Your Businesses is Liable for a Cracked Sidewalk

A step on a crack can break your business’ back. That’s not how the rhyme goes, but you could run into some problems if you do not attend to a damaged sidewalk outside of your business.

Your business’ parking lot, pathway, or sidewalk may have nothing to do with your operations, but if it is broken, you are increasing the risk of an accident for your customers and employees. This could lead to personal injury cases and potentially cripple your business financially.

Avoid these consequences by hiring K&E Flatwork LLC’s concrete repair services in Kansas City. Investing in fixing your sidewalk is more cost-efficient than the huge costs that can come from medical bills, legal fees, and other settlements injured parties demand. We  will cover how injuries impact your business and the key role of porosity and screed in concrete durability. You will find clear advice to manage risks and improve safety with commercial concrete services.Once you are done here – see our blog Who is Responsible for Sidewalk Repair in Kansas City!

Understanding Personal Injury and Kansas Law

Under Kansas’ personal injury law, a person may file a case against another person or entity whose negligence, actions, or inactions caused harm. If you leave your sidewalk broken, you may be ignoring the risks others face. If someone should trip on the cracks and procure injuries, they can prove your business’ negligence, and you might be liable for all their medical bills. If the injury caused emotional trauma or left the person incapable of earning, you may have to pay for other reparations.

Chapter 60 of the Kansas Statutes states that injured parties have two years to file a lawsuit. Non-economic damages such as emotional stress, pain, and suffering can range from $325,000 to $350,000. This does not include medical treatment, lost income, and other economic damages.

Kansas Law also uses a comparative fault rule. In some accidents, the injured party may be partially at fault. The court determines how much at fault they are and will subtract it from the amount you have to pay. If the injured person can prove your business is more than 50 percent at fault, you have to pay for the damages. However, if the court finds the injured party more than 50 percent at fault, it could prevent them from collecting any money.

Injured Employees and Compensation

If your employee trips on your sidewalk and it is not the first time someone got hurt because of it, or if many people have already brought the sidewalk’s risk to your attention and you didn’t act on it, you could be liable for failing to address a dangerous condition.

The safest action is to give the victims immediate medical attention, file a claim for insurance and worker’s compensation, then file and monitor an employee’s report of the incident.

If your employee accepts the workers’ compensation, they give up the right to sue for personal injury. However, if they feel like they will receive more compensation under a personal injury lawsuit, they may file a case against your negligence.

The same action applies when a customer trips on your sidewalk. Seek immediate medical attention and follow your company’s protocol on injuries. Collect evidence on the incident and inform your insurance company and your attorneys.

​​The Liability of Having a Cracked Sidewalk Outside of Your Business

A business owner faces potential liability when a sidewalk remains cracked, as the cost of leaving it unattended can lead to safety issues. The fractured pavement may harm a pedestrian, exposing the company to a lawsuit if injuries occur.

The appearance of the building suffers when the sidewalk has visible damage, affecting the overall aesthetics of the property. A poorly maintained walkway sends a message that the business overlooks details that matter to customers and local regulations.

A visitor may trip over the damaged pavement, increasing the risk of a lawsuit, which further adds to the overall cost of negligence. Legal proceedings may focus on the failure to remove hazards, turning minor issues into major problems.

Property managers must remove cracked surfaces promptly to avoid financial and legal repercussions. Timely repairs lead to improved aesthetics and safer conditions for every pedestrian passing by.

Read More on How to Detect Early Signs of Concrete Damage

Keep Your Business’ Sidewalk Safe

The company maintains its property with regular concrete inspections to ensure the concrete sidewalk remains safe and functional. Timely repairs help lower risks for passersby and employees.

Experts advise that any cracks in the concrete should prompt immediate repairs to prevent hazards. This approach secures the integrity of the property and reduces liability issues.

Site managers schedule routine checks around the yard to monitor potential damage on the concrete sidewalk. These steps guarantee a safe environment for both visitors and staff.

Professional contractors perform necessary repairs to sustain the quality of the concrete and safeguard the entire property. Consistent maintenance avoids accidents and strengthens the overall structure.

​​Why Investing in Commercial Concrete Services is a Smart Business Move

The benefits from investing in commercial concrete services to ensure smooth management of its operations. Regular service helps maintain concrete paving quality while using heavy equipment to prevent rust and cement degradation.

The maintenance team uses advanced heavy equipment to manage concrete paving projects efficiently. This method reduces the risk of rust issues and promotes long-term cement durability.

Maintenance management focuses on minimizing downtime by quickly addressing cement cracks and rust problems. This focus avoids expensive repairs and ensures concrete paving continues without interruption.

Commercial concrete services support overall business stability through expert management and precise use of heavy equipment. The approach guarantees that cement surfaces remain secure, free of rust, and optimal for concrete paving projects.

Contact us today for a free estimate.