Summer brings sunshine, sandals—and a spike in slip-and-fall accidents. As crowds flock to pools, amusement parks, outdoor malls, and restaurants with patios, property owners and businesses need to stay vigilant.
Under North Carolina premises liability law, property owners and operators have a legal duty to keep their spaces reasonably safe for visitors. That means mopping up wet floors near pool decks, fixing uneven pavement, and clearly marking hazards like slick tile or poorly lit staircases. Failing to do so can lead to injury and costly lawsuits.
It’s not just obvious hazards that cause trouble. Think of spilled drinks at outdoor events, tripping hazards from extension cords powering summer music setups, or puddles from customers tracking water into stores near public splash pads. If an injury occurs because a property owner failed to address a foreseeable risk, they could be held liable.
The law makes clear that the owner/operator of a premises is not an insurer of customers’ safety and is not required to warn of obvious dangers or conditions of which the customer has equal or superior knowledge; however, staying ahead of the risk is always better than managing the fallout.
If you’re a business owner, now’s the time to revisit your summer safety checklist and make sure that your staff is fully aware of your policies for cleaning, maintenance, and reporting any accidents or injuries that may occur on the premises.
Finally, owners should notify their insurance companies about all potential personal injury claims. With the help of an experienced attorney, owner/operators can put themselves in the best position to investigate and defend the claim. Because no one’s summer should end in a cast—or in court.
