Even if you’re a local business, buildings and structures are your property. This means that commercial property owners may be liable for injuries on their premises due to slip-and-fall accidents, dangerous or defective products sold or used, and negligence in keeping the property safe from the general public. In order to avoid such liability claims, the law requires that commercial properties maintain reasonable care in regard to these factors, which can be difficult for some owners who do not have experience with such issues.
Property owners are able to protect themselves from these claims by following proper maintenance of premises laws. These laws require businesses to maintain a safe and clean environment for their customers. While most property owners only care about the appearance of their property, it is important for them to pay attention to safety laws that are meant to protect those who may fall on the property.
Get Adequate Premises Liability Insurance:
It may be a good idea to get adequate premises liability insurance coverage in order to protect your property from any claims that could arise due to a slip-and-fall accident. The best way to find out if a property owner actually has adequate protection against premises liability claims is by searching for a commercial property insurance policy. A standard commercial policy that ensures all forms of personal property, including buildings, is provided by most insurance companies. However, if you can get more coverage on the property if there are any claims filed against it, you will be able to protect yourself from liability.
The most important way to protect yourself from slip-and-fall accidents is by keeping your property safe for those who visit it. Any areas where there could be a risk for someone to fall should be thoroughly inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. Washing down steps and handrails, along with removing any obstacles on the floor, can prevent anyone from getting injured.
Use a professional:
It is necessary for property owners to identify a professional who can inspect the property for safety requirements and make sure that all steps are taken to keep the business’ property safe. There are many commercial property liability lawyers who will provide their clients with free inspections of their facilities in order to prevent accidents from occurring. If there is a liability claim filed against the business after an accident, the lawyer will be able to advise them on how to protect themselves against such claims.
Keeping up with commercial building standards is just one part of this equation. Due to the large volume of potential property liability claims every year, it is important for property owners to understand the steps that need to be taken to keep their facilities safe for the public. Even though you may not want or need to invest in commercial premises liability insurance, it is still a good idea for you to study this type of insurance coverage in order to avoid potential risks.
Common Forms of Premises Liability:
1. Unsafe swimming pools:
Swimming pools are big hazards in any community, especially when they are not always properly maintained. If a swimming pool is left unclean or in disrepair, there is a possibility of a person suffering from an injury while swimming. In some cases, the property owner could be responsible for the injury if they know about the problem and do not try to fix it. If you own property with a swimming pool and do not maintain it properly, you could expose yourself to liability claims in the near future.
2. Slip and fall:
Slip and fall injuries are relatively common in the United States. There have been many accidents that have occurred in areas where there has not been any investigation into the safety of the property. If a slip and fall accident occurs on your property, you could be held liable for such claims. While such accidents usually occur in public areas where there is no proper maintenance, it is still important for property owners to keep their premises safe for those who visit them.
3. Stair collapse:
Staircases that are not properly maintained can cause hazards for those who use them. A collapsing staircase could result in someone falling while they are trying to climb up the steps. This can lead to a serious injury and could open up a liability claim in the future. While it is important to keep your commercial property clean and safe, it is not always easy to stay on top of all the safety requirements that may arise on a regular basis.
Preventing Premises Liability Suits:
The best way to prevent premises liability claims is by making sure your commercial property is safe for those who visit it. There are different areas of the property that could be a potential source of a liability suit in the future. If you own a business, you will have to make sure there are no unsanitary conditions that could lead to injuries. It is also important for you to keep your business premises safe from hazards such as broken machinery or unsecured stair rails.
When it comes to maintaining your business property, you will have to take a proactive approach in doing so. It is not enough to just clean the floors on a regular basis. You must also perform routine inspections of your facility. If you are unable to address any dangerous conditions that may arise, then there is a possibility of someone getting injured while they are visiting your business.
Conclusion:
In the end, the best way to protect your business from potential liability claims is to make sure your commercial property is safe. This means that you will have to invest in a comprehensive commercial insurance policy in order to mitigate any risks associated with a potential liability claim. In addition, it is also necessary for you to perform routine inspections of your facility and take out time to clean your business’ property. This will enable you to keep track of any dangerous areas that could lead to accidents in the future.