General liability business insurance sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail and brimming with originality from the outset. This essential coverage provides a financial safety net for businesses, shielding them from the unexpected costs of accidents, injuries, and property damage.
Whether you’re a small startup or a well-established enterprise, general liability insurance can help you navigate the complexities of the business world with greater confidence. It offers peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable resource to help manage the risks that come with operating a business.
What is General Liability Business Insurance?
General liability business insurance is a crucial component of risk management for businesses of all sizes. It provides financial protection against claims arising from bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury caused by your business’s operations or products.
In essence, it acts as a safety net, shielding your business from significant financial losses in the event of an unexpected incident.
Types of Risks Covered
General liability insurance offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of risks, including:
- Bodily Injury: This covers injuries sustained by third parties on your property or as a result of your business operations. Examples include slips and falls, accidents involving your employees, or injuries caused by your products.
- Property Damage: This covers damage to the property of others caused by your business or your employees. For instance, if a customer trips and damages your display, or your employee accidentally damages a client’s equipment, this insurance would cover the costs.
- Personal and Advertising Injury: This covers claims arising from libel, slander, copyright infringement, or other forms of defamation. It also covers claims related to false advertising or unfair business practices.
Common Scenarios Where General Liability Insurance is Beneficial
General liability insurance proves valuable in numerous situations, safeguarding your business from potential financial setbacks. Some common scenarios where this insurance would be beneficial include:
- A customer slips and falls on your property: This could result in a lawsuit for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Your employee accidentally damages a client’s property: This could lead to claims for repairs or replacement costs.
- Your business is accused of copyright infringement: This could result in expensive legal fees and settlements.
- A customer suffers an injury due to a defective product: This could lead to a product liability lawsuit, potentially causing significant financial losses.
Key Components of General Liability Business Insurance
General liability insurance is a critical component of risk management for many businesses. It provides financial protection against a wide range of potential liabilities, offering peace of mind and safeguarding your financial well-being. This coverage extends to various aspects of your business operations, encompassing potential claims arising from bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury.
Understanding the key components of this insurance is essential for ensuring adequate coverage and managing your business risks effectively.
Bodily Injury
Bodily injury coverage is a fundamental aspect of general liability insurance, providing financial protection against claims arising from injuries sustained by third parties on your business premises or as a result of your business operations. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.This coverage typically has limits, which represent the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a single incident or over the policy period.
The limits can vary significantly depending on the nature of your business, the level of risk involved, and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.Exclusions from bodily injury coverage can include intentional acts, injuries caused by employees while performing their duties, and injuries arising from specific activities like racing or aviation.
It’s crucial to review the policy details carefully to understand the specific exclusions that apply to your business.
Property Damage
Property damage coverage is another essential component of general liability insurance, providing financial protection against claims arising from damage to the property of third parties caused by your business operations. It covers the cost of repairs or replacement, as well as any loss of use.Similar to bodily injury coverage, property damage coverage also has limits and exclusions.
The limits determine the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a single incident or over the policy period. Exclusions may include intentional acts, damage caused by employees while performing their duties, and damage to property owned by the insured.
Personal Injury
Personal injury coverage is an extension of general liability insurance, offering financial protection against claims arising from non-physical injuries to third parties. This coverage encompasses situations like libel, slander, false arrest, and wrongful eviction.The limits and exclusions for personal injury coverage are similar to those for bodily injury and property damage coverage.
The policy will specify the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a single incident or over the policy period. Exclusions may include intentional acts, injuries caused by employees while performing their duties, and injuries arising from specific activities like racing or aviation.
Advertising Injury
Advertising injury coverage provides financial protection against claims arising from injuries to third parties caused by your business’s advertising or marketing activities. This coverage includes claims for libel, slander, copyright infringement, and misappropriation of advertising ideas.Advertising injury coverage typically has limits and exclusions similar to other coverage components.
The limits determine the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a single incident or over the policy period. Exclusions may include intentional acts, injuries caused by employees while performing their duties, and injuries arising from specific activities like racing or aviation.
Deductibles and Premiums
Deductibles are a key aspect of general liability insurance. They represent the amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket before the insurance company begins to cover the costs of a claim. A higher deductible generally results in lower premiums, while a lower deductible leads to higher premiums.Premiums are the regular payments you make to the insurance company in exchange for coverage.
The premium amount is determined by several factors, including the nature of your business, the level of risk involved, your past claims history, and the amount of coverage you choose.The relationship between deductibles and premiums is inversely proportional.
A higher deductible means lower premiums, while a lower deductible means higher premiums.
This relationship allows you to customize your policy to meet your specific needs and budget.
Benefits of General Liability Business Insurance
General liability insurance offers a wide range of benefits for businesses of all sizes. It provides financial protection against lawsuits and claims, helps maintain a positive reputation and customer trust, and can even assist businesses in recovering from unforeseen incidents.
Financial Protection Against Lawsuits and Claims
General liability insurance acts as a financial safety net, protecting your business from the potentially devastating financial consequences of lawsuits and claims. It covers legal expenses, settlements, and judgments arising from various incidents, including:
- Bodily injury:This covers injuries to individuals caused by your business operations or products, such as a customer slipping and falling on your premises.
- Property damage:This covers damage to property owned by others, such as a fire caused by faulty wiring in your building.
- Advertising injury:This covers claims related to libel, slander, copyright infringement, or other forms of advertising-related harm.
- Personal injury:This covers claims for emotional distress, defamation, or other non-physical injuries.
Maintaining a Positive Reputation and Customer Trust
A lawsuit or claim against your business can severely damage your reputation and erode customer trust. General liability insurance helps mitigate these risks by:
- Providing legal representation:Your insurance company will provide legal representation to defend your business against claims, ensuring that you have experienced legal counsel to navigate the complex legal system.
- Protecting your financial resources:By covering legal costs and settlements, general liability insurance helps safeguard your business’s financial resources, allowing you to focus on running your operations.
- Demonstrating commitment to safety:Having general liability insurance shows your customers and stakeholders that you are committed to safety and are taking steps to protect them.
Examples of General Liability Insurance Helping Businesses Recover, General liability business insurance
Here are some examples of how general liability insurance has helped businesses recover from incidents:
- A restaurant owner was sued by a customer who slipped and fell on a wet floor.The general liability insurance covered the legal expenses and the settlement amount, preventing the owner from facing significant financial hardship.
- A construction company was held liable for damage to a neighboring property during a renovation project.General liability insurance covered the costs of repairing the damage, allowing the company to avoid significant financial losses.
- A retail store was accused of copyright infringement for using an image without permission.General liability insurance covered the legal fees and settlement costs, protecting the store from a potentially costly lawsuit.
Who Needs General Liability Business Insurance?
General liability insurance is essential for many businesses, offering protection against a wide range of risks. Determining whether you need this coverage involves considering several factors, including your industry, business size, and potential risk exposure.
Types of Businesses That Should Consider General Liability Insurance
Many types of businesses can benefit from general liability insurance, particularly those with a high risk of facing lawsuits. Here are some examples of businesses that should consider this coverage:
- Service businesses:These businesses often interact directly with customers and may be exposed to liability claims for property damage or bodily injury. Examples include:
- Contractors
- Consultants
- Home healthcare providers
- Cleaning services
- Landscapers
- Retail businesses:Retail stores can face liability claims due to customer accidents or product defects. Examples include:
- Grocery stores
- Clothing boutiques
- Hardware stores
- Bookstores
- Jewelry stores
- Restaurants and bars:These businesses face liability risks due to customer injuries, food poisoning, or alcohol-related incidents.
- Manufacturing and industrial businesses:These businesses are often involved in hazardous activities and may face liability claims due to workplace accidents or product defects.
- Professional service providers:Professionals like lawyers, doctors, accountants, and architects can face liability claims for negligence or errors in their work.
- Non-profit organizations:Even non-profit organizations can be sued for negligence or property damage.
Factors That Influence the Need for General Liability Insurance
The need for general liability insurance can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Industry:Certain industries, like construction or healthcare, have a higher risk of liability claims than others.
- Business size:Larger businesses with more employees and customers typically have a greater risk of liability claims.
- Risk exposure:Businesses that handle hazardous materials, operate in high-traffic areas, or offer services that involve physical interaction with customers have a higher risk exposure.
- Legal requirements:Some states or municipalities require certain types of businesses to have general liability insurance.
Businesses Typically Required to Have General Liability Insurance
Some businesses are required to have general liability insurance by law or by their contracts with clients or landlords. These businesses often include:
- Contractors:Many construction and renovation projects require contractors to have general liability insurance to protect the property owner from potential liability.
- Event planners:Event planners often need general liability insurance to cover any accidents or injuries that may occur during an event.
- Landlords:Landlords may require their tenants to have general liability insurance to protect themselves from liability claims related to the tenant’s activities.
- Businesses operating in high-risk environments:Businesses operating in industries like manufacturing, construction, or transportation may be required to have general liability insurance to comply with safety regulations.
Understanding Policy Language and Exclusions
While you might not enjoy reading through legalese, understanding your general liability insurance policy language is crucial. It’s your guide to knowing what’s covered and what’s not, preventing surprises when you need to file a claim.
Common Exclusions and Limitations
Insurance policies are designed to cover specific risks, and they often have exclusions that limit coverage. These exclusions are clearly Artikeld in the policy language. It’s essential to review these exclusions carefully to understand what situations might not be covered by your policy.
- Intentional Acts:Most general liability policies won’t cover claims arising from intentional acts, such as assault or fraud. This means if you intentionally cause harm to someone or their property, your policy likely won’t provide coverage.
- Employee-Related Claims:While general liability insurance can cover some employee-related claims, such as negligence, it typically excludes claims related to worker’s compensation. For example, if an employee is injured on the job, you would need separate worker’s compensation insurance to cover their medical expenses and lost wages.
- Environmental Damage:General liability policies often exclude environmental damage, such as pollution or contamination. If your business activities cause environmental harm, you may need to purchase separate environmental liability insurance.
- Contractual Liability:Most general liability policies won’t cover liability assumed through contracts. For example, if you agree in a contract to be responsible for another party’s negligence, your general liability policy likely won’t cover those liabilities.
Examples of Exclusions
Here are some specific scenarios where certain claims might not be covered by your general liability policy:
- Product Liability:Imagine you sell a product that causes harm due to a manufacturing defect. If you’re aware of the defect and fail to warn customers, your policy likely won’t cover the resulting claims.
- Professional Liability:Let’s say you’re a financial advisor and provide investment advice that leads to a client’s financial losses. General liability insurance typically excludes professional liability, so you’d need a separate professional liability policy to cover such claims.
- Property Damage to Your Own Business:If your business property is damaged due to a fire or other incident, general liability insurance won’t cover the repairs or replacements. You’d need a separate property insurance policy to cover these losses.
How to Obtain General Liability Business Insurance
Securing general liability business insurance is a straightforward process that involves gathering information, comparing quotes, and making an informed decision. This section will guide you through the steps involved in obtaining this essential coverage.
Obtaining Quotes and Comparing Providers
To obtain quotes for general liability insurance, you will need to provide information about your business, including its type, size, location, and the nature of your operations. You can request quotes directly from insurance companies or through an insurance broker.
- Directly Contacting Insurance Companies:This approach allows you to compare quotes from different insurers and understand their specific coverage offerings. You can find a list of insurance companies online or through industry directories.
- Working with an Insurance Broker:Insurance brokers act as intermediaries between you and insurance companies. They can help you compare quotes from multiple insurers and find the best policy for your needs. Brokers often have access to a wider range of insurance products and can provide valuable advice on choosing the right coverage.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Policy
Once you have received quotes from several insurers, you need to carefully compare the policies and consider factors such as:
- Coverage Limits:Coverage limits refer to the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay for a covered claim. It is essential to choose limits that adequately protect your business from financial losses.
- Premiums:Premiums are the monthly or annual payments you make for the insurance policy. When comparing premiums, consider the coverage limits and the insurer’s reputation.
- Reputation of the Insurer:Choose an insurer with a strong financial rating and a history of fair claims handling. You can find this information through independent rating agencies like A.M. Best or Standard & Poor’s.
- Policy Exclusions:Pay close attention to the policy’s exclusions, which specify events or situations that are not covered. Ensure the policy covers your specific business risks.
Seeking Advice from an Insurance Broker or Agent
Insurance brokers and agents can provide valuable guidance throughout the insurance-buying process. They can:
- Assess your insurance needs:They can help you identify the specific risks your business faces and recommend the appropriate coverage.
- Compare quotes and policies:They can help you compare quotes from different insurers and understand the nuances of each policy.
- Negotiate coverage terms:They can help you negotiate better coverage terms and premiums.
- Assist with claims processing:They can assist you with filing claims and navigating the claims process.
Managing Risk and Minimizing Liability
General liability insurance is a valuable tool for businesses, but it’s not a magic bullet. Proactive risk management strategies are essential for minimizing liability exposure and keeping insurance premiums affordable. By taking steps to prevent accidents and incidents, businesses can reduce the likelihood of claims and potentially lower their insurance costs.
Strategies for Mitigating Potential Risks
Implementing proactive risk management strategies is crucial for minimizing liability exposure. Businesses can reduce the likelihood of claims and potentially lower their insurance costs by taking steps to prevent accidents and incidents.
- Conduct regular safety inspections:Identify potential hazards and address them promptly. This includes inspecting workplaces, equipment, and facilities for potential hazards, such as slippery floors, faulty wiring, or inadequate lighting.
- Train employees on safety protocols:Ensure that all employees are aware of and follow proper safety procedures. This can include training on topics such as fire safety, first aid, and the safe use of equipment.
- Implement a strong safety culture:Encourage employees to report hazards and near misses. This involves creating a workplace culture where safety is prioritized and employees feel comfortable reporting any potential hazards or near misses.
- Maintain proper documentation:Keep detailed records of safety inspections, training, and incident reports. This documentation can be crucial in defending against claims and demonstrating due diligence.
- Review and update policies:Regularly review and update safety policies and procedures to ensure they are current and effective. This includes policies related to workplace safety, customer service, and product liability.
Examples of Proactive Measures
Here are some examples of proactive measures businesses can take to reduce the likelihood of claims:
- Install slip-resistant flooring in high-traffic areas:This can help prevent falls and injuries, especially in areas where spills or wet surfaces are common.
- Provide adequate lighting in parking lots and walkways:This can reduce the risk of tripping or falling, especially at night.
- Use caution signs and barriers to warn of potential hazards:This can help prevent accidents by alerting people to potential dangers, such as construction zones or uneven surfaces.
- Regularly maintain equipment and machinery:This can help prevent malfunctions and accidents, especially in industries that use heavy equipment or machinery.
- Provide training on customer service best practices:This can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes that could lead to claims.
Role of Risk Management in Affordable Insurance Premiums
Risk management practices play a crucial role in keeping insurance premiums affordable. By demonstrating a commitment to safety and risk mitigation, businesses can signal to insurers that they are a lower-risk investment. This can lead to lower premiums and more favorable insurance terms.
“Insurance premiums are often based on a company’s risk profile. By implementing strong risk management practices, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to safety and reduce their overall risk, which can lead to lower premiums.”
The Importance of Maintaining Proper Documentation
Maintaining proper documentation is crucial for businesses seeking to protect themselves from potential liability. This involves keeping accurate records of incidents, claims, and policy information. Thorough documentation helps streamline the claims process and provides evidence to support coverage decisions.
Documentation and the Claims Process
Documentation plays a critical role in the claims process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. When an incident occurs, comprehensive records can help establish the details of the event, the parties involved, and any potential liability. This information is essential for insurance companies to assess the claim and determine coverage.
Accurate documentation can significantly reduce the time and effort required to process a claim, leading to faster payouts and a more positive experience for the insured.
Essential Documents for Insurance Purposes
Maintaining a variety of essential documents is crucial for insurance purposes. These documents provide a detailed record of business operations, policies, and any potential risks.
- Incident Reports:Detailed accounts of all incidents, including accidents, injuries, property damage, and any other events that could lead to a claim. These reports should include dates, times, locations, descriptions of the incident, and the names of individuals involved.
- Claim Files:Comprehensive records of all claims filed, including correspondence with insurance companies, claim numbers, dates of filing, and details of the incident. This documentation serves as a complete history of each claim and can be valuable in the event of future disputes.
- Policy Documents:Copies of all insurance policies, including declarations pages, endorsements, and any other relevant documentation. This ensures that the insured understands their coverage and can easily access policy information when needed.
- Safety Records:Documentation of safety procedures, training records, and any safety inspections conducted. This demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and can help mitigate potential liability.
- Employee Records:Information related to employee hiring, training, and performance, including job descriptions, training certificates, and any documentation related to workplace injuries or illnesses. This is essential for addressing potential liability related to employee accidents or health issues.
The Role of Insurance Brokers and Agents
Navigating the complex world of general liability insurance can be challenging, especially for businesses that lack experience in insurance matters. This is where insurance brokers and agents come in, acting as invaluable intermediaries between businesses and insurance companies. They offer a range of services that can simplify the process, help businesses find the right coverage, and ensure they get the best possible value for their investment.
Benefits of Working with Insurance Brokers and Agents
Insurance brokers and agents provide numerous benefits that can significantly impact a business’s insurance strategy and overall financial well-being.
- Expertise and Knowledge:Insurance brokers and agents possess extensive knowledge of the insurance market, including different types of coverage, policy terms, and industry best practices. They can leverage this expertise to guide businesses towards the most suitable insurance solutions, considering their specific needs and risk profiles.
- Access to Multiple Insurers:Unlike businesses that directly approach individual insurers, brokers and agents have access to a wide network of insurance companies. This allows them to compare quotes and policy terms from various insurers, ensuring businesses receive competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options.
- Personalized Service:Insurance brokers and agents take a personalized approach, understanding the unique needs and circumstances of each business. They act as advocates for their clients, negotiating with insurers on their behalf to secure favorable terms and conditions.
- Risk Assessment and Management:Brokers and agents can conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential liabilities and vulnerabilities within a business. They can then recommend strategies for mitigating these risks, helping businesses minimize their exposure to potential claims and financial losses.
- Claims Assistance:In the unfortunate event of a claim, insurance brokers and agents can provide invaluable assistance. They can guide businesses through the claims process, ensuring proper documentation, communication with insurers, and timely resolution of claims.
How Brokers and Agents Help Businesses Find the Right Coverage
Insurance brokers and agents play a crucial role in helping businesses find the right general liability insurance coverage. They can:
- Conduct a Comprehensive Needs Assessment:Brokers and agents will ask detailed questions about a business’s operations, industry, and potential risks to understand its specific insurance needs. This helps them identify the appropriate coverage levels and policy features.
- Compare Quotes and Policy Terms:By accessing a network of insurers, brokers and agents can compare quotes and policy terms from multiple providers. This allows businesses to make informed decisions based on price, coverage, and other factors.
- Explain Complex Policy Language:Insurance policies can be complex and difficult to understand. Brokers and agents can simplify the language, explaining the coverage details, exclusions, and conditions in a clear and concise manner.
- Negotiate Favorable Terms:Brokers and agents can leverage their expertise and relationships with insurers to negotiate favorable terms and conditions, including premium rates, coverage limits, and deductibles.
Services Provided by Insurance Brokers and Agents
Insurance brokers and agents offer a range of services to assist businesses with their general liability insurance needs:
- Risk Assessment:Identifying potential liabilities and vulnerabilities within a business to recommend strategies for mitigating risks.
- Policy Review:Analyzing existing insurance policies to ensure they provide adequate coverage and meet the business’s current needs.
- Claims Assistance:Guiding businesses through the claims process, ensuring proper documentation, communication with insurers, and timely resolution of claims.
- Policy Renewal and Updates:Monitoring policy terms and conditions to ensure they remain current and relevant to the business’s evolving needs.
- Compliance Support:Ensuring that businesses meet all legal and regulatory requirements related to insurance.
The Future of General Liability Business Insurance
The insurance industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, shifting risk profiles, and changing customer expectations. General liability insurance is no exception, facing a dynamic landscape with both opportunities and challenges. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses seeking to secure adequate coverage and navigate the evolving insurance landscape.
Impact of Technology
Technological advancements are reshaping the insurance industry, influencing the way policies are underwritten, claims are processed, and risk is managed.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):AI and ML are increasingly being used to automate tasks, improve risk assessment, and personalize insurance products. AI-powered algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict potential risks, leading to more accurate risk assessments and tailored insurance policies.For instance, AI can analyze a business’s website, social media presence, and other online data to assess its potential liability risks.
- Internet of Things (IoT):The proliferation of connected devices is generating a wealth of data that can be used to monitor risks and improve risk management. IoT sensors can track environmental conditions, equipment performance, and employee behavior, providing valuable insights for risk mitigation. For example, sensors in a manufacturing facility can monitor equipment wear and tear, alerting businesses to potential hazards before they escalate into incidents.This data can also be used to inform insurance pricing and underwriting decisions.
- Blockchain Technology:Blockchain technology offers the potential to streamline insurance processes, improve transparency, and enhance security. By creating a secure and immutable record of transactions, blockchain can simplify claims processing, reduce fraud, and enhance data sharing between insurers and policyholders. For example, blockchain can be used to track the movement of goods, ensuring that insurance claims are only paid for legitimate losses.
Changing Risk Profiles
The nature of risks faced by businesses is evolving, driven by factors such as globalization, technological disruption, and climate change.
- Cybersecurity Risks:Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, posing significant financial and reputational risks to businesses. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber incidents can result in substantial financial losses, legal liabilities, and damage to a company’s reputation. General liability insurance policies are evolving to address these emerging risks, offering coverage for cyber incidents and data breaches.
- Environmental Risks:Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. Businesses are increasingly exposed to these risks, and general liability insurance policies are being adapted to address these challenges. For example, some policies now offer coverage for business interruption due to climate-related events.
- Social and Political Risks:Social and political unrest, such as protests and riots, can disrupt business operations and result in property damage and liability claims. General liability insurance policies are being updated to address these risks, offering coverage for property damage and legal expenses arising from social and political unrest.
Future Developments
The future of general liability insurance is likely to be shaped by a combination of technological advancements, changing risk profiles, and evolving customer expectations.
- Personalized Insurance:AI and data analytics will enable insurers to develop personalized insurance products that cater to the specific needs and risk profiles of individual businesses. This will allow businesses to pay only for the coverage they need, reducing unnecessary costs.
- Predictive Analytics:Predictive analytics will be used to identify and mitigate risks before they occur. Insurers will leverage data from IoT sensors, social media, and other sources to anticipate potential risks and develop strategies to minimize their impact.
- Increased Focus on Risk Management:Insurers will increasingly focus on risk management services, offering businesses guidance and support to proactively reduce their liability exposure. This will involve providing training, conducting risk assessments, and developing customized risk management plans.
Last Point
In conclusion, general liability business insurance is a crucial investment for any business seeking to protect its financial well-being and maintain a strong reputation. By understanding the intricacies of this coverage, businesses can effectively manage their risks and navigate the unpredictable landscape of business operations.
With the right insurance policy in place, businesses can focus on their core operations and achieve their goals with confidence.
Helpful Answers
What is the difference between general liability insurance and professional liability insurance?
General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage, while professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, protects businesses from claims arising from professional negligence or mistakes.
How much does general liability insurance cost?
The cost of general liability insurance varies depending on factors such as the size and type of business, industry, location, and coverage limits. It’s recommended to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare prices and coverage options.
Do I need general liability insurance if I work from home?
Even if you operate your business from home, it’s still advisable to have general liability insurance. This coverage can protect you from liability claims if a client or visitor is injured on your property or if your business activities cause damage to someone else’s property.
What are some examples of incidents that general liability insurance would cover?
Examples of incidents covered by general liability insurance include: a customer tripping and falling in your store, a product defect causing injury, a client’s property being damaged during a service, and a false advertising claim.
