Summary
- Businesses must take steps to prevent slip-and-falls, which can lead to severe injuries and, in some cases, tragedies.
- Minnesota law mandates property owners to take reasonable steps to keep patrons safe.
- Specific steps include posting warning signs, promptly cleaning spills, installing slip-resistant slowing, and others.
- A slip-and-fall lawyer can help you obtain compensation if you suffered an injury due to the negligence of a business.
Like other states, businesses in Minnesota have a responsibility to prevent slip-and-falls in their stores. They could face a premises liability lawsuit when they fail to uphold that responsibility. Injury victims trust the places they go to shop are safe. They deserve equitable compensation when they suffer an injury due to a company’s negligence.
The Minnesota slip-and-fall attorneys with Sand Law will be here to help if you’ve been hurt due to a business’s failure to keep you safe. Please schedule a free consultation by calling 651-291-7263 or contacting us online.
Minnesota Businesses Must Make an Effort to Prevent Slip and Falls to Keep Customers Safe
Researchers estimate that falls cause nearly 40% of all brain injuries in Minnesota yearly. They account for nearly 50% of hospitalizations in our state and are the leading cause of emergency room visits.
Preventing slip-and-fall accidents is a critical responsibility for businesses operating in Minnesota, as such incidents can lead to injuries and personal injury lawsuits. Under Minnesota premises liability laws, businesses must maintain safe premises and protect customers from falling hazards.
Minnesota premises liability laws outline the responsibilities of businesses in maintaining safe conditions for customers and visitors. These laws require businesses to implement various measures to mitigate the risk of slip-and-fall accidents and ensure patrons’ well-being.
Generally, the manager or owner of a place open to the public must take reasonable steps to keep their store and premises safe. They must warn patrons of dangerous conditions when they cause those conditions or know (or should have known) they exist.
How Minnesota Businesses Can Prevent Slip and Falls
These are some of the specific steps businesses must take to protect their customers and employees from injury, as well as shield themselves from potential liability.
Keep Areas Free of Dangers
One of the primary steps businesses must take to prevent slip-and-falls is to keep their premises clean and free of hazards that could contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. This includes maintaining their buildings as well as their parking lots to prevent slip-and-falls. They must promptly address any hazardous conditions that could harm customers, such as spills and wet floors. Failure to do so can result in legal liability if a slip-and-fall accident occurs due to negligence.
Warn Customers About Spills, Uneven Flooring, and Other Safety Issues
Businesses must also use caution signs to alert customers to potential hazards such as wet floors or recently cleaned areas. Caution signs serve as visual cues to patrons, warning them to exercise caution and navigate the premises carefully.
Install Drainage Systems
Businesses must have proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation, particularly in areas prone to spills or moisture. Proper drainage helps prevent puddles and standing water, creating slippery surfaces and increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.
Conduct Inspections
Property owners must regularly inspect their premises to identify and address any hazards that could contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. Slip-and-falls occur year-round, not just during the winter when melting snow and ice create dangerous conditions.
Inspections should include identifying uneven flooring, loose carpets or mats, and other obstacles that could pose a tripping hazard. Doing so allows them to proactively identify potential dangers and take corrective action before accidents occur.
Maintain Proper Lighting
In addition to maintaining clean and hazard-free floors, businesses must provide adequate lighting throughout their premises. Proper lighting helps customers see potential hazards and reduces the risk of tripping or slipping in poorly lit areas. Businesses must ensure that all walkways, entrances, and staircases are well-lit to reduce the risk of accidents.
Install Slip-Resistant Flooring
Slip-resistant flooring helps improve traction and reduces the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas where spills are more common. By installing slip-resistant flooring, businesses can create a safer environment for customers and minimize the risk of accidents caused by slippery surfaces.
Educate Employees on How to Prevent Slip and Falls
Businesses should educate employees on proper safety protocols to prevent slip-and-falls. This includes training staff to respond quickly to spills, using caution signs effectively, and maintaining clean and safe premises. Employee training is critical to maintaining safe premises and ensuring compliance with Minnesota laws.
How a Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation
If you suffer an injury in a slip-and-fall accident due to negligence, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer immediately. An attorney can provide invaluable assistance to help you obtain compensation for your injuries and related damages.
A slip-and-fall accident lawyer can investigate the accident and obtain evidence for your slip-and-fall claim. They can also negotiate with the business or its insurance company to seek compensation for damages. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses incurred due to the accident.
Skilled attorneys are well-versed in Minnesota premises liability laws. They can navigate the legal process on behalf of their clients, protecting their rights and working to help them receive fair compensation.
Sand Law’s Slip and Fall Attorneys are Ready to Advocate For Your Rights
The personal injury attorneys with Sand Law have a thorough understanding of premises liability law, and what businesses must do to prevent slip-and-falls. We also have the skills and experience to help you get the money you deserve. Please use our online form or call 651-291-7263 for a free case review. We are happy to answer any slip-and-fall questions you may have, as well as explain what our services can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal implications for businesses if they fail to implement proper safety measures to prevent slip and fall accidents?
Businesses may face legal liability for any injuries sustained by patrons or employees due to the company’s negligence. This could result in costly personal injury lawsuits, financial penalties, and damage to the business’s reputation.
How can businesses effectively train employees on proper safety protocols for preventing slip and fall accidents?
Businesses can train employees through formal training sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and regular safety meetings. Providing clear guidelines, instructional materials, and opportunities for practice can help ensure that employees understand and adhere to proper safety protocols.
What are some common defenses that businesses may use in slip and fall injury lawsuits, and how can a personal injury lawyer counter these defenses?
Some common defenses insurance carriers may use include arguing that the injured party was partially or wholly responsible for their own injuries due to negligence or failure to exercise caution. A personal injury lawyer can counter these defenses by gathering evidence to demonstrate the business’s negligence, such as inadequate maintenance or failure to warn of hazards.
Lawyers can also leverage legal precedents and expert testimony to refute claims of contributory negligence and hold businesses accountable for their actions.