Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common accidents, especially in outdoor environments. You might wonder if businesses are responsible for these types of injuries that occur on their property, particularly in areas like parking lots, sidewalks, or outdoor steps. The short answer is: it depends on several factors. Here’s what you need to know.
The concept of premises liability
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners accountable for accidents that occur on their land. If a business is responsible for maintaining an outdoor area, they may be held liable for accidents that happen there. This responsibility includes ensuring that walkways, parking lots, and other outdoor spaces are safe for visitors. If a business fails to address hazards like ice, snow, or uneven pavement, they could be held liable if someone gets hurt.
Factors that determine business responsibility
There are a few key elements to consider when determining whether a business is responsible for an outdoor fall. First, the business must have control over the area where the accident occurred. If the business owns or operates the outdoor space, they are likely responsible for maintaining it. Second, the business must have known about the hazard or should have known about it. For example, if a patch of ice formed in a parking lot overnight and wasn’t addressed, the business could be held accountable.
What to do if you slip outdoors
If you fall on outdoor business property, it’s important to take immediate action. Document the scene by taking pictures of the area where you fell, including any hazards that may have caused your accident. Get medical attention right away, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Additionally, report the incident to the business and ask for a copy of the accident report. Keeping a record will help support your case if you decide to pursue a claim.
While businesses are responsible for maintaining safe environments on their property, not every outdoor fall automatically results in liability. To determine if a business is at fault, all circumstances surrounding the accident need to be carefully evaluated.