Are You Insured for Pokémon Go Accidents?
One of the new features aimed at rekindling interest is an update to the game that has given players the option to participate in “raids.” These events randomly appear in the game and players in the vicinity are sent a notification of the impending event. With the chance for huge in-game rewards, players that made questionable choices for a Squirtle across the street may be willing to risk even more for a Typhlosian that will disappear in 15 minutes.
This new feature has renewed questions relating to liability and insurance coverage since there is the potential for an increase in injuries and accidents as players rush to try out the new features. What if someone wanders onto your property while chasing a Charmander and falls into the crocodile-filled moat you installed to prepare for the zombie apocalypse? Though trespassing is illegal, you could still be liable for injuries sustained while on your property, if the property is hazardous.
While it seems unreasonable to risk physical and fiscal damages for a game on your phone there will always be those few who feel they really “gotta catch ‘em all.”
So how can you protect yourself? You could start by filling in that moat. Or put up a sign warning about the moat. Zombies can’t read so you’ll still be safe. But most importantly make sure you are properly insured. Pokémon Go is all fun and games, but it can create real world consequences, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
Stay tuned for more information about the injuries and trespassing cases from Pokémon Go.
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Isabelle Wissocki, CPA (609) 945-7971 [email protected]
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