Personal injury lawsuits can be devastating for small businesses. According to a 2019 study, the average cost of a slip and fall injury lawsuit is around $50,000. With the right precautions, however, businesses can limit their liability and protect themselves from expensive litigation. This article outlines the top 5 steps businesses can take to avoid personal injury lawsuits.
Get the Right Insurance Coverage
Consult with experienced attorneys and insurance agents to ensure you have adequate liability coverage, property damage coverage, and personal injury coverage. Having the right insurance policies can provide crucial protection if someone does start a personal injury claim. They may cover legal fees, court costs, settlements, and judgements. Update your policies regularly as your business grows and changes.
Inspect Your Property Regularly
The most important thing you can do is conduct regular inspections of your entire property. Look for potential slip, trip and fall hazards both inside and outside your business. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, over 1 million fall injuries occur annually in the United States. Don’t let a cracked sidewalk, uneven flooring, or poor lighting trip up your customers. Document each inspection and immediately fix any hazards.
Keep Records of Repairs and Maintenance
Keep detailed records of all repairs, maintenance work, safety inspections, and any incidents. Documenting your safety practices thoroughly can help defend against lawsuits later on. According to litigation experts, businesses that maintain excellent records are less likely to get sued in the first place. Save all receipts for maintenance work as well as notes from inspections.
Post Clear Warning Signs
Place conspicuous caution signs anywhere hazards may exist, such as wet floors. Post signs in entryways if you’ve just mopped. Put up warning signs on uneven sidewalks or steps. Customers are more likely to notice and heed clearly posted warning signs. Not properly alerting people to hazards can make you liable.
Train Employees on Safety Procedures
Your employees play a big role in helping prevent falls and other accidents. Institute mandatory safety training for all staff including proper procedures for cleaning spills, handling warning signs, assisting disabled customers, reporting hazards, and more. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, businesses that consistently train employees on injury prevention reduce incidents by over 60%.
Follow Up Quickly on Incident Reports
When an accident or injury does occur on your premises, make sure to follow up swiftly. Speak to any injured customers or employees to understand what happened. Review security footage if available. Follow your insurance provider’s procedures for reporting incidents. Taking quick action shows you are a responsible business owner.
By being proactive and following these vital steps, local businesses can greatly reduce their chances of being the victim of a personal injury lawsuit. Staying vigilant, documenting everything, and working closely with knowledgeable attorneys and insurance providers are the keys to protecting your enterprise. Put these tips into practice today so you can avoid becoming another statistic. With smart precautions, your business can continue serving customers safely and successfully for many years to come.