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What steps should I take if someone slips and falls on my business property in Ohio?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

If someone slips and falls on your business property in Ohio, there are several steps you should take:

  1. Attend to the Injured Person: First and foremost, ensure that the person who slipped and fell is attended to and provided emergency medical attention if necessary. It’s important to document the details about the incident and the extent of the person's injuries.
  2. Secure Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the incident, including photos or videos of the area where the individual fell, the conditions of the area, and any witnesses present.
  3. File a Report: Ohio law requires that businesses file a report about incidents that happen on their premises. This report must be filed with the Ohio Industrial Commission BWC within 24 hours of the incident. Some incidents are exempted from this requirement, so it’s important to check if your case qualifies for an exemption.
  4. Contact Your Insurance Carrier: If someone is injured on your business property, you should promptly contact your insurance carrier to report the incident. Most business owners have liability insurance, which provides coverage for situations like this.
  5. Seek Legal Assistance: To ensure that you comply with all legal requirements and protect your business from potential lawsuits, it's best to seek legal assistance from an experienced lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, evaluate the strength of any claims against you, and negotiate with any insurance companies or legal representatives.

In Ohio, to be legally responsible for a slip and fall accident, the property owner or business has to have violated their duty of care to the injured person. This could be in the form of failing to maintain the property, failing to warn of hazardous conditions, or ignoring dangerous/destructive conditions. Ultimately, the resolution of a slip and fall claim will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the incident, and how the court interprets the legal standard of care.

In summary, if someone slips and falls on your business property in Ohio, attend to the injured person, secure evidence, file a report, contact your insurance carrier, and seek legal assistance. By following these steps, you can help protect your business and ensure that you comply with all legal requirements.