On behalf of Law Offices of Mauro Fiore, Jr. posted in Premises Liability on Tuesday, November 21, 2017.
If you fall down the steps heading out the door of a shop or become the victim of an assault on someone's property, knowing the basics of premises liability will help you navigate the months following the incident. California residents who find themselves injured on someone else's property may seek monetary compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and more. If you choose to pursue this route, you will primarily attempt to prove that the business owner was negligent in maintaining the property and that negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm.
According to Forbes, property owners can be proactive in preparing for accidents that are likely to occur on their premises. Beyond simply investing in general liability insurance to cover expenses, they may follow what Forbes calls "best practices." These simple steps cannot guarantee the absence of mishaps, but they can demonstrate an owner's due diligence in caring for the buildings and grounds.
A business owner's goal is to identify problems before they become apparent, and taking the time to inspect the property thoroughly can help achieve this. This practice may seem to cost more time or money than an owner would like to invest, but discovering potential liabilities early will keep you and others on the property safe in the long run.
An owner should take action right away when you point out a broken railing, chipped step, or other unsafe condition that could result in injury. Employees should do the same, addressing situations like these promptly and acknowledging their responsibility in maintaining a safe environment.
A freshly mopped floor or newly repaired hand railing may still not be completely safe. In such cases, signs warning of danger are mandatory. Property owners should be sure the warnings are highly visible to provide sufficient evidence of their commitment to safety. This information is only intended to educate regarding premises liability and should not be interpreted as legal advice.