While out and about, you slipped and fell in a business. You wonder whether to blame your injury on clumsiness or the store owner’s negligence.
SCORE explains steps for business owners to take to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. If the store owner neglected to take proper preventative measures to protect you, you could have a premises liability case.
Take care of issues
When businesses notice issues that could endanger others, associates must take quick action. Common problems that may trigger slip-and-fall injuries include parking lot potholes, slippery flooring, a lack of non-slip mats and damaged carpet.
Look for potential hazards
Store owners must take a proactive approach to ensure customers keep both feet on the ground. Common reasons shoppers slip and injure themselves range from parking lot defects, uneven or broken walkways, and shifts in floor height to uneven surfaces.
Resolve poorly lit areas
Customers cannot watch where they step if they cannot see where they step. Store owners must ensure they replace blown-out or defective bulbs and resolve glare, poor visibility and shadows around the premises. Sometimes, it makes sense to upgrade lighting to something more efficient.
Conduct daily checks
Managers, supervisors and others in leadership positions must conduct safety checks every day. That way, they learn of existing and potential hazards sooner rather than later.
Use signage
Sometimes, slip-and-fall hazards require extensive repairs. In the meantime, warning signs and other signage alert customers of dangerous areas. Something as simple as a “wet floor” sign better ensures others avoid slick floors.
Business owners owe customers a duty of care. When they do not uphold that duty and injuries happen, their negligence could make them liable.