Are Business Owners Personally Liable for Employee Injuries

When most people think about business liability, they think about the company being held liable for damages or injuries. However, in some cases, business owners can be held personally liable for employee injuries. The following instances explain whether the business owners are personally liable for employees’ injuries.

 Negligence

According to the Florida personal injury law firm Donaldson & Weston, when an employee is injured on the job, the first thing that is examined is whether or not the employer’s negligence caused the injury. The employer can be held liable for any resulting injuries if the injury resulted from the employer’s negligence. The employer would not be held liable if the employee was injured because they were not following safety protocol.

 Business Owner Creating a Hostile Environment

Creating a hostile work environment can lead to business owners being held personally liable for employee injuries. Harassment or discrimination at work leads employees to file lawsuits against the business owner. It is essential to be aware of the potential risks they can face when an employee is injured. This can include things like sexual harassment or discrimination.

 Breaching Duty of a Contract

Breaching the duty of a contract can be a reason for them to be answerable for employee injuries personally. This means that the employer did not take the necessary steps to ensure their employees were safe. They are held responsible for failing to provide employees with the proper safety equipment per Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

 Gross Negligence

The act of gross negligence leads a business owner out of business. This is when the employer has shown a complete disregard for the safety of their employees. An employer who knows about a hazardous condition at the workplace and does nothing to correct it should be held liable, supposing an employee is harmed as a result of the situation.

 Denial or Covering up of the Claims Made by the Employee

Denial or covering up an employee injury is the reason for being amenable. This is because they are trying to avoid responsibility for the injury and end up causing more harm to the employee. If an employee is injured at work and the employer cover up the incident, the employee can sue the firm and receive compensation for their injuries.

 Toxic Torts

Toxic torts are when the business owner is liable for injuries caused by exposure to hazardous materials. This includes things like lead paint or asbestos. Exposure to harmful substances the employee can cause serious health problems, and the employer can be held liable.

Awareness of products containing toxic substances and protecting employees from exposure helps avoid liability. It is significant for business owners to take the time to learn about what products may contain toxic substances and how to protect their employees.

Business owners must be aware of the potential risks they may face if an employee is injured. They should ensure their employees are safe and have the proper safety equipment. Business owners should make sure that their workplace is free from hazardous materials. If an employer takes these precautions, they can help avoid being held liable for employee injuries.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.