Injured at a DIY Project or Fixer-Upper? What You Need To Know
Fixer-uppers are a dream for many homeowners—full of potential, charm, and a long list of projects. But what happens when those projects create dangerous conditions that lead to someone getting seriously injured?
If you were hurt while visiting or working on a property under renovation, you might be wondering:
Who is responsible for my medical bills?
Does homeowner’s insurance cover my injury?
Can I file a claim against the property owner?
The truth is, if your injury was caused by unsafe conditions, you may have the right to compensation. Here’s what you need to know about liability, your legal options, and what steps to take next.
When Is a Homeowner Liable for Injuries? ![A Contractor Painting A Wall]()
Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors, guests, and workers. This is known as premises liability, and it means that if a homeowner’s negligence led to your injury, you could have a claim against them.
Renovation sites can be full of hazards:
Loose or broken stairs
Exposed wiring or electrical issues
Falling debris or unstable structures
Slip-and-fall hazards from spilled materials
Poor lighting, making it easy to trip
If a property owner failed to fix or warn you about a dangerous condition—and you got hurt because of it—they may be responsible for your injuries.
What Type of Visitor Were You? It Matters for Your Claim.
In personal injury cases, your legal rights depend on why you were on the property. Here’s how liability is typically determined based on visitor status:
1. Invitees (Highest Level of Protection)
An invitee is someone on the property for the homeowner’s benefit—this includes contractors, handypersons, home inspectors, and even delivery workers.
If you were on the property for work, the homeowner must take reasonable steps to ensure your safety. That means:
Inspecting for hazards
Fixing dangerous conditions
Warning you about risks that aren’t obvious
If they didn’t, and you got hurt as a result, you may have a strong claim.
2. Licensees (Moderate Level of Protection) 
A licensee is someone who enters for social reasons, such as a friend, family member, or neighbor who is stopping by.
Homeowners aren’t required to actively check for hazards for licensees, but they must warn them about known dangers. If they knew about a broken step but didn’t mention it—and you fell—you could still have a case.
3. Trespassers (Limited Protection, But Exceptions Apply)
A trespasser is someone who enters without permission. Normally, homeowners don’t owe trespassers much legal protection.
However, there are exceptions:
If the homeowner knew people were frequently entering the property (e.g., a shortcut through their yard) and didn’t take steps to prevent harm
If a child was injured by something dangerous and tempting (like an unfenced pool or an unstable pile of materials)
Even if you weren’t formally invited, you still might have a case depending on the situation.
Injured While Working on a Fixer-Upper? Here’s What You Need to Know. ![A Male Contractor Painting The Ceiling of A Fixer-Upper Property]()
If you were hurt while doing renovation work, the homeowner’s responsibility depends on whether you were a hired worker or doing the job as a favor.
1. Were You a Contractor or Worker?
Contractors and handypersons hired to do work on a fixer-upper should be covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. But if:
- The homeowner didn’t hire a properly insured contractor, or
- They exercised too much control over the project,
- They could be personally liable for your injuries.
If you were a casual worker (hired under the table) or helping out a friend, you may be able to file a claim under the homeowner’s insurance policy.
2. Did Unsafe Conditions Cause Your Injury?
Even if you’re a professional, homeowners can still be held liable if they expose you to dangers they knew about but didn’t warn you about—such as a weak floor, hidden exposed electrical issues, or unstable structures.
If a dangerous condition led to your injury, you might be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
What Should You Do After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property?
If you were hurt at a fixer-upper—whether as a guest, worker, or even a neighbor—the steps you take next can impact your ability to recover compensation.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if you feel okay at first, some injuries (like concussions or internal damage) can show up later.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of the hazard that caused your injury, any warning signs (or lack thereof), and the overall condition of the property.
- Get Contact Information – If anyone witnessed your fall or injury, get their name and number.
- Report the Incident – Let the homeowner know what happened and ask for their insurance information.
- Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice – If the homeowner’s insurance company offers you a quick settlement, talk to an attorney first—it may not cover all your costs.
Can You File a Lawsuit for Your Injuries?
If your injury was caused by the homeowner’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages if you can’t work
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
Most of the time, these claims are handled through homeowner’s insurance, not directly out of the homeowner’s pocket. But if insurance refuses to cover your damages—or the homeowner was grossly negligent—a lawsuit may be the next step.
The best way to know your options? Speak with a personal injury lawyer.
Injured at a Fixer-Upper? Keller & Keller Can Help.
If you’ve been injured because of unsafe conditions at a home under renovation, you don’t have to handle this alone. At Keller & Keller, we’ve helped countless injury victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Whether you were a guest, worker, or someone injured by an unsafe property, we’ll review your case for free and help you understand your options.
Call us today or click here for a free consultation. You can focus on healing, and we’ll take care of the rest.
