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What legal steps should I take if a customer is injured on my business premises in Pennsylvania?

As a lawyer, the legal steps you should take if a customer is injured on your business premises in Pennsylvania will depend on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the cause of the injury, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, generally, the steps you should take are as follows:

  1. Attend to the injured person: the first and most important step after an accident is to attend to the injured person and ensure they receive appropriate medical care. If necessary, call for emergency services, such as 911.
  2. Document the incident: once the injured customer has been attended to, document the incident by collecting relevant information, such as the names and contact information of witnesses, the date and time of the incident, and photographs of the scene and the injury.
  3. Notify insurance: you should notify your insurance company of the incident as soon as possible. Most business insurance policies cover incidents such as slip and falls, and you may be able to receive compensation for the customer's injuries and other damages.
  4. Preserve evidence: preserve any evidence related to the incident, such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and safety inspection records. This evidence may be critical in determining liability and evaluating the customer's claim.
  5. Consult an attorney: it is advisable to consult an experienced personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania to evaluate your potential liability and help you navigate the legal process. Your attorney can also advise you on any specific legal requirements or limitations related to your business.

Additionally, you should be aware that Pennsylvania follows the comparative negligence doctrine, which means that both the injured customer and the business owner can be held partially responsible for the incident based on their respective level of fault. Therefore, it is essential to avoid undue admission of fault and to gather evidence to support your defense.

In summary, if a customer is injured on your business premises in Pennsylvania, you should attend to the injured person, document the incident, notify your insurance, preserve evidence, and consult an experienced personal injury attorney.