Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 11 December 2020.
Mary and Joseph, first home buyers, decide that renovating a barn on a rural property is a good way for them to enter the market and start a future for them and their first child who is due to be born on 25 December.
They conduct pest and building inspections and pay a 10% deposit. The pest report indicates that the barn has severe termite damage and with the assistance of their solicitor, they are able to negotiate a condition in the contract whereby the damage is repaired prior to settlement.
The barn is repaired accordingly and the couple move-in. As advised by their solicitor, they take-out a comprehensive home insurance policy.
Mary and Joseph are content to proceed with a home birth, despite the modest state of the barn.
After a successful birth to a beautiful baby boy, they are surprised when three visitors arrive.
Unfortunately, upon entering the barn, the visitors startle the roosting chickens who attack one of the not-so-wise visitors.
In attempting to flee, the visitor trips on a protruding floorboard and despite landing on a bale of hay, suffers a serious injury to his wrist.
The injury prevents the visitor from travelling and from working for several months. Rehabilitation is not particularly effective and the visitor is unfortunately left with a lasting disability.
Mary and Joseph are concerned that their visitor will sue them and they consult their solicitor.
The solicitor advises them that because they have an appropriate insurance policy, they will be protected and that any compensation that their visitor may be entitled to, can be negotiated with, and ultimately paid by their insurer.
Their visitor wisely makes a claim against the insurer and on the following Christmas celebrates with a lump sum payout.
If YOU would like a particular issue addressed please email Manny at manny.wood@ticliblaxland.com.au or call him on (02) 6648 7487.
