Broken Neck on Back Porch

[cerika]

I moved into my newly constructed home 5 weeks ago. I asked my best friend to stay with me for the first 6 weeks to help me get the house together. My movers delivered my back yard furniture and I did notice that one of the chairs (they both swivel and tilt) felt rickety and was going back too far. Last Monday my friend went to sit on the back porch and sat in this chair. My dog jumped onto the table and when she told him to get off, he jumped on to her chect to "hug" her (he was just taught to do this). She fell backward, hit the wall and then the ground. She hurt her head, but more importantly has a neck fracture at C2. It is stabe and she was given the choice of halo for 3 months or neck brace for 6 months - no work, no lifting, etc. She has a carpet cleaning business - and she actually works the van. She will have at least 6 months off of work and if she falls or trips in the first 3 months she will be paralyzed with a breathing tube. Of course, I know that I have liability, but is it just for medical bills or is it lost time as well as pain and suffering. I have a 300K policy and an umbrella policy as well. Also, will I ever be able to get homeowners again? Any advice is welcome. Thank you.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Although laws vary by state, you probably are liable for both economic damages (medical costs, lost wages, etc.) and noneconomic damages (pain and suffering). If your friend sues you or makes a claim with your insurance company, your premiums will increase (and sometimes you will have to find a different insurance company), but I doubt that you would be left uninsurable.