Question
What is the name of your state? What is the name of your state? What is the name of your state? pa
My son had a party while we were on vacation... The police were called for the noise... and some of the kids ran through our backyard... then through the neighbor's yard.
One boy fell over a fence in the neighbor's yard. We found out just today that the boy (20 years old) had badly broken his arm, had surgery, and spent 3 days in the hospital.
His father came by to prepare us for the possibility that he'd have to sue us... or suggest we present a claim to the homeowners insurance to pay the boy's insurance. Unfortunately.... the boy may not have insurance since he dropped a college course last fall.... the insurance company (Keystone) is arguing that in dropping the class the boy was no longer a full time student... and therefore no longer carried by his parents insurance.
My questions:
Are we liable? Just from the fact that the boy did drink at our house?
His father did not mention that he fell in the back neighbor's yard. Is that important?? Technically... he did not break his arm on my property.
I'm sorry the boy is hurt.... and my son was irresponsible letting this party get out of hand.... but paying this medical treatment will severely hurt my family.
I'd appreciate any feedback to [email]mheller33@comcast.net[/email].
thanks
Answer
What did your insurance company state when you filed a claim.
Answer
1st... thank you for your interest homeguru
I haven't yet initiated a claim with the homeowners ins. co. Hopefully I won't have a need to.
I did call and run the scenario by an individual there. My normal rep was on vacation... the person I ran the scenario by didn't take my information - so I was able to be frank.
I wasn't given any answers that were clearly defined, but he insinuated homeowners may well take care of the issue.
I still have concerns that the homeowners may have a capped value on medical expenses... or there could be an issue if the injury did not occur on my property... it may well have occurred on a neighbor's property.
Answer
Yes, you (or more accurately your son) has at least partial liability here. The reason: Your son was negligent in not monitoring (or allowing) underage drinking. What percentage of liability (if any at all) that this contributed to the injuries needs to be determined based on the facts.
And yes, your homeowners policy will probably cover the claim, or part of it.