Business Owner Liability
Business Owners Must Keep Their Properties Safe
Whether it's a restaurant, a clothing store, an office building, your local movie theater, or anything in between, business owners are responsible for keeping their properties safe for customers and guests.
But all too often, we hear from people who've been injured at a place of business. Wet floors, unlit or uneven stairs, and faulty escalators are just a few of the reasons we see injuries at businesses.
Premises Liability and Business Owners
The term "premises liability" refers to the legal responsibility of business owners to keep their properties clear of any hazards or dangers that could lead to an accident.
If they fail to do so, they could be held responsible for any medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering because of an injury.
The 3 Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
1. Floors
Wet and slippery floors are often the cause of falls in stores and restaurants, especially if snow and ice are tracked in through the lobby. Businesses are required to alert guests of dangerous conditions.
A business could be held responsible if the following are true:
- Failed to provide warning of wet or damp floor
- Failed to close off an area with wet or damp floor
- Unevenly waxed or polished flooring that causes falls
- Floor has an incline or is uneven
- Rugs or mats with curled edges
- Torn or bulging areas of carpet
- Holes in the flooring
- Failing to remove snow or ice from parking lots, sidewalks, and walkways
2. Stairs
Business owners must provide safe access to their place of business, including stairs and steps. They may be held liable for the following issues:
- Steps are worn or rounded
- Steps are covered with debris
- Stairs have been over-waxed or polished
- Broken or missing handrails
- Stairs are broken or crumbling
- Stair code violations
3. Escalators and Elevators
Escalators and elevators can cause serious injury if they aren't properly maintained or marked for hazardous issues. A business owner can be liable for injuries if the following are true:
- Erratic, unsteady movements
- Elevator floor is uneven and creates tripping danger
- Escalator malfunctions or snags loose clothing
- Broken or unstable escalator steps or handrails
Injured at a Place of Business? Our Attorneys Can Help
If you suffered from a slip and fall accident, you may not realize you're entitled to compensation for your injuries. Business owners have a responsibility to keep their properties safe and free from dangerous falls. In order to protect yourself, know exactly what to do after a slip and fall accident.
Contact our law firm any time for a free consultation at 412-394-1000. Our legal professionals will answer all your questions and help you determine the best course of action for your slip and fall case.
We're available 24/7, so call us any time. And remember, there's never a fee unless we get money for you.