What is premises liability?

All property owners are responsible for taking reasonable steps to ensure that their property is safe. For a homeowner, this liability can extend to such measures as keeping pathways free from snow and ice, displaying warnings of any unusually dangerous areas or items of equipment on the premises, and generally keeping the property safe for visitors. For a businessperson, this duty is even greater. If you have a business in which customers come to the premises, the law regards customers as invitees, and as such they have the right to expect a reasonable degree of safety and accident prevention. It's the business owner's responsibility to warn visitors or customers of any possible dangers, such as wet floors, or potentially dangerous equipment or machinery, and to be meticulous regarding general safety and maintenance. As the owner of business premises, you're expected to take particular care in this area, protecting yourself from possible accidents on your property with liability insurance. Your liability insurance generally covers attorney fees, actual expenses, and compensatory damages to any accident victim.