Avoid a Premise Liability Lawsuit: Essential Tips for Property Owners

Owning property is great, but with great property comes great responsibility! As a personal injury lawyer for over 35 years, I’ve been involved in a lot of premise liability lawsuits against property owners. This is how those lawsuits could have been avoided:

1. Inspect
Think of inspections as your property’s regular health check-ups. Scout out uneven floors, loose handrails and bad lighting. Regular inspections, along with proper repair and maintenance, keep your property in top shape and prevents accidents.

2. Avoid Clutter
Turn your property into a clear-path haven. Make sure walkways, stairs and entrances remain free from clutter, debris and ice.

3. Fix Quick
Prompt repairs are like hitting the “easy” button on your to-do list. Whether it’s a broken step or a leaky faucet, fix it fast!

4. Use Signage
Get creative with your warning signs! Bright, bold and funny signs can catch attention and keep visitors safe. Picture it: “Caution: Wet Floor. Dance carefully!”

5. Light It Up
Good lighting can transform your property into a well-lit wonderland. Think of it as setting the stage for safety. Brighten up dark corners, pathways and entrances to prevent trips and falls.

6. Train Your Staff [or the Kids]
Train staff to spot hazards, handle spills and assist visitors. Involve your kids in protecting Grandma from injuring herself by putting away toys and helping her step around hazards.

7. Secure the Danger Zones
Transform dangerous areas into no-go zones. Use barriers, locks and signs to keep visitors out of hazardous spots.

9. Document Everything
Keep meticulous records of inspections, maintenance and repairs. These records can be your best defense if a lawsuit ever pops up.

10. Insurance: Your Safety Net
Make sure you have the right insurance coverage. Consult with your provider to ensure you’re fully protected. Having good insurance is like having a safety net—it’s there to catch you if things go awry.