What legal steps should I take if a customer slips and falls in my Georgia business premises?

If a customer slips and falls in your Georgia business premises, there are several legal steps that you should take to protect your business and comply with the law.

1. Provide immediate assistance to the injured person: If the customer is injured, call an ambulance or seek medical attention right away. You should also provide assistance, such as offering a first aid kit or calling for help.
2. Gather information: Collect as much information as possible about the incident, including the date and time, location, weather conditions, and any witnesses. Take photos of the area where the customer fell, including the hazard that caused the fall.
3. Report the incident: If the customer was seriously injured, you may need to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You should also report the incident to your insurance company.
4. Preserve evidence: Do not alter or clean the area where the incident occurred until you have documented it and/or received instructions from your insurance company or legal counsel.
5. Contact a lawyer: It is important to speak with a personal injury attorney who is experienced with premises liability cases. The attorney can help you determine your legal responsibilities, navigate the complex legal process, and develop a strategy to protect your business and minimize liability.
6. Review and improve premises safety policies: Conduct an audit of your premises to identify potential hazards, and take steps to address them before they cause injury. Train employees to regularly assess and mitigate risk in your facility.
7. Review and check insurance coverage: Review your business insurance coverage with your insurance agent, and ensure you have adequate coverage for slip and fall incidents.

Note that Georgia follows the comparative negligence doctrine, which means that the damages awarded to the plaintiff will be reduced by the percentage of their fault for the incident. Additionally, Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which means that any legal action must be taken within two years of the incident.

In summary, taking immediate action, gathering information, reporting the incident, preserving evidence, contacting a lawyer, improving premises safety policies, and reviewing insurance coverage are all important steps to take if a customer slips and falls in your Georgia business premises.