As an entrepreneur, protecting your business and personal assets from unexpected events is a must. But, unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, unforeseeable business risks can still become realities for you. That’s why it’s essential to understand the different forms of entrepreneur liability you may face and how to protect yourself from the financial burdens these liabilities can cause.
3 Forms Of Liability Entrepreneurs Must Protect Against
This blog post will discuss three forms – product, professional, and general business liability – that all entrepreneurs should consider when considering their overall risk management plan. So get ready to become better informed on what types of events could jeopardize your bottom line!
Product liability or service liability
In many cases, when you provide a service or sell a product, you are responsible for any harm caused by it. Whether it’s physical damage, reputational damage, or financial loss that results from using your product/service, entrepreneurs must protect themselves in case of legal action due to injury or property damage.
Protecting yourself from product liability claims requires careful attention to the production, marketing, and sales of your product/service. Developing a comprehensive set of warranties, disclaimers, and user agreements can help protect you from potential legal issues down the line.
(We also share strategies for preventing employee theft in this post)
Employee-based liability
As an employer, you are often legally responsible for the actions of your employees while they are on the job or engaged in business activities that may lead to harm or injury to others. Therefore, you must ensure all employees understand their roles and responsibilities. Further, they must be aware of any applicable laws and regulations related to their duties.
Establishing clear policies and procedures and regular training sessions helps guard against employee negligence. Insurance coverage such as Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can also protect from potential claims.
Premises-related liability
Owning a business means your premises (including any equipment or fixtures on the property) are potentially liable for any accidents or damages that occur on the premises. So, to protect yourself from financial losses related to these occurrences, it’s wise to carry sufficient property and liability insurance coverage and adhere to applicable health and safety regulations.
It’s also smart to have regularly scheduled maintenance checks performed by qualified professionals to detect any potential hazards and risks before they become potential liabilities. Taking proactive measures like this can help reduce your risk of facing expensive liabilities down the road.
(Read about what to consider when buying a business next)
What Else Should I Know About Entrepreneur Liability?
We’ve just scratched the surface in our overview of the three main types of liabilities entrepreneurs are faced with.
To best protect yourself and your business from potential legal action, select the right insurance policies for your needs, properly document all applicable regulations and guidelines, and take proactive steps to mitigate potential liabilities in advance.
For example, the strategies we’ve discussed, including investing in employee training, performing routine safety checks, and staying up-to-date with relevant laws and regulations, can all help reduce the likelihood of facing costly legal issues.
We encourage you to consult with a lawyer or risk management consultants if you need clarification on any aspect of your business liability. Taking a proactive approach to understanding and managing entrepreneur liability is the best way to safeguard both your assets and your business’s future.
Conclusion
By understanding the different types of entrepreneur liability and developing strategies to protect yourself against them, you will be able to better guard your venture’s assets and financial well-being. Taking the necessary steps today can help provide peace of mind for a more successful tomorrow. Book a 30-minute consultation with Contiguglia Law Firm in Denver today to discuss your unique business liability needs.
Did you learn a lot about entrepreneur liability today?
Here are three more articles to read next:
- Why Business Management for Startups is Essential for Growth
- Costly Mistakes That Can Be Avoided if You Have a Risk Management Team
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Business Dissolution
