Who’s Liable When a Child Is Injured at a Friend’s House?
Playdates, sleepovers, and birthday parties are a big part of childhood — but what happens if a child is injured while visiting a friend’s home? In Maine, these situations raise important questions about premises liability and responsibility for injuries, and they can quickly become complex for families.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we understand how emotional and stressful it is when a child is hurt. Below, we break down how liability works, what parents should know, and what steps to take after an incident.
Understanding Premises Liability
In Maine, homeowners generally have a legal duty to keep their property reasonably safe for guests, including children. This responsibility includes fixing hazards they know about — or should have known about — and warning guests of any dangers.
If a child is hurt because of unsafe conditions, the property owner could be legally responsible for the injury under the state’s premises liability laws.
Common hazards include:
- Unsafe stairways or railings
- Slippery floors or icy walkways
- Unfenced swimming pools
- Defective playground equipment
- Unsecured firearms or dangerous tools
- Hazardous pets (dogs with a history of aggression, for example)
The “Attractive Nuisance” Doctrine
Maine law also recognizes the concept of an “attractive nuisance” — something on a property that is both dangerous and appealing to children, such as a trampoline, swimming pool, or construction site.
Even if a child was not explicitly invited onto the property, a homeowner may still be liable if:
- The condition was likely to attract children,
- It posed a risk the child couldn’t fully appreciate, and
- The property owner failed to take reasonable steps to secure it.
When Another Parent May Be Responsible
Liability isn’t always limited to the property owner. If a parent or supervising adult acted negligently — for example, by failing to watch the children around a pool or allowing them to play with dangerous objects — they could share responsibility for the injury.
In some cases, both the homeowner and the supervising adult may be found at fault.
What About Insurance?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover injuries that occur on the property, including those to visiting children. However:
- Coverage may be denied if the homeowner acted with gross negligence or intentionally caused harm.
- Some policies exclude specific risks (like trampoline accidents or certain breeds of dogs).
- If damages exceed policy limits, the homeowner could be personally responsible.
An attorney can review the insurance policy and determine what coverage may apply.
Steps To Take After a Child’s Injury at a Friend’s House
If your child is injured at a friend’s home, it’s important to:
- Seek medical attention immediately — even for injuries that seem minor at first.
- Document the scene — take photos of where the injury occurred and any hazards.
- Get witness information — including names and contact details of anyone present.
- Report the incident — to the homeowner and, if appropriate, the police.
- Avoid signing any insurance statements without legal guidance.
Why Legal Help Matters
Cases involving children are emotionally charged, and homeowners may be reluctant to accept responsibility — especially if the families know each other well. Insurance companies may also try to minimize payouts or blame the child.
A personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the circumstances of the accident
- Identify all liable parties
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs
Bottom Line
If your child is injured at a friend’s house, liability will depend on the property conditions, the actions of the supervising adults, and Maine’s premises liability laws. These cases can be complicated — but you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Peter Thompson & Associates has helped Maine families secure justice and fair compensation after serious injuries. We offer free consultations and handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Us Today
If your child was hurt at a friend’s home, call Peter Thompson & Associates at 1-207-974-0909 or contact us online to discuss your case. We’re here to protect your child’s rights and help your family move forward.