QUESTION
Do I have a responsibility to pay medical bills?
Asked on Dec 23rd, 2013 on Personal Injury - Idaho
More details to this question:
I was in the grocery store and was taking down a can of rolls. As I was bringing it down, an older woman came in under my arm and I accidentally hit her in the eye. I offered to get her ice and she declined. Later as I was leaving, she wanted my name and number because her eye still hurt and she might have to get medical attention and wants me to pay for it. First, it was an accident and second, I feel she was the one at fault. Am I required to pay her medical care?
11 ANSWERS
Edwin K. Niles
Sounds as if she is more negligent than you. In California, we have the law of comparative negligence, meaning that you might be responsible for a share of the medical costs.
Answered on Dec 26th, 2013 at 10:17 PM
James Eugene Hasser
Not if she contributed to the accident or assumed any risk of it.
Answered on Dec 26th, 2013 at 10:16 PM
Everyone is responsible for their own actions, even if those actions are accidental. Right now, you are not required to pay anything, however. Depending on the severity of her injury, and a number of other factors, you may find yourself a defendant in a lawsuit at some point. Whether or not you want to pay for her medical bills is up to you, but from your description, it sounds like you caused her injury.
Answered on Dec 26th, 2013 at 10:15 PM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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There is nothing automatic about it. A good lawyer could argue this either way. You could also call it a 50/50 accident. If you have homeowner's insurance, it is possible this could be covered, so contact your insurance agent.
Answered on Dec 26th, 2013 at 9:24 AM
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Michael J. Sgarlat
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If it happened in Virginia, she may have trouble getting a judgement because it seems she may have assumed a risk or contributed to her own injury by reaching under your raised arm without warning you that she was present. Contributory negligence bars any recovery in Virginia.
Answered on Dec 26th, 2013 at 9:23 AM
Ronald A. Steinberg
I don't think so. It sounds like she put herself in harm's way. If you were backing out of a parking space and I was too impatient to wait for you and I darted behind your car and you hit me, it would be my fault.
Answered on Dec 26th, 2013 at 5:00 AM
I would have to know more about the exact facts of the incident as to determine who was at fault.
Answered on Dec 26th, 2013 at 5:00 AM
Not as you've described the situation. She is responsible to see what is clearly in front of her. She came under your arm, you did not strike her.
Answered on Dec 24th, 2013 at 10:14 PM
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Dordick Law Corporation
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Yes. You are responsible for the consequences of your negligence.
Answered on Dec 24th, 2013 at 3:35 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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Only if the court finds your negligence was the cause of the injury.
Answered on Dec 24th, 2013 at 3:14 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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Only if your negligence caused the problem and she was not negligent in any way
Answered on Dec 24th, 2013 at 3:14 PM