Slip and fall accidents that happen on a business’s premises can cause serious injuries, which can result in serious lawsuits. There are plenty of precautions business owners can and should take to drastically reduce the likelihood of slip and fall and other fall accidents. Continue reading to learn more about a property owner’s duty of care to maintain a safe premises as a property owner.
A Business’s Legal Duty of Care
In all states, property owners, including businesses, have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are safe and free of foreseeable hazards, for both guests and staff. This is referred to as a duty of care, and it is the law. Any store or commercial space that invites people in or onto their property is required to fulfill this legal duty, including retail stores, business centers, offices, service providers, hotels, restaurants, markets, and more.
Business owners are expected to use a high level of caution to make sure their property is safe for all. Such responsibilities include making repairs as needed, making updates and renovations as needed, implementing routine inspections, staying up to code on all systems, implementing routine cleaning and maintenance, and post warnings in trouble areas.
When a business neglects or fails to uphold their duty of care, whether through action or inaction, they can be held liable for any resulting damages and losses suffered by the accident victim. Such damages include medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. If a property owner knows of or should have known of a hazard that causes a victim harm, the property or business owner can be found at-fault and responsible for compensating for the injured person’s damages.
Slip and Fall Accidents and Lawsuits
Among store-related personal injuries, slip, trip, and fall accidents are one of the most common. Fortunately, slip and fall accidents can and should be easily prevented by implementing some vital deterrents, and by staying vigilant at all times. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses fail to stay vigilant and people get hurt. Property and business owners should maintain full insurance coverage under a general liability policy, as well as, stay current on all repairs, inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and posted warning signs.
General Liability Insurance for Businesses
As a business owner, it is wise to acquire a comprehensive general liability policy through a trusted insurance provider. These policies typically come standard with coverage for a defense attorney in the case that you are sued for a slip and fall accident, as well as a fund to pay for any settlement for an accident victim.
Common Causes of Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
Here are the most common reasons why slip and fall accidents happen on commercial properties and businesses:
► Exposed Cords, Wires, Ropes, and Similar Obstructions
► Crumbling or Unleveled Curbs and Stairs
► Ripped, Peeling, or Bunched Carpeting
► Loose, Sliding Rugs
► Insufficient Lighting in Stairwells
► Insufficient Lighting in Entry and Exits
► Leaks, Liquids, and Spills on Ground or Floors
► Negligent Snow and Ice Removal/Maintenance
► Insufficient Cleaning and Maintenance
► Unleveled Walkways and Flooring
► Improperly or Negligently Placed Furniture
► Insufficient or non-existent inspections for these issues
Who to Call for Advice About Slip and Fall Accident Claims in Indiana
If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident in Indiana due to a negligent store or business, call the Law Firm of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 as soon as possible to learn your rights to pursuing legal action. Our personal injury lawyers have extensive litigation and trial experience, and are well-versed in premises liability law. We have successfully represented numerous slip and fall and other fall accident victims in Indiana. Our personal injury law firm also offers free initial consultations, free parking, 24 hour phone services, Spanish speaking staffs, and much more. Best of all, we never collect attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for you. Start today and schedule a free case evaluation.