You are vacuuming the hallway. The client walks out of the bedroom, doesn’t look down, trips over your cord, and breaks her hip. She sues for $100,000. You think, “She should have looked where she was going!” The law says: “You created a trip hazard.”
Key Takeaways
- Premises Liability: You altered the safety of the premises by laying a cord. You have a “Duty of Care” to warn the client or secure the hazard.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): This section of your GL policy pays for small injuries ($5,000) without admitting fault. Use this first to cover her deductible and keep her happy.
- Liability Limits: A broken hip in 2026 costs
60kâ60kâ80k. If you have a “micro” policy with low limits, you are in trouble. - Cord Safety: Not using “cord tape” or signs is considered negligence.
The “Why” (The Trap): Comparative Negligence
You might think it’s 50/50 fault.
The Trap: In a lawsuit, the jury looks at who had the “Last Clear Chance” to prevent the accident. You, the professional, introduced the hazard. Unless you put up a “Wet Floor / Trip Hazard” sign, you are likely 100% liable.
The Investigation: The Cord Case
I analyzed how GL policies handle trip and falls.
1. MedPay (The “Go Away” Money)
- Limit: Usually $5,000 per person.
- Strategy: Offer to pay her co-pays/ambulance bill using MedPay immediately. This often prevents a full lawsuit.
2. General Liability (The Suit)
- Defense: The insurer will hire a lawyer to defend you.
- Argument: “Open and Obvious Danger.” If the cord was bright orange (not grey blending into carpet), you have a better defense.
3. Prevention Tech
- 2026 Solution: Battery backpacks vacuums. No cord = no trip lawsuit. The $600 cost is cheaper than the deductible.
Comparison Table: Cord vs. Battery
| Vacuum Type | Trip Risk | Liability Cost | Efficiency |
| Corded (Grey) | High | $50,000+ Claim | Medium |
| Corded (Orange) | Medium | Defense possible | Medium |
| Battery Backpack | Zero | $0 | High |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Switch to Cordless: It is the #1 risk reduction move you can make.
- Buy “Wet Floor” Signs: Use them even for vacuuming. It signals “Work in Progress.”
- Check MedPay Limit: Ensure you have at least $5,000 MedPay on your policy.
- Incident Report: If someone falls, take photos of the scene immediately (lighting, cord placement, their shoes). Write a report.
FAQ Section
What if they admit they were texting and walking?
Write that down! That is “Contributory Negligence” and can reduce your liability.
Does my policy cover their lost wages?
Yes, under the Bodily Injury portion of the GL policy.
Can I apologize?
Say “I’m sorry you are hurt,” but do NOT say “I’m sorry I left the cord there.” That admits fault.