Protecting Your Property From Premises Liability Claims

Posted On Tuesday, 12 January 2021 20:40

If you are a responsible manager or property owner, you are well aware of the consequences that could happen in the event that one of your employees gets injured on the job, or even worse, they lose their life in the event of an accident. That is why you are prepared by having your property adhere to routine inspections, maintenance schedules, and making sure signage is placed in the appropriate areas.

In addition, your employees are not the only ones that can get hurt on your property, but guests as well, especially visitors who expect to have a pleasant visit, which if they get hurt on your property, you can expect a lawsuit knocking on your door.  So what can you do to protect yourself from premises liability claims?

Why Premises Liability Claims Occur

Firstly, it is important to note why premises liability claims happen. A premises liability lawsuit can cause a huge amount of problems for property managers, landlords, and business owners. The best way to avoid the effects of a premises liability lawsuit is to prevent a premises liability claim from happening in the first place.  

As a property manager, owner, or landlord, you have a high duty of care to protect your residents, guests, or invitees from injury while they are on your property. Whether it is an apartment complex or grocery store, if a dangerous or defective condition causes someone to injure him or herself, you can find yourself involved in a premises liability lawsuit which can be a reputation breaker for a company or business and for you personally. Some of the reasons a premise liability claim occurs is because there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the property owner or manager was negligent or careless in the management of the premises.

Common Types of Liability Claims to Watch Out For

The “Slip and fall” may be one of the most common types of premises liability cases, however, it is one of the toughest to litigate. As with any premises liability claim, your slip and fall lawyer must investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine who may be legally responsible for the claimant’s injuries.

Here are some common premise liability cases :

• Slippery Floors
• Cracks in Sidewalks
• Raised Carpet
• Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
• Animal Attacks
• Unsafe Building Design
• Poor Lighting
• Inadequate Railings
• Broken Glass
• Dangerous Debris
• Defective Equipment
• Uncontrolled/Un-maintained Foliage
• Appliance Cords Left in Aisles

What to do in case of an accident

As the person responsible for your property, you make every attempt possible to prevent injuries from arising, but accidents do happen and they can happen practically anywhere. So what if an accident does happen and it's on your watch? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (OSHA), sets the standards that employers are expected to follow to ensure workplace safety. If an employee is injured at work, the employer should work with the employee to file a workers' compensation claim with the company’s insurance provider.

Keeping Property Conditions Safe

Avoiding a premises liability claim can be achieved by keeping your premises safe. One of the best ways to make sure you are not easily exposed to the possibility of a premises liability lawsuit is to hire a professional engineer to evaluate your property and help you determine if there are any areas that pose potential risks. 

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