As a business owner, one of the worst things you can encounter is a personal injury lawsuit from a customer or employee who was injured on your premises. Not only can these types of legal claims be costly in terms of potential settlements or jury awards, but they can also damage your business’s reputation. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the chances of a personal injury lawsuit and protect your company. Read on to find out more:
Having Adequate Insurance Coverage
One of the most important things you can do is make sure you have the right insurance policies and coverage limits. This includes general liability insurance, which will provide coverage if a third party is injured on your property or by your operations. You may also need workers’ compensation insurance to cover injuries to employees. Take time to review your policies with your insurance agent or broker to confirm you have sufficient coverage for the type and size of your business. In 2024, falls on the same level were the second most hindering workplace injury in the United States. The direct costs for this type of injury that year stood at approximately $9.99 billion. Having adequate coverage is key to protecting your business from potentially massive costs.
Address Hazards and Dangers
Preventable injury is the fourth leading cause of death, so putting effort into hazard prevention can literally save lives. To minimize accidents that could lead to lawsuits, identify and correct any potential hazards on your business premises. This may involve fixing uneven floors, improving lighting, putting up warning signs, installing safety railings on stairs or walkways, and removing trip hazards. Regularly inspect your property and operations to catch any new dangers. The goal is to create as safe an environment as possible for your customers and staff.
Train Employees in Safety Protocols
There were approximately 57.5 million visits to doctor offices for injuries in 2024, indicating the need for robust safety training. Establish clear safety protocols and procedures and thoroughly train all staff. Emphasize that following safety rules is a mandatory job requirement. Conduct regular refresher training for existing employees and onboarding for new hires. Ongoing education promotes a culture of safety.
Maintain Your Property
Just as important as your safety protocols is the maintenance of your physical property. Keep the grounds well-lit and free of debris that could cause slips or falls. Maintain stairs, flooring, sidewalks, parking lots, and other areas in good repair. Promptly fix any damage, like cracks or holes that appear. Neglecting upkeep and repairs can be used as evidence you knowingly created unsafe conditions.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
If you do receive a personal injury demand letter or lawsuit, consult a personal injury lawyer right away. An experienced lawyer can advise you on your best legal options and defense strategy based on the specifics of your personal injury case. An attorney can gather evidence, question witnesses, argue to limit damages, and represent you in settlement negotiations or at trial. They will also know all the procedures and deadlines for responding to a lawsuit. Having competent legal counsel increases your chances of a favorable outcome. Estimates differ, but approximately 95% of civil cases reach settlements at some point, so an attorney can help get you the best settlement.
Defending against a personal injury lawsuit can be an intimidating prospect. However, implementing these proactive risk management steps will go a long way towards avoiding accidents in your business and strengthening your legal position if you are sued.
