What are the steps to take if a customer slips and falls in my business premises in Florida?
Steps to Take If a Customer Slips and Falls in Your Business Premises in Florida
Under Florida law, business owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition and warn customers of any hazardous conditions. If the business owner fails to fulfill this duty and a customer is injured as a result, the business owner may be liable for the customer's injuries and related damages.
However, there are potential limitations or exceptions to this advice. For instance, if the customer was trespassing or engaged in illegal activity when the accident occurred, the business owner's liability may be limited or eliminated.
In any event, it is important to take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents and protect customers from harm. By following the steps outlined below, business owners can minimize their legal exposure and increase the chances of a positive outcome in any legal proceedings that may arise.
Steps to take:
- Immediately provide assistance to the injured customer, such as calling for medical help or providing first aid.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including the location of the fall, any hazardous condition that caused the accident, and any visible injuries suffered by the customer.
- Record the names and contact information of any witnesses who observed the accident.
- Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as surveillance footage or incident reports.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident and cooperate with their investigation.
- Provide a written accident report to your insurance company, detailing the circumstances of the accident.
- Contact an attorney with experience in premises liability law to protect your rights and interests.