Injured Thumb While Helping a Friend...

by Linc
(Myrtle Beach, SC, USA)

My friend and I were working on her car at her house. She was using a tool and I was helping her. While I helped she pinched my thumb in the process and ripped it almost all the way off.

I lost my job because of this injury and I owe the hospital for the surgery to re-attach my thumb. Should I sue her homeowners insurance?

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Injured Thumb While Helping a Friend...":

Linc (Myrtle Beach, SC, USA):

In cases of personal injury the procedure is not to sue the homeowners insurance company, nor to sue your friend. Instead, the best way to pursue your claim is to first ask your friend for the name and telephone number of her homeowners insurance company. Getting the insurance policy number is also important.

Call her insurance company and explain you were injured on your friend’s property. Tell them you want to file a claim. They will take your information and you will soon after be contacted by an insurance company representative known as a “Claims Adjuster”.

The adjuster will want to take your telephonic recorded statement. It is standard procedure. Cooperate as much as possible with the adjuster. Her job is to investigate the claim and to pay the appropriate compensation. The last thing she wants is a lawsuit. In a case like yours there shouldn’t be much of a problem getting compensated without the need to file a lawsuit.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

----------------