Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors
general contractors general liability insurance co.?
My wife severely injured / broke her ankle on a landing that had no rail or fall protection provided. The general contractor was responsible for the framing of the steps and the landings ( the entire house) he also carried the building permit and is responsible for any injuries resulting form the contractor operations as his contract states. He refuses to give me the name of his insurance co. I have sent him a demand letter, explanations, but no insurance co. has contacted me yet. I want to talk to his ins co. to try to settle this before I hire my attorney.
Public Comments
- You don't NEED the name of his insurance company - they won't accept a claim report from you. If he refuses to submit the claim, well, he doesn't HAVE to, until he receives SUIT papers from you. What was your wife doing on the landing?? Do you guys LIVE there? Was he in the process of framing everything, and hadn't gotten to it yet, when she was up there? If that's the case, he's likely not going to be held liable!! So, if you want money, you have to flat out sue him. You're GOING to have to hire an attorney. Contractors have tons of claims, and insurance companies don't settle unless there are severe injuries (like a broken back - a broken ankle is NOT a severe injury) and permanent damage. AND, depending on WHY she was there . . . they might have no obligation at all. Especially if YOU GUYS own the premises.
- I currently work for a general contractor, and we have builder's liability ins. If a customer is injured while we are on the job site, our insurance will pay the claim, regardless of the extent of injuries, up to $xxx.xx. Her homeowner's should not pay, because the injury occurred while the premises was under construction. Unless, of course, she took out additional homeowner's insurance. And, as long as we have materials or tools on the jobsite, whether we are on site or not, it is considered that we are on site. If he is a reputable contractor, then he should have no problem giving you his insurance information. If this is being paid for by bank loan, does your bank have a copy of the insurance policy? My company has to give a copy of the front page of the policy for any job that requires a loan. Good luck!
