Even under the present circumstances, people in the Goldsboro area are going to venture out from time to time to get groceries and do other businesses that just cannot be done from the comfort of one’s home.
When they do so, they have every right to expect that the businesses that the frequent will be safe for them.
Indeed, it is the law in North Carolina that business owners must take reasonable care to prevent their customers and other guests from slips or trips and falls. If they fail to do so, then injured victims can seek compensation through a premises liability case.
Many slips and falls at retail establishments and other businesses are entirely preventable.
For instance, most owners should recognize that their floor can get wet. This can happen on a rainy day when customers track in water at the entrances of a store. Spills or leaks can also cause a wet floor. Obviously, recently mopped or waxed floors will also be slick.
An owner can prevent these hazards simply by keeping floors clean and dry. If necessary, they can also rope off an area or put up a visible warning sign.
On a related point, floors or parking lots that are uneven, out of repair or that have obstructions can cause a person to trip. Owners should not have to take too much time to inspect their surfaces regularly and keep them smooth, clear and in good repair.
Finally, many slips happen because of inadequate lighting which makes it hard for people to see where they are going. A business must keep their lighting on and in good working order.
