What are my options if I am being sued by a customer for an injury that occurred on my business's property in Ohio?

If you are being sued by a customer for an injury that occurred on your business's property in Ohio, there are several options available to you:

1. Contact your insurance company: The first step you should take is to inform your insurance company of the lawsuit. If your business has liability insurance, it may provide coverage for the customer's injuries. Your insurance company can provide you with legal representation and may negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
2. Hire an attorney: If your business does not have insurance, or if the insurance company denies coverage, you should hire an attorney to represent you in the lawsuit. An attorney can review the specifics of your case and provide an assessment of potential liability and damages.
3. Research the facts of the case: It is important to gather and review all relevant information about the incident, including any witness statements, photographs, and video recordings. This can help your attorney build a stronger defense and may also help to identify any potential weaknesses in the plaintiff's case.
4. Consider settlement negotiations: If liability is clear, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a settlement with the plaintiff to avoid the costs and risks of litigation. An experienced attorney can help facilitate settlement negotiations and may be able to negotiate a favorable resolution for your business.
5. Prepare for trial: If settlement negotiations are not successful, your attorney will prepare your case for trial. This may involve conducting depositions, gathering evidence, and building a strong defense to present in court.

It is important to note that Ohio has a comparative negligence rule, which means that the plaintiff's damages may be reduced if they are found to be partially at fault for their injuries. Additionally, Ohio has a statute of limitations of two years for personal injury lawsuits, meaning that the lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the injury, or the plaintiff's claim may be barred.

Overall, if you are being sued by a customer for an injury that occurred on your business's property in Ohio, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and help protect your business's interests.