What are the liability risks for a Florida business owner if a customer slips and falls on the premises?

As a Florida business owner, if a customer slips and falls on your premises, you may face potential liability risks. According to Florida premises liability laws, a property owner has a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors, including customers. This means that if you fail to maintain your property in a safe condition and a customer suffers an injury, you may be held liable for their damages.

To determine liability, courts usually consider whether the business owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to correct it. Factors such as the location, nature, and duration of the dangerous condition, as well as the reasonableness of the steps taken to warn visitors, can also play a role in assessing liability. For example, failing to place a wet floor sign near a spill in a store could be considered negligence.

It is worth noting that in Florida, a comparative negligence doctrine is applied, where liability can be reduced based on the degree of fault of the injured party. Therefore, if it can be shown that the customer also had some responsibility for their slip and fall, such as not paying attention, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or ignoring warning signs, it may mitigate your liability.

To reduce your liability risks, it is important to take proactive measures to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Some examples could include regular inspections, prompt repairs of hazardous conditions, providing adequate lighting, and warning signs or barriers.

In the case of a slip and fall incident, it is important to gather and preserve evidence, and to report the incident promptly to your insurance company. If there is a lawsuit filed against your business, it is recommended to seek legal counsel to assist in your defense.

In conclusion, Florida business owners are at risk of liability if a customer slips and falls on their premises due to a hazardous condition. To minimize this risk, it is crucial to maintain a safe environment for visitors and take prompt action to correct any hazards. In the event of an incident, it is important to gather evidence and report it promptly to your insurer and seek legal counsel if necessary.