Business owners spend vast amounts of time ensuring their companies remain safe and effective places to work. This could be anything from installing wheelchair ramps to office window tint and emergency exits. Another key area relates to the subject of business insurance and there are many different types of policies available.
It may be that you are considering taking out premises liability insurance, or were hurt on someone’s work premises and need more information. If you want to know more about premises liability, read on because this article will tell you everything you need to know.
Why Is It Needed?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of a property owner or occupier to maintain their premises free from dangerous conditions that might cause injury. If companies don’t take out premises liability insurance, they could end up paying for injuries that people sustained on their property. This could become costly very quickly if it is a popular establishment that many visitors frequent. In the worst-case scenario, a business could be shut down or the lawsuits could bankrupt the company. Should the company’s reputation become dented by bad publicity it could permanently impair the success of the company.
It has been estimated that Columbia has a population of 51,379,762 people. When people get hurt on work premises, they seek Columbia personal injury lawyers who can provide free consultations. Lawyer websites often feature their areas of specialism (premises liability, boating accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice etc.) and details of the attorneys’ accreditation and affiliations (e.g. Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers).
Making Personal Injury Claims
If you are injured on someone’s property, be sure to take photographs at the scene of your accident – before any cleanup occurs if possible (which could include people hiding vital evidence). If available, keep all receipts for medical expenses and lost wages along with copies of any work-related documentation regarding missed time (whether paid or unpaid leave).
This information can serve as proof supporting how much money is owed to you by the party responsible for maintaining their property. It will also protect you from insurance companies seeking loopholes to avoid paying out.
Who Is at Risk?
Visitors are usually most at risk of injury in workplaces because companies have control over what goes on in their establishments and who has access to it. Employees may be responsible for accidents if they are working below the standard of care expected from them by law.
The owner or an employee’s negligent behavior (or unsafe environments) can cause serious physical harm to others who would need financial compensation if it was proven true in court.
Some Examples
The most common examples involve dog bites, slip and falls, fires or explosions, construction accidents on a job site (or another type of work injury), defective elevators/escalators and being injured at public liability lawyers at A&E Legal Bunbury events such as concerts or sporting events. It could involve a landlord who refuses to fix broken steps, leading to a tenant breaking her ankle.
There could also be faulty wiring causing your home or business to catch fire, or bad plumbing leaks that cause toxic chemicals to enter peoples’ water supply, making them sick.
What Does The Insurance Cover?
Premises liability insurance can cover injuries from slip and fall accidents and it also covers visitors who are injured on the premises due to a dangerous condition that has been created by an owner or its employees. In addition, this coverage can be used for injuries sustained while participating in some sort of recreational activity – such as going down a waterslide located at your establishment’s waterpark.
It is important to understand that not all activities will automatically make you liable for injury claims. Do not assume every visitor will have access to this type of coverage if he or she does something unsafe during their visit.
Is it the Right Coverage?
It’s key to appreciate that not all types of locations can be covered by this insurance. Amusement parks, waterparks, and other recreational areas should already have coverage included in their general liability policy or through another company instead.
Any exclusions will usually be stated at the very bottom of your premises liability policy, so make sure you read it thoroughly before signing anything. The last thing you want is to find out that your company’s policy won’t cover certain types of accidents or injuries because they are not listed in the fine print.
The Legal Aspect
When it comes to lawsuits, the law is rooted in negligence, which requires three elements: duty, breach of duty, and causation. First, a property owner must have a legal “duty” to keep the property safe for anyone who might come on it. Second, there must be some kind of hazard present at the time the person was injured, which caused their injuries. Thirdly, whatever danger existed had to contribute somehow to the accident and/or resulting injuries.
If any one of these three elements is missing there is no liability. If all three elements exist, a party can potentially be held liable based on negligence, but only if certain conditions are met (known as “common-law” conditions).
How To Protect Yourself On Peoples’ Property
Always remember to ask for permission before entering into a stranger’s home, business or another type of property – even if it is an emergency situation – and make sure they provide proper notification (signs) clearly stating their rules about trespassing. If the owner has not made it clear, legally speaking you are still allowed access as long as you do not violate any “no trespassing” signs/notices. Don’t forget your general day-to-day safety measures such as wearing appropriate footwear when walking around outside to protect yourself from broken glass, ice or other dangerous debris.
If you are seeking premises liability insurance, speak to a specialist agent. If they are independent they can check all the different companies and advise you on the best deals. Should there be an accident on work premises, always seek legal advice to discover your rights and the options that are available to you.
