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Updated almost 7 years ago, 12/26/2017

User Stats

31
Posts
5
Votes
Trevor Densmore
  • Chicago, IL
5
Votes |
31
Posts

Tenant says he got injured on my property

Trevor Densmore
  • Chicago, IL
Posted

I just purchased my first multi unit a few months ago. This week one of my tenants texted me saying they he injured himself on steps due to one of the step giving way. I haven't seen him yet. He claims he called the ambulance and was in the hospital for a week. I sent someone to check on him but they couldn't get in. He claims that he can't move to get to the door. I don't really believe him but I want to make sure I handle this situation properly. If anyone can give me some advice on this situation I would greatly appreciate it. 

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1,272
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930
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Ray Harrell
  • Investor
  • Chicago, IL
930
Votes |
1,272
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Ray Harrell
  • Investor
  • Chicago, IL
Replied

If he went to the hospital they probably took a blood test for alcohol or drugs. Have you seen the step to see if it was broken? Have you seen a police report? Is he making a claim against your insurance?

User Stats

2,482
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4,215
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Jill F.
  • Investor
  • Akron, OH
4,215
Votes |
2,482
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Jill F.
  • Investor
  • Akron, OH
Replied

1) Call your insurance company and tell them a tenant reported an injury. Ask insurance company (who will be representing you if tenant sues) if they have a contact for the tenant and/or if you should discuss the matter at all.

2) In my city you can look up police reports by address, if that is available put in the address and see if there was a report.

3) Let your insurance company deal with it.

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User Stats

31
Posts
5
Votes
Trevor Densmore
  • Chicago, IL
5
Votes |
31
Posts
Trevor Densmore
  • Chicago, IL
Replied
@Ray Harrell I haven't seen a police report and he hasn't said anything about filling a claim against my insurance. I seen a picture of the step and it looks like a chunk feel off but I haven't seen any evidence of injury yet.

User Stats

31
Posts
5
Votes
Trevor Densmore
  • Chicago, IL
5
Votes |
31
Posts
Trevor Densmore
  • Chicago, IL
Replied
@Jill F. thanks, I will contact my insurance. I'm in Chicago, I don't know if I can look up the reports

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13,507
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Wayne Brooks#1 Foreclosures Contributor
  • Real Estate Professional
  • West Palm Beach, FL
13,507
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23,418
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Wayne Brooks#1 Foreclosures Contributor
  • Real Estate Professional
  • West Palm Beach, FL
Replied

So what does the step look like???
Why would there be a police report? Although, check to see if he was involved in any Other police report that day.
Call your insurance co.

Account Closed
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Frederick, MD
14
Votes |
30
Posts
Account Closed
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Frederick, MD
Replied

These rare occasions show the value of having assets held in limited liability entities.

Contacting your insurance carrier is a great first step. I imagine they will want you to help provide them with information so they can do their job and assess the viability of any claims.

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2,596
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2,082
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Kim Meredith Hampton
Agent
  • Real Estate Broker
  • St Petersburg & Orlando
2,082
Votes |
2,596
Posts
Kim Meredith Hampton
Agent
  • Real Estate Broker
  • St Petersburg & Orlando
Replied

Trevor,

Make sure to document everything, his first notification to you of the incident, picture of the steps, and picture LOS you took or any inspections you had performed on the property before closing etc... make sure that you have contacted your insurance company immediately, they will assign someone to your file and take care of everything from this point. Don’t stress over it, let them handle it

User Stats

31
Posts
5
Votes
Trevor Densmore
  • Chicago, IL
5
Votes |
31
Posts
Trevor Densmore
  • Chicago, IL
Replied

Thanks everyone for the help. I will let the insurance company held everything.