Slip and falls may seem like relatively minor accidents, but they may cause serious injuries. If one of these accidents happens on your business premises, you could be liable for the victim’s medical bills, lost income, and other resulting damages. These damages can quickly amount to thousands—or tens of thousands—of dollars. If you review premises liability law before someone has grounds for a claim against you, you can implement strategies for mitigating personal injury lawsuits. 

When Are You Liable for a Slip & Fall? 

Business owners are responsible for maintaining their premises to a reasonable standard of safety and appearance. Failure to mark low-profile thresholds, mop up spills, install sturdy railings, maintain stairs, rope off hazards, and illuminate building interiors and exteriors exposes a business to considerable liability.

If someone does get hurt on company premises, your business may face a personal injury lawsuit. Whether you’re found liable for the plaintiff’s injuries will depend on the circumstances. Were you—or your employees—negligent? Was the claimant merely clumsy?

If an accident happens to be a little of both, Ohio’s modified comparative fault rule applies. This rule states that personal injury payouts must be reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. When accident victims are judged to be more than 50% at fault, they’re barred from recovering anything at all. As such, proving a claimant’s liability with security camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and other evidence will bolster your defense. 

How to Prevent Accidents on Your Premises 

To prevent personal injury lawsuits, meticulously maintain your company’s premises. Draft standard operating procedures that itemize essential cleaning and organizing tasks, and train employees to adhere to these procedures. In addition, check the grounds periodically for potential hazards. Use nonskid rubber mats where appropriate, and eliminate clutter so pathways are always clear.

If your business has been named in a personal injury lawsuit following a slip and fall accident, turn to David S. Washington Jr. Practicing out of Hamilton, OH, this law office has more than two decades of experience in the legal field. Whether disputing premises liability or fighting criminal charges, they always protect their clients’ interests. To explore their practice areas, visit them online. To schedule a consultation, call (513) 751-1400.