What legal steps should I take if a customer is injured on my property in California?

If a customer is injured on your property in California, here are the legal steps you should take:

1. Get medical help for the injured customer immediately. Call 911 if necessary.
2. Document the incident by taking pictures and writing down the details of what happened. Ensure that you have taken note of the date and time of the incident, the exact location of the incident on your property, the nature of the injury sustained, the medical attention that was provided, the name and contact information of the injured customer, and any witnesses present.
3. Preserve any evidence related to the incident, such as CCTV footage, and do not alter or destroy any relevant information or records.
4. Notify your insurance company about the incident as soon as possible, even if the injured customer does not intend to file a claim. Be forthright and provide all the details that you have on the incident. Failure to do so may forfeit your insurance policy coverage in case of litigation.
5. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who has expertise in premises liability cases. They will help you understand your rights and obligations in this type of situation, as well as evaluate your potential liability exposure.
6. Mitigate any additional harm by repairing and remedying any dangerous harm or hazardous condition that may lead to similar future accidents.

In California, businesses have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their customers while they are on their premises. This duty requires businesses to maintain reasonably safe conditions, to warn customers of potential hazards, and to take steps to prevent foreseeable harm. In case of non-compliance, injured customers may pursue legal action against the business to recover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, California law recognizes that some customers may bear partial or full responsibility for their own injuries if they were engaged in reckless or careless behavior. Therefore, the amount of compensation an injured customer is entitled to receive may be reduced if they are found to be partially or fully responsible for their own injuries. Further, under some circumstances, the amount of compensation an injured customer is entitled to may be limited by law such as cap on damages or exceptions to strict liability.

Keep in mind that each case is unique, and the advice above is a general guideline, as the application of the law could vary depending on the specific facts of the case. Therefore, if you find yourself in such a situation, it is always advisable to consult with a lawyer who can advise you on your specific case.