Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and gratitude—but it can also come with unexpected hazards. If you were injured while visiting someone’s home over the holiday, you might be wondering: Can I sue for my injuries, even if it happened at a friend’s house?
The answer depends on several factors, including how the injury occurred and whether the property owner was negligent. At Fay & Associates, we understand how uncomfortable these situations can be—but we also know that your health and recovery come first. Here's what you need to know.
Homeowners Have a Legal Duty to Keep Their Property Safe
Under Minnesota premises liability law, property owners—whether homeowners or renters—have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for guests. This includes fixing known hazards, warning visitors about potential dangers, and taking reasonable steps to prevent accidents.
Common hazards that could lead to injury include:
- Slippery walkways due to snow or ice
- Loose rugs or carpeting
- Broken steps or railings
- Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Unsafe electrical cords or appliances
If you slipped, tripped, or were otherwise injured due to a dangerous condition that the homeowner knew—or should have known—about, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
What If It were an Accident?
Many people hesitate to take legal action against a friend or family member. That’s understandable. But it’s important to remember that in most premises liability cases, compensation comes from the homeowner’s insurance—not their personal bank account.
Most homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies include liability coverage for these situations. Filing a claim helps you recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—without directly harming your relationship with the property owner.
Proving Negligence Is Key
To have a successful case, you need to prove that:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property,
- The homeowner knew or should have known about the hazard,
- They failed to fix it or warn guests in time, and
- That failure directly caused your injury.
This is why speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible is important. At Fay & Associates, we gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and review medical records to build a strong case on your behalf.
What to Do After an Injury at Someone Else’s Home
If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention right away—even for minor injuries.
- Document the scene by taking photos of the hazard that caused your injury.
- Report the incident to the homeowner.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without legal guidance.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to understand your rights.
Even if you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, having a legal professional evaluate your case is worth it.
We Handle the Legal Stress—You Focus on Healing
Dealing with an injury over the holidays can be stressful, especially if it involves someone you care about. At Fay & Associates, we handle these sensitive cases with compassion and discretion. Our team is committed to ensuring you get the care and compensation you need without creating unnecessary conflict.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover your compensation.
Minneapolis Premises Liability Lawyers
If you were injured at someone else’s home during Thanksgiving—or at any time—you may have legal options. Don’t wait to seek advice. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your rights.
Call Fay & Associates at (612) 888-8354 to schedule your free consultation.
