Are you new to the property ownership game? Maybe you’re worried about getting a handle on all the responsibilities you have as a property owner? If so this handy guide to premises liability will help shed some light on your responsibilities as a premises owner.
Keep reading for your premises liability guide.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is the legal duty of care or responsibility of a premises owner to make sure that anyone accessing the property can do so without getting into any accidents or having injuries. They do this by keeping areas well lit, clearing away snow and ice from outside the building, and making sure there aren’t any slipping hazards inside. This applies to customers and also employees in workplace injuries.
Premises liability doesn’t just apply to business owners who have customers. This also applies to homeowners and landlords to make sure their homes are relatively risk-free to people coming and go.
How Does Premises Liability Work?
There are a few things you need to know when it comes to premises liability.
There are legal laws in place that put the responsibility on property owners to keep a good level of safety. If a property owner is seen as careless about keeping their space safe, they can legally be sued and charged in a premises liability claim.
Anyone who enters a space that isn’t their own and gets injured has the legal right to sue the property owner for damages because of their injury reminds Jason D. Mills & Associates. This meaning as a business owner, you need to be extra vigilant about what’s going on on your property.
Is There Something That Can Protect Me & My Liability?
Most insurance policies have protection for property owners called liability insurance that covers your responsible costs in a premises liability case in the event that it truly is an accident and not a lack of maintenance on your part in keeping the property safe. Most of the time, this coverage comes standard in an insurance policy.
Another great way to protect yourself from premises liability claims as an owner is to have an active health and safety committee. This committee is a number of employees pair with the owner to make sure that the business maintains a risk-free environment and addressing any potential risks or hazards as soon as possible.
For example, slip and fall accidents are the most common premises liability claims, and can easily be prevented by some proactive work like mopping up water on the floors and salting icy sidewalks. Being proactive is the first step in protecting yourself and upholding your responsibility for a safe environment.
It’s recommended, and in some cases legally mandated, to have an active health and safety committee in your business.
Keeping Safety Top of Mind With Premises Liability
Premises liability is an important aspect of property ownership that shouldn’t be overlooked. The reason for this is that premises liability claims can end up closing down a business permanently or bankrupting a company. It’s important to stay on top of any potential risks and hazards in your business or on your property to keep it safe for all patrons.
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