What Happens If A Handyman Gets Hurt On Your Property?

By Author: Davyn Marketing
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Hiring a handyman for home repairs feels like a routine part of homeownership or property maintenance. Whether it's fixing a leaking faucet, repairing drywall, or installing a ceiling fan, it’s easy to assume everything will go smoothly. But what happens if the handyman you hired gets hurt while working on your property?
It’s a scenario most people don’t think about—until it happens.
An injury on your property can lead to more than just medical treatment. It can turn into a costly situation involving legal fees, medical bills, disputes over who’s liable, and potential damage to your own insurance standing. Whether you own a home or manage commercial properties, understanding your legal and financial responsibilities is essential before allowing any work to begin.
Why It Matters
You may assume the worker takes full responsibility for their safety. But in many cases, injuries that occur during home repairs fall into legal grey areas, especially if the handyman doesn't carry proper insurance or if your property isn’t up to safety standards.
If someone is hurt on your property and it turns ...
... out you didn’t verify their coverage—or failed to maintain safe conditions—you could be held financially responsible. That might mean paying out-of-pocket for lost wages, medical expenses, or even pain and suffering, depending on how serious the injury is.
Who’s Responsible for the Injury?
In legal terms, the key question is: what’s the relationship between you and the handyman? Most handymen work as independent contractors, not employees. That matters because employers are typically required to carry workers' compensation insurance for their staff—but this requirement doesn’t usually apply to contractors.
That said, if a handyman gets hurt while working on your property, the details around the injury will determine if you're at fault. For example:
• Did the injury happen because of unsafe conditions, like a loose railing or exposed wiring?
• Were you aware of any hazards on the property?
• Did the worker carry their own comp insurance or general liability insurance?
If the handyman doesn’t carry insurance, and the injury was caused by a preventable condition on your property, you may be considered negligent. That could make you legally—and financially—responsible for the injury.
Common Scenarios That Can Lead to Injury
Understanding how easily these situations occur can help you stay prepared. Here are a few examples of accidents that could lead to serious problems:
• A handyman falls off an unstable ladder while replacing a light fixture.
• The worker slips on a wet tile floor near the area where the repair is happening.
• A porch collapses under their weight while they’re carrying materials.
• They suffer an electrical shock due to faulty or outdated wiring.
In all of these cases, if it’s proven that the environment contributed to the injury and the worker doesn’t have the right insurance, you could be responsible for medical bills, loss of income, and other related costs.
What Kind of Insurance Should a Handyman Have?
Before letting someone work on your property, ask to see their certificates of insurance. These documents prove the contractor has active policies to cover different types of accidents and damages. Here's what to look for:
1. General Liability Insurance
This covers property damage and bodily injury property damage caused by the handyman’s work. For example, if they accidentally damage your flooring or break a window, this policy can pay for the repairs.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Comp Insurance)
This covers the worker if they get injured while performing the job. It helps pay for lost wages, medical treatment, and rehabilitation without putting the financial burden on you as the property owner.
3. Professional Liability Insurance
This is helpful if the handyman also provides design, planning, or consultation services. It covers mistakes that lead to damage or loss—like installing something incorrectly that causes bigger issues later on.
4. Additional Insureds
You can ask to be listed as one of the additional insureds on the handyman’s policy. This means you’ll get some of the protections offered by their policy—especially useful if a claim names you in a lawsuit related to the job.
What Happens If the Handyman Has No Insurance?
If the contractor doesn’t carry proper insurance, things can get expensive quickly. Even a small injury could result in a serious claim. For example:
• Emergency room visit: $1,000–$3,000
• Surgery: $10,000+
• Ongoing treatment: Several thousand more
• Legal claims: Tens of thousands in damages and legal fees
Without insurance coverage in place, you may have to pay these costs directly or through your own liability coverage—if it applies. Many homeowners and small business owners are shocked to find out their policy won’t fully cover contractor-related injuries.
Can Homeowners Insurance Cover the Injury?
Sometimes, yes—but not always.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include liability coverage for accidents that happen on your property. However, coverage has limits, and not all policies protect you if a hired contractor is injured.
If your insurance provider investigates the claim and discovers the handyman wasn’t insured—or that you failed to verify their coverage—they may deny the claim entirely. You could be left covering the full cost of medical bills, damages, and attorney fees.
This is why it’s so important to contact your agent before hiring anyone. Rules and coverage vary by state, and requirements for commercial properties differ from residential jobs.
What About Small Business Insurance?
If you own a rental property or manage multiple homes as a business, your small business insurance might cover liability, depending on your policy. Again, it comes down to:
• The specific type of insurance you hold
• Whether your policy includes coverage for contractors or short-term labor
• State laws and industry regulations
Make sure you review these details with a trusted agent. Don’t assume coverage applies just because you have a business policy in place.
How to Protect Yourself Before Work Begins
To avoid being caught off guard, take these steps before any handyman starts a job:
1. Ask for certificates of insurance — Make sure coverage is active and up to date.
2. Confirm liability and comp insurance — Don’t work with anyone who can’t prove coverage.
3. Review the contract carefully — Make sure it clearly outlines the scope of work, payment terms, and who’s responsible for what.
4. Request to be listed as an additional insured — It’s a simple step that offers real protection.
5. Clear any known hazards — Remove obstacles or unsafe conditions before work begins.
6. Check with your insurance agent — Ask if your policy covers work-related injuries and whether additional coverage is needed.
Why This Matters Even for Small Jobs
A lot of homeowners think, “It’s just a quick fix, what could go wrong?” But even small jobs carry risk. One bad step on a loose board or one faulty wire can result in major injuries—and major costs.
If you’ve never dealt with a legal claim before, you might not realize how fast the bills can add up. That’s why taking preventive steps now is much cheaper—and safer—than reacting later.
If a handyman gets hurt on your property, the outcome can depend on just a few details: Did they have the right insurance? Was your property safe? Did you check their documentation? When these things are overlooked, the financial fallout usually lands on the property owner.
Being prepared isn’t just smart—it protects you from lawsuits, protects your finances, and makes sure the work gets done without unnecessary stress.
Want expert advice on hiring safely and avoiding legal risks? Visit Handy Hometown for homeowner guides, contractor checklists, and step-by-step tips to help you hire with confidence.