How to Prevent Dangerous Conditions on Your Business Property
As a business owner, it is your responsibility to maintain your business premises. Failing to do so can open your business to slip-and-fall lawsuits under the premises liability law. This law states that you are responsible for the safety of everyone who steps inside your property, including staff, customers, vendors, and trespassers. While a landlord may be responsible for failing to maintain the property, they often have tenants sign clauses which deflect blame onto the tenants.
What is a Premises Liability Law Suit?
Premises liability suits aren’t just limited to slip-and-fall accidents. They also include other workplace injuries, physical assaults on the premises, substance run-off, or any other event in which a business owner could have taken steps to avoid it. A premises liability suit can be costly and cause damage to your business’s reputation, even if you win.
So what steps can you take to prevent a premises liability suit from occurring? Let’s dive into what you can do to ensure your business isn’t opening itself up to potential lawsuits due to negligent property conditions.
Inspect The Property
Nothing protects you against property liability claims like manually inspecting your grounds for unsafe or hazardous conditions. This means staying on top of any potential issues that may arise and taking preemptive action for any future problem spots. Areas of particular concern that you should pay close attention to include the following:
- Poor lighting
- Areas without hand railing installed or areas with improperly placed hand railing
- Floors that may become slippery
- Objects that block the view of pedestrians crossing the street from drivers
- Unsalted or unshoveled snow
- Uneven areas in the ground that haven’t been leveled off
- Stairways with poor design
- Frayed or buckled carpeting
- Unsecured telephone and electrical cords
- Employees wearing poorly fitted shoes
Correct Any Issues
Once unsafe or potential danger spots are spotted, it’s critical to take immediate action to repair them. Establishing clear protocols with all employees regarding property maintenance ensures the safety of all who visit your business.
Provide Caution Signs
While you wait for repairs, it’s critical to place warning and caution signs near any areas of concern. This includes “Wet Floor” signs or other caution notices to keep all customers and employees safe from harm.
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to completely prevent slip and fall accidents from happening, you can still prevent unnecessary injuries by practicing regular inspections and maintenance of your business property.
By consistently evaluating areas in need of repair and warning visitors of problem spots, you ensure your risk and liability diminish in case of any legal claim. If there has been an issue on your property, you should consult a personal injury lawyer with an questions you have.
