Ever since we started spending more time in our homes a couple years ago, people began to realize they wanted to improve/upgrade their homes. Maybe it was a small project, like a new patio cover. Maybe it was a complete backyard redesign or interior remodel. Either way, did you ever wonder, what would happen if some got hurt while they were working on your home?
Surprisingly, there is a little bit of coverage for workers' compensation within most homeowners' policies. It is typically $100,000 in coverage. This would apply once an employee has worked more than 52 hours, earned more than $300, within a 90 day period. Alternatively, if someone gets hurt on the job (at your home) and they do not meet the all of the above qualifications, they would have to sue you for any sort of coverage/lost wages.
The best option is to check with whomever is working on your property is licensed, bonded and insured. Then, you have a bit less to worry about because they are carrying their own coverage.
I heard a story a while back about a homeowner, who hired a landscaper to trim their trees. The landscaper fell out of the tree and subsequently sued the homeowner. The landscaper won the lawsuit and the insurance paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars. There really was no way to prevent the lawsuit unless the landscaper carried their own insurance.
As you are looking into having work done at your home, we hope you will consider asking your potential contractor for a copy of their insurance. It may help you prevent a lawsuit in case they fall off a ladder or out of a tree.
