medical payments to others

May 20, 2014 -

I received a phone call this afternoon about a neighbor who fell and was injured while helping my insured put up outdoor Christmas ornaments.   I guess my client didn't realize his neighbor's injuries could be paid by the MP!  No, not military police, medical payments (MP).  The MP is a type of 'no fault' insurance in that the injured person doesn't need to prove the property owner was negligent to receive limited reimbursement for their medical bills.  The idea is to make the injured person feel better and reduce the chance of a lawsuit.  One time we paid a church MP claim (yes, most commercial policies include medical payments too) where the parishioner dropped a table he was carrying and broke his own foot.  Another time we paid MP when friends visiting from out of town were overcome by carbon monoxide from a faulty furnace in our insured's house.  Everyone recovered and the owner's policy paid for his guest's medical bills.  The key to all of this is reporting any potential injury claim as soon as possible to our office, no matter how small or who may be at fault.  Don't wait until after Easter to report a claim that happend in December.  You may find an unwelcome summons under the tree next Christmas!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional insurance advice. The content is not exhaustive and does not cover all potential situations. It is essential to review your specific insurance policy and discuss your individual circumstances with your insurance agent or broker. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified insurance professional to address your insurance needs and questions.



Houck - Seward Agency
1940 Eggert Road
Amherst, New York 14226
Phone: (716) 835-2525
Fax: (716) 835-7808
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