dealing with a personal injury claim tied to homeowner’s insurance, the experienced team at Burnett & Williams—led in Richmond and Chesterfield by C. James Williams III and Kimberly J. Raab—can guide you through every step.
📞 Call (804) 794-0080 today or visit www.burnettwilliams.com to schedule a free consultation with a top-rated personal injury attorney Richmond VA.
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