October is the scariest month of the year, but that doesn’t mean you should be scared of the legal world! Brooks Law Group aims to clear up legal confusion and make it easier to understand. That’s why we’ve joined with the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce for a series of networking calls throughout October. This is a chance for our attorneys to explain different practice areas and answer questions for local chamber members. We’re also running a community-wide costume contest for anyone to enter!
Last week, our attorneys spoke about premises liability cases. The most common of these cases is the slip and fall accident. It’s very important that both business owners and patrons are prepared for these accidents. We’re pulling back the curtain to show what our attorneys shared so that you can prepare yourself or your business.
Why Do Business Owners Need to Be Prepared for Slip and Falls?
Business owners have a duty of care toward their employees and customers. Customers are afforded the highest level of care. This duty requires business owners to routinely inspect their property and fix any damages or hazards they find.
They also have to warn customers about any potential dangers. Ever seen a wet floor sign in a business after a spill? That’s them warning you the floor might be slippery out of their duty of care.
Owners and operators have to take the responsibility of keeping visitors safe on their property. It’s both their legal duty and the right thing to do. If you own a business and ignore potential hazards, you’re putting your business and others’ lives at risk.
How Can Business Owners Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents?
There’s no way to avoid all accidents, but you as a business owner must do all you can. The first thing you need to do is be careful. If you own property for other businesses to rent, be careful who you rent to. Keep in mind that if a renter runs a risky or dangerous business, liability can also fall on you.
If you’re the one running a more dangerous firm, be careful of who you hire to work for you. Your employees represent your company, and they can put you at risk. Watch out for who you let drive your company vehicles or operate your machinery.
Even if you wouldn’t classify your business as dangerous, keep an eye out for any risks. It’s easy to become blind to hazards if you pass them each day. Participants in last week’s networking call suggested having an inspector or a colleague from another location check out your property. A fresh set of eyes may notice hazards you don’t.
How Can I Prepare for a Slip and Fall?
Hopefully businesses do their best to prevent accidents like these, but they still happen every day. As a customer, it’s equally important that you practice care as well. Stay aware of your surroundings when you’re in a store or restaurant to keep yourself safe. If you see a possible safety hazard, tell management so that they can fix it for your safety.
In the event that you have a slip and fall, it’s important that you don’t admit fault. By apologizing or saying that you’re fine, you could be damaging your case. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel nothing is wrong. Injuries could show themselves later on, and you need to start treatment to pursue a legal case.
Try to get pictures and videos of the scene of the fall (surveillance videos can be very helpful as well). Also get contact information from witnesses that saw your accident. These will help your attorney in arguing your case.
Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Call Brooks Law Group.
The most important thing you need to do? Contact a lawyer from Brooks Law Group. Our experienced attorneys can help fight for the compensation you need after your slip and fall. This can help cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, and even compensation for your pain and suffering. Don’t try to fight alone. Contact us and we’ll set up a free consultation today.
