Homeowner's Insurance Policies Don't Always Include Liability

A recent study finds that the growing number of computers in most U.S. households has led to an increase in injuries as well, potentially raising liability risks for some. According to a study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP), the number of home injuries related to computers increased 732 percent from 1994 to 2006.

Most of the injuries involved lacerations or contusions, and a large number involved head injury to children under age 10. The report found that the most common cause of injuries was hitting or getting caught on a part the computer, while other causes included having equipment fall on a person or tripping over equipment.

"Parents should take steps to make their computer areas and home offices as safe as possible by keeping computer equipment away from the edges of desks and out of reach of young children, installing safety covers on unused electrical outlets, allowing young children to only use the computer with adult supervision, and keeping play areas separate from the computer workstation," said Lara McKenzie, a researcher at the CIRP.

For the growing number of people who have home-based businesses, it's important to know whether current homeowner's insurance policies cover injuries. After all, an expensive lawsuit could be the result of one client tripping and falling. Many policies offer additional liability protections that could be highly advisable depending on one's business situation.