What Do I Do if Someone is Injured at My Business?
Accidents can occur at any time in any place. In some cases, an accident occurs when visitors to an establishment simply aren’t paying attention. There are instances where a hazard at the establishment caused the injury. There are steps to take when injuries like slips and falls, as an example, to follow when a work injury occurs.
Attend to the Injured Person
It is important to immediately attend to the injured person. If it is a serious injury, it is best to call 911 for immediate medical assistance. If the injury is not severe, offer to take the injured person to seek a medical evaluation yourself (a member in management or ownership).
Get information in regards to exactly how the accident occurred and make sure to get statements from any witnesses that saw what took place as well. This information is vital to have because it helps piece together what happened and where the danger was.
Complete an Incident Report
An incident report is usually required by every business following an injury. In the incident report, it is important to be as detailed with the information included as possible. Attempt to remember the actual timeline of events, who was there and explain how the injured visitor said the accident occurred. If there is video surveillance footage available, it is a good idea to view that as well.
Video surveillance footage can show if the guest really was injured by a fault or missed safety elements on the business’s end or if it was staged in an attempt to receive a large chunk of money. Any footage of the incident should be given directly to the company retained attorney. It will be reviewed and kept safe for use in future proceedings regarding the incident.
Determine Cause and Fault
Speak with the injured party within two days of the incident. It is important to get any missing details from them to complete the incident report. It also helps the company determine what went wrong and how to prevent it from occurring again.
Once the internal investigation of the matter is complete, the fault and cause should be apparent. If it appears that the guest fell or was injured intentionally from their own behaviors, it is important to document it and provide the necessary proof to the legal entities involved.
If the company is found to be at fault, it is important to work very quickly and politely to resolve the matter peacefully. Attention is likely to be drawn to the company through media outlets, social media or even court documents. It is important to maintain the company’s professional and friendly reputation during the process.
Contact the Company Retained Attorney
The company attorney should be contacted immediately after the incident report is completed. He or she should know what took place and that their services may be required as a personal injury claim may come about. The retained attorney should schedule an appointment with the business owner and any employees involved to gather ample information to support the company during any court proceedings that may take place.
It is best to have any entities representing the injured person contact the company attorney directly. Once it is determined that there will be a claim or request for settlement funds, all communications should be directed to the attorney to be handled in a professional way.
Injuries happen, and a company should always have the proper insurance coverage, funding and professional attitude to handle the situation. Businesses should complete weekly safety inspections and instill strict safety protocols to ensure guest and employee safety. Any breaches in safety policy can result in an injury.
