What are my rights if a customer is injured on my Georgia business property?
By
As a business owner in Georgia, you have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for all customers and visitors to your property. In the event that a customer is injured on your business property, they may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against you to recover damages for their injuries. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a business owner in this situation.
Under Georgia law, you may be liable for a customer's injuries if you were negligent in maintaining your business premises. Negligence is defined as a failure to exercise reasonable care, which results in harm to another person. To establish negligence in a personal injury lawsuit, the injured party must prove that you owed them a duty of care, that you breached that duty, and that the breach caused their injuries.
To protect yourself and your business, it is important to take steps to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring on your property. This may include conducting routine inspections, promptly addressing any safety hazards, and providing appropriate warning signs or barricades in hazardous areas. If a customer does sustain an injury on your property, it is important to document the incident and preserve any relevant evidence, such as photographs or witness statements.
In the event that a customer files a personal injury lawsuit against you, it is important to consult with a licensed attorney who can provide legal advice and representation. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may be able to defend yourself against the allegations or negotiate a settlement with the injured party. Alternatively, you may be able to pursue a claim against a third-party responsible for the injury, such as a contractor or supplier.
It is important to note that there are limitations and exceptions to your liability as a business owner in Georgia. For example, you may not be liable for injuries sustained by a customer who was trespassing or engaging in illegal activities on your property. Additionally, your liability may be limited by a lease agreement or other legal contract. To ensure that you are fully informed of your rights and obligations in any given situation, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney.
