What kind of liabilities does a business owner in Ohio face in case of a slip and fall accident in their store?
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As a business owner in Ohio, liabilities can arise in case of a slip and fall accident on their property. In such cases, the business owner may be held liable for any injuries, damages or losses suffered by the victim or their property.
Under Ohio law, the business owner has a legal duty to maintain a safe shopping environment for their customers, which includes identifying and addressing any hazardous conditions that could potentially cause an accident. The duty extends to both the interior and exterior of the business premises.
In case of a slip and fall accident, the victim may pursue legal action against the business owner under a theory of negligence. To establish negligence, the victim must prove that the business owner breached their legal duty to maintain a safe environment, and that the breach caused the accident and resulting injuries or damages.
The business owner may try to defend themselves by arguing that they were not aware of the hazardous condition or that the victim was partially or wholly responsible for their own injuries. However, these defenses may not necessarily absolve them of all liability, as Ohio also follows a comparative negligence doctrine, which allows for fault to be apportioned between the parties involved.
In other words, even if the victim was partially responsible for the accident, the business owner may still be held liable for the portion of the damages attributable to their own negligence.
It is important for business owners to take proactive steps to prevent slip and fall accidents, such as regular inspections of the premises, prompt cleanup of spills or other hazards and the installation of warning signs or barriers where appropriate. Maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage can also help mitigate potential liabilities.
In case of a slip and fall accident, the business owner should take immediate steps to address the victim's injuries and file a report of the incident with their insurance carrier. Seeking the advice of an experienced attorney can also be beneficial in assessing potential liabilities and developing a defense strategy, if necessary.
