How to Protect Your Business from a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you run a small business, dealing with a personal injury lawsuit can severely damage your operation. On top of the legal fees you will have to pay out, a lawsuit can ruin your reputation and expose your company to further loss of revenue.
Keeping employees safe and happy at work should be your top priority, so here are a few ways to protect your business from a personal injury lawsuit.
Be Vigilant
To reduce the risk of any injuries occurring in your workplace, it’s vital that you are vigilant from the start. As a business owner, you are responsible for the health and wellbeing of your team, so providing a legal duty of care and making sure that your premises is safe and secure should be your first step. Make sure that you examine every square inch of your workplace and be on the lookout for possible hazards. Whether it’s loose tiles or bunched carpet, identifying hazards and solving the problem will reduce the risk of a personal injury lawsuit.
Be Organized
A clean work environment will significantly reduce the risk of accidents occurring, so having organizational skills is a must for business owners. Getting rid of clutter, using clear signage, preventing and managing spills, and managing electrical cords are extra precautionary measures that you should take to keep employees safe and secure in the workplace.
Get Insurance
No matter the size of your company, it’s important that you take out general liability insurance. As attorney Brian White advises, “As one of the best ways to protect your business from a personal injury lawsuit, not having general liability insurance will put your business at risk. So you are aware of all the inclusions, make sure that you review your policy on a yearly basis, and find the best provider on the market.”
Train and Educate Your Team
Workplace safety should be at the forefront of your mind, so training your employees on how to stay safe and protected is essential. If your team needs to use high-powered equipment, they will need to be trained on how the machinery works. Employees should also complete first aid training, so they know what steps to take should an accident occur in the workplace. Communication is key, so holding regular meetings with your team can be a good chance to discuss health and safety issues.
Manage an Accident Well
A company that looks after its team is less likely to get sued. Should an accident occur in your workplace, it’s important that you manage the situation well. When an emergency strikes, there are several steps to take, such as asking someone to record the event and getting contact numbers. You will also need to hire a personal injury lawyer, who can advise you on what steps to take.
Accidents can and do occur in the workplace, so following all the guidance above and taking precautionary measures will minimize the risk of a personal injury lawsuit for your business.
