Customer Slip or Fall? A Small Business Incident Record Checklist

Attend to the person and the hazard

At a Bargersville shop, office, or service location, first arrange appropriate medical or emergency help. Secure a spill, loose mat, icy walkway, or other apparent hazard so no one else is hurt. Follow the business’s incident procedures and avoid speculating about injury, fault, or payment while facts are still being gathered.

Write down facts while they are fresh

Record the date, time, exact location, weather if relevant, what staff observed, the condition of the area, and any immediate steps taken. Identify witnesses and preserve available photos or video under the business’s retention policy. Keep cleaning logs, inspection records, maintenance requests, and contractor communications. Protect customer privacy and share sensitive records only with appropriate people.

Notify the appropriate insurer promptly

Ask your agent or claims representative how and when to report an incident under the general liability policy, even if the customer has not yet made a demand. Review the policy’s notice duties, limits, medical payments provision if included, and how legal papers should be handled. A report is not an admission of fault or a guarantee of payment; actual coverage and liability depend on the policy and facts.

Review prevention and lease responsibilities

Assign routine floor and entrance checks, document repairs, and review who maintains shared walkways under the lease. Our storefront lease insurance checklist covers related responsibility questions. Browse the Small Business Insurance archive, then discuss your premises, operations, and liability limits with Jennifer Dammeier Agency.

The Jennifer Dammeier Agency serves Bargersville and nearby Johnson County communities. Contact Jennifer Dammeier American Family Insurance with your current policy and details of your situation to discuss available options.

This article provides general educational information, not individualized insurance, legal, or tax advice. Coverage, availability, limits, exclusions, and claims depend on the policy and insurer. Review your documents with a licensed agent and consult other qualified advisors as needed.