Who Pays When A Child Is Injured At A Friend’s House?

A Florida Parent’s Guide To Liability And Prevention

Playdates, birthday parties, and neighborhood sleepovers are part of childhood. They help kids build friendships, learn social skills, and burn off energy. But what happens when an innocent afternoon turns into an emergency room visit? If you are in the horrific situation of your child being injured while at a friend’s house, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a reliable Tampa, FL premises liability lawyer.

It’s every parent’s nightmare—and every homeowner’s legal question. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we help Florida families understand who’s responsible when the unexpected happens at someone else’s home—and how to prevent these situations in the first place.

Understanding Premises Liability In Florida

Under Florida law, homeowners have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for guests—including children. This duty falls under a legal concept called premises liability (Florida Statutes §768.075).

If a child is injured due to a known hazard or unsafe condition, the homeowner may be held liable—even if the injury was an accident. We hope that no one ever intends for a child to get hurt, but intent doesn’t change the fact that safety responsibilities exist.

Common Hazards In Homes That Can Cause Injuries

Here are some of the most common dangers we see in personal injury cases involving children:

• Unsecured swimming pools – Florida has one of the highest child drowning rates in the U.S., and state law requires specific safety measures like fencing and locked gates.
• Broken playground equipment – Rusted metal, splintered wood, or loose bolts can lead to falls and cuts.
• Slippery floors or loose rugs – Common slip-and-fall hazards that may not be obvious to a running child.
• Dangerous pets – Even well-behaved animals can bite or scratch if startled.
• Trampolines without supervision – According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, trampolines are a leading cause of backyard injuries.

If Your Child Is Injured At Someone Else’s Home

If your child is hurt while visiting a friend’s house, emotions will run high—but the steps you take next are critical for their health and any potential legal claim.

Seek medical care immediately – Even if the injury appears minor, have your child evaluated. Some injuries, like concussions, may have delayed symptoms (CDC).

1. Document everything – Take photos of the hazard, the injury, and the location. Write down the date, time, and circumstances.
2. Get witness accounts – If other parents or children saw what happened, ask for their statements.
3. Keep medical records – Save all bills, doctor’s notes, and treatment instructions.
4. Speak to an attorney before the insurance company – The homeowner’s insurance adjuster works for them, not you. A lawyer can help protect your rights.

Why This Matters Even If You’re Friends

We often hear from parents who hesitate to take legal action because they don’t want to damage a friendship. But remember—liability insurance exists for exactly this reason. You’re not targeting your friend personally; you’re requesting that their insurance cover your child’s medical expenses and related costs.

And in many cases, claims are resolved without going to court. A skilled personal injury attorney can handle the process in a way that preserves your relationship while ensuring your child’s needs are met.

Tips For Parents Hosting Playdates

If you’re the homeowner, you also have a role in preventing accidents. Here are proactive steps to keep your young guests safe—and protect yourself from liability:

• Inspect your home and yard before children arrive. Look for loose boards, exposed nails, unsecured cords, or potential tripping hazards.
• Supervise all play, especially around water, pets, and play equipment.
• Set clear rules and communicate them to both kids and parents.
• Secure high-risk items like cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp tools out of reach.
• Provide age-appropriate toys and games to reduce injury risk.

Bonus: Consider an umbrella insurance policy for extra coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, umbrella coverage can help protect you from large liability claims that exceed your standard homeowner’s policy limits.

Special Legal Considerations For Children

Florida law recognizes that children don’t always understand dangers the way adults do. This is especially important in attractive nuisance cases.

An attractive nuisance is something on your property that is likely to attract children—such as a swimming pool, trampoline, or abandoned appliance. Homeowners are required to take extra precautions to secure these items, even if the child was trespassing (Florida Statutes §823.08).

The Role Of Homeowner’s Insurance

In most cases, homeowner’s insurance covers injuries to guests, including children, up to the policy limits. This typically includes:

• Medical expenses
• Legal defense costs
• Settlement or judgment amounts

However, coverage can vary—and some policies may exclude certain activities, like trampoline use or certain dog breeds. It’s important to review your policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent about potential gaps in coverage.

When Legal Action Is Necessary

While many child injury cases are resolved through insurance claims, some situations may require a lawsuit, especially if:

• The homeowner denies responsibility
• The injuries are severe or permanent
• The insurance payout doesn’t cover all damages
• In these cases, an attorney can help calculate the full scope of damages, including:
• Current and future medical bills
• Physical therapy costs
• Emotional trauma and counseling
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Preventing Injuries Before They Happen

The best way to avoid legal disputes is to prevent injuries in the first place. Here are some tips both hosting and visiting parents can follow:

• Ask about potential hazards before sending your child to a friend’s home.
• Share relevant medical information (allergies, asthma, etc.) with the host parent.
• Encourage safe play and model good behavior when visiting other homes.
• Stay in touch during the visit so you’re reachable in case of an emergency.
• According to Safe Kids Worldwide, most childhood injuries are preventable with proper supervision and safety measures.

How Mickey Keenan P.A. Can Help

At Mickey Keenan P.A., we advocate for families dealing with the emotional and financial stress of a child’s injury. Whether your child was injured at someone else’s home—or you’re concerned about protecting guests in your own—we can:

• Review the circumstances and determine liability
• Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Pursue fair compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages
• Help you understand your rights under Florida law

Accidents happen, especially when kids are playing. What matters most is how you respond and who you have on your side. If your child is injured while visiting a friend’s home—or you’re facing a claim as a homeowner—contact Mickey Keenan P.A. for guidance. We’ll help you navigate the legal process while keeping your family’s well-being front and center.