Slippery Business: How to Protect Your Store from Slip-and-Fall Claims
By Linda Buckton & Gina Seitz
Accidents happen – but when someone slips, trips, or falls on your property, the consequences can be costly. Convenience stores and carwashes are particularly prone to these incidents due to heavy foot traffic, wet conditions, and winter hazards. Protecting your business requires more than good intentions – it takes a solid risk management plan, quick action, and proper documentation.
In this article, we’ll explore a real-world scenario where a business was caught off guard by a slip-and-fall incident and share actionable tips to help you avoid similar pitfalls.
A Slip-and-Fall Case Study: What Went Wrong?
Imagine this: It’s a cold morning, and a customer pulls into a convenience store to grab a coffee. On the way back to their car, they slip on a patch of ice in the parking lot and suffer a severe ankle injury.
While the store had hired a snow removal company, there were no snow logs to prove when the area was last cleared or salted. Worse, the snow removal contract had vague wording about who was responsible for maintenance and documentation. With no solid defense, the store was forced to settle the claim – and its insurance premiums skyrocketed.
Liability 101: Are You at Risk?
- Assist the injured person and seek medical help if needed.
- Collect witness information and take statements from everyone involved.
- Photograph the area and, if possible, the injured person’s footwear.
- Document the incident thoroughly – every detail matters in case of a future claim.
- Contact your insurer immediately and refer any discussions with the injured party to them – never admit liability.
- Investigate the cause and take corrective action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Slip-and-fall incidents fall under occupiers’ liability laws, which require businesses to take reasonable care to ensure visitors are safe. Whether it’s a spill inside the store or a patch of ice
Was the hazard foreseeable?
Did the business act quickly to address the issue?
Is there proof of inspections and maintenance?
Without proper documentation and a clear maintenance routine, it becomes difficult to defend against claims – and you could be held legally liable.
The Cost of Not Being Prepared
The reality is that one slip-and-fall claim can disrupt your entire business. Not only can you face hefty legal fees and settlements, but your insurance premiums may also rise. In the case study above, the store’s lack of documentation weakened its defense, leading to an expensive payout and a damaged reputation.
By taking simple precautions – like regular maintenance, clear documentation, and winter planning – you can stay ahead of these risks. Prevention isn’t just good practice – it’s good business.
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Stay Smart
Slip-and-fall claims don’t have to be inevitable. By understanding your legal obligations and taking proactive steps, you can protect both your business and your customers. Invest in the right tools, maintain solid records, and be ready for winter challenges. When you combine good preparation with strong insurance coverage, you’re well on your way to avoiding accidents – and the headaches that come with them.
Linda Buckton, CIP, CRM, is a client executive in the Calgary office of BFL Canada Insurance Services Inc. Linda has been in the insurance industry for 20+ years at a commercial brokerage. Linda received her Chartered Insurance Professional designation in 2000 and also completed her Canadian Risk Management designation at the University of Calgary in 2002. She holds a Level 2 Agent license and is a Level 3 Adjuster in the Province of Alberta.
Gina Seitz is vice president, client executive with BFL Canada, Vancouver. She joined BFL Canada in 1989 when it operated under the name of Stewarts Insurance Services. She has worked in various areas of the organization that have included claims advocacy, management personal lines team and commercial lines insurance. She is currently working as part of the general industry commercial unit with her focus on client service in the health care industry.
