Skip to content
Ask a question
All posts

What legal steps can I take as a business owner in Pennsylvania to protect myself from liability in case of an accident on my property?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As a business owner in Pennsylvania, there are several legal steps you can take to protect yourself from liability in case of an accident on your property. Here are some key steps you can take:

  1. Obtain Adequate Insurance Coverage: One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from liability is to obtain adequate insurance coverage. You should consider a comprehensive general liability policy that will cover any injuries that occur on your property.
  2. Implement Safety Measures: You can also implement reasonable safety measures on your property to reduce the risk of accidents. For example, you could ensure that your walkways are clear of debris, fix any broken stairs or handrails, and mark any hazards with warning signs.
  3. Conduct Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your property for potential hazards and promptly address any issues you identify. By regularly inspecting your property, you can prevent accidents before they occur and demonstrate that you take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of your customers and employees.
  4. Require Waivers or Indemnification Agreements: Depending on the nature of your business, you may also consider requiring customers, vendors or other visitors to your property to sign a waiver or indemnification agreement. These agreements can protect you from liability by shifting the responsibility for any injuries that occur onto the person who signed the agreement.
  5. Consult with a Lawyer: Finally, you may want to consult with a lawyer to ensure that you are taking all necessary steps to protect yourself from liability. A lawyer can help you identify any specific legal issues related to your business and provide guidance on the steps you should take to minimize your legal risk.

It's important to note that these steps are not foolproof and may not completely protect you from all liability in the event of an accident. However, by taking these steps, you can greatly reduce your risk of being held liable for injuries that occur on your property.