Slip and fall accidents account for 8 million hospital visits each year, leading to excruciating pain, long recovery times, and in some cases, paralysis or death.
To prevent injuries and a possible slip and fall case payout, it’s crucial that your property meets safety standards. But what do these standards look like in a practical sense?
Below, you’ll find some tips on securing your property and maintaining safety protocols.
Mark and Address All Hazardous Areas
The simplest way to ensure you’re not liable for a slip and fall case is to treat any slipping hazard as a threat that needs immediate attention. Specifically, you’ll need to focus on two things.
First, make sure to address any spills or icy areas in a timely manner. Namely, before employees or visitors get to the area.
Second, mark the affected areas with proper signage such as a caution sign. It’s worth noting that such signage is important in accordance with OSHA safety standards, and failing to meet their guidelines can result in major fines.
Secure the Perimeter With Cameras
Say you get word of an injury on your property. Someone says they slipped and broke a bone, and now they’re suing you for damages.
Having video footage on hand is a surefire way to dissect their claim in court and prove your innocence.
On the other hand, a lack of video evidence and a few testimonials claiming you failed to take measures to keep guests safe can prove quite damning.
If you don’t already have security cameras, now is the time to get them. Not only can they help you avoid slip and fall case settlements, but they can prevent issues like theft and harassment, as well.
Keep a Lawyer on Retainer
Even if you follow all of the steps above, it’s possible for accidents to happen. As such, you might find yourself in court with an employee or building visitor looking for a payout or settlement.
That’s why your property should always have legal representation at the ready. You never know when you’ll need someone to represent yourself or your company, and the sooner your lawyer can get to work, the sooner you can end the case.
Plus, your team of legal experts understands that the burden of proof in a slip and fall case is on the plaintiff, not your business.
They’ll know the questions to ask to poke holes in the plaintiff’s story and ensure that you walk out of court with your dignity and integrity intact.
Keep Your Property Safe to Avoid a Slip and Fall Case Payout
Avoiding a slip-and-fall case payout is easier than you might think. Really, it’s all about using common sense.
Address all potential issues in a quick manner, position the proper signage when necessary, secure the perimeter with cameras, and have a lawyer on hand just in case things take a turn.
Looking for more ways to avoid legal trouble? Our blog has plenty of great legal content to help you stay on the right side of the law!
