Keeping Your Business Safe from Premises Liability Claims

Protecting your business from liability is one of the more things for a business owner to consider. An entrepreneur’s business is their livelihood. Liability can arise from various sources, including accidents on your premises, employee actions, and failure to comply with regulation. This article outlines key strategies from the perspective of an experienced personal injury lawyer, with the goal of shielding your business from potential premises liability, focusing on safety practices, employee training, insurance coverage, and employee training.

Understanding Premises Liability

Premises liability refers to the responsibility of a business owner for injuries that occur on their property. Business owners must ensure their premises are safe for employees, customers, and any other visitors. This involves regular maintenance checks, prompt repairs of hazardous conditions, and clear signage warning of potential dangers. For example, if a spill occurs in a store, it should be cleaned up immediately, and warning signs should be placed around the area until it is completely dry.

Establish Safe Practices for Contractors and Visitors

All businesses should have a safety plan that documents the above. It should include the company’s procedures for safety inspections and practices, and how potential safety issues are to be addressed. The company must ensure that the safety practices are followed by all employees and vendors. Regular safety audits can help identify potential risks before they result in injuries or lawsuits. Hiring a professional to conduct these audits can provide an objective assessment of your premises and recommend improvements.

Run Background Checks on Drivers and Take Complaints Seriously

If your business has people that drive for the company, it’s vital to check their driving history and do a background check. If there are complaints from other drivers about your employee’s driving, take them seriously and, at minimum, retrain the driver. Businesses can be exposed to claims for negligent hiring, training, and supervision if they don’t take their employee’s driving seriously. A personal injury lawyer often make these claims and can be a good resource for businesses looking to avoid them.

Securing the Right Insurance Coverage

Insurance is a critical component of any business's liability protection strategy. The right insurance coverage can provide financial protection against claims for injuries, property damage, and even legal defense costs. Key types of insurance to consider include:

• General Liability Insurance: Covers claims of bodily injury and property damage on your premises or resulting from your operations.
• Professional Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions): For businesses that provide services, this insurance covers claims related to professional mistakes or failure to perform.
• Product Liability Insurance: If your business manufactures or sells products, this coverage protects against claims of injury or damage caused by those products.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required in most states, it covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

It's crucial to work with an experienced insurance broker to tailor your coverage to your specific business needs. They can help you understand the unique risks your business faces and recommend the appropriate types and levels of insurance.

Implementing Comprehensive Employee Training

Employee actions can significantly impact your business's liability risk. Comprehensive training programs can educate your employees on safe work practices, responding to emergencies, and the importance of compliance with company policies and regulations.

For instance, employees should know how to operate equipment safely, manage spills and other hazards promptly, and interact with customers in a manner that minimizes the risk of accidents or misunderstandings. Training should also cover data protection practices for businesses handling sensitive customer information, reducing the risk of data breaches that could lead to liability for privacy violations.

Regular refresher courses ensure that employees remain aware of safety protocols and compliance requirements. Empowering your employees with the knowledge and skills to perform their duties safely is a proactive approach to minimizing liability risks.

Conclusion

Protecting your business from liability requires a multifaceted approach that includes maintaining safe premises, securing the right insurance coverage, and implementing comprehensive employee training. By proactively addressing these areas, business owners can significantly reduce their risk of liability and ensure a safer, more secure environment for their employees, customers, and the broader community. Remember, the cost of prevention is often far less than the cost of dealing with lawsuits or insurance claims after an incident has occurred.

If you have questions, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today.