Who is responsible if a shopper gets hurt at an estate sale?

It depends on the facts, the contracts involved, and your state's laws. Responsibility can involve the homeowner, the estate, the estate sale company, or others, depending on who controlled the property and what caused the injury. This is an area where a local attorney and your insurance agent should guide you.

For families, it is wise to check the homeowners policy and ask whether the estate sale company carries general liability insurance. Many reputable companies do and can provide a certificate of insurance. Your contract should address who is responsible for what.

Prevention matters most. Good companies walk the house before a sale, block off unsafe areas, mark steps and low ceilings, tape down rugs and cords, manage crowd size, and keep heavy items secured. They also have a plan for handling an injury if one occurs, including documenting what happened and notifying the right people promptly.