General liability insurance is essential for protecting businesses from various claims and liabilities. Understanding the most common types of claims and how to prevent them can help safeguard your business from potential financial losses.
Ways to Manage Common General Liability Claims 
- Slip-and-fall claims—Slip-and-fall incidents are among the most frequent general liability claims. These occur when someone is injured due to hazardous conditions on your business premises, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces. To prevent these claims, regularly inspect your premises for potential hazards, promptly address any risks and post visible warning signs when immediate action cannot be taken. Training staff to recognize and report these risks can also help reduce accidents.
- Third-party property damage—This type of claim arises when your business accidentally damages someone else’s property. For example, this could include damaging a client’s belongings while working on-site or breaking equipment in a rented space. Preventing these claims involves training employees on proper handling techniques for equipment and machinery, implementing safety guidelines for off-site work, and conducting thorough assessments of tools and equipment before and after use.
- Personal and advertising injury—Personal and advertising injury claims can result from accusations of defamation, copyright infringement or misrepresentation in advertising. To avoid these claims, exercise caution with all marketing and advertising materials. Verify that images, slogans and other content used are either original or fully licensed. Avoid making statements that could be perceived as negative toward competitors, and consult with legal experts if you have questions about the language used in advertisements.
- Products-completed operations claims—These claims occur when a completed product injures a customer or a service your business provided causes harm. This type of liability often affects businesses involved in manufacturing, construction or installation services. Preventing these claims requires implementing a strict quality control process for all products and services, verifying they meet safety standards before reaching customers.
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For general liability insurance near you, contact Arches Insurance.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.