{"id":5111,"date":"2016-04-04T11:47:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/the-small-business-owner-and-slip-and-fall-accidents.html"},"modified":"2024-05-23T03:29:27","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T08:29:27","slug":"the-small-business-owner-and-slip-and-fall-accidents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/the-small-business-owner-and-slip-and-fall-accidents.html","title":{"rendered":"The Small Business Owner and Slip-and-Fall Accidents"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Small Business Owner and Slip-and-Fall Accidents<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Small businesses and large businesses share personal injury cases in common. Liability for slip-and-fall accidents is a nightmare for\u00a0small business owners<\/a>, big stores, and insurance companies. Liability insurance may not protect a business if a customer slips and falls on your property or takes a header in an icy parking lot.<\/p>\n

This article reviews slip-and-fall accidents, how to avoid them, and what to do if a\u00a0customer files a claim.<\/p>\n

“Slip-and-Fall” Overview<\/h2>\n

A “slip-and-fall” accident is an injury due to a\u00a0slip or trip<\/a>. Insurers call these “premises liability<\/a>” claims. They occur on private property, and the owner of the property is typically liable for the harm.<\/p>\n

Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents are wet floors, torn carpets, or trash or debris blocking hallways. Slip-and-fall accidents often occur inside a business or property but can occur outside\u00a0on land owned by the business. Ice and snow on walkways or potholes in parking lots attached to business properties are common locations for slip-and-fall cases.<\/p>\n

Slips and falls can cause serious injuries. Although the media is full of scam artists filing fraudulent slip-and-fall claims, businesses must treat them as genuine. Victims often suffer injuries requiring extensive medical attention. Business owners who treat these cases as serious fare better in court than those who do not.<\/p>\n

Elements of a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit<\/h2>\n

Slip-and-fall lawsuits are personal injury claims. These involve proving\u00a0negligence<\/a>. The plaintiff must prove four elements of negligence to show that the property owner was negligent and legally responsible for the customer’s injuries. They are:<\/p>\n