How Property Managers Can Mitigate Slip and Fall Liability

_{By Kathleen Hannon, Senior Director of Communications, Cloudastructure. A former agency director, Kathleen has led messaging strategy for tech, security, manufacturing, and higher ed brands for more than a decade. Kathleen writes and produces Cloudastructure’s educational content for multifamily property professionals, including blogs, webinars, campaigns, case studies and white papers. She’s also the award-winning author of two young adult novels.}

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Slip and fall liability is a persistent risk for property managers, especially in multifamily settings. In the “From Sidewalks to Settlements” webinar, legal and insurance experts Melinda McBeth, J.D.. and Alliant Insurance VP Megan Davidson delivered detailed, actionable advice to help managers stay ahead of lawsuits, keep insurance costs low, and protect their reputations.

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Why Proactive Management is Essential

• Slip and fall lawsuits—and their settlement amounts—are on the rise, with claims often running from $30,000 to millions for severe accidents.
• Medical costs, aggressive plaintiff attorneys, and changing resident expectations make continuous risk management vital for owners and managers.

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Legal Tips for Preventing Liability

Audit and Document Everything Consistently

• Regular property walks: Watch for poor lighting, uneven walkways, exposed roots, trip hazards like sprinkler heads, loose railings, or child safety risks.
• Documentation: Maintain dated inspection logs and maintenance records of all mitigation with dates on everything. Even “routine” notes matter in court.
• Prompt repairs and warnings: Provide clear signage for recurring hazards like pooling water or icy patches until mitigation is complete.

Surveillance and Evidence Preservation

• Use AI security cameras and store surveillance video long-term, especially when an incident occurs. Video is vital, even if you fear it shows unfavorable facts. Even knowing you need to settle a case can save you tens of thousands in court fees.
• Timestamp all photos, videos, and inspection notes—undated evidence may be useless in litigation.

Compassionate Communication

• After an accident, show empathy without admitting fault. Check in with residents and communicate about repairs.
• Avoid stonewalling: Silence often motivates lawsuits and negative publicity.

Clarify Liability in Contracts

• Make sure management agreements clearly define risk and duty—plaintiff attorneys often sue all parties.

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Insurance and Risk Management Strategies

The Power of Documentation

• Immediate incident reports, witness info, and evidence collection boost insurance outcomes and lower costs.
• Share risk controls—like lighting, surveillance, slip-resistant surfaces, snow/ice policies—with your broker to unlock insurance credits.

Company-Wide Culture of Safety

• Empower all staff to identify, report, and fix risks, not just managers or maintenance.
• Walk properties often, pick up trash routinely - insurance’s first impression of your property matters when it comes to filing a claim.  Report potholes, ensure everyone is part of your risk management approach.

Tech and Surveillance Solutions

• Invest in smart surveillance platforms that ensure video is captured and accessible for extended periods.
• Let brokers walk problem sites with you—they advocate for you, not the insurer.

Managing Reputation

• Stay in contact with the resident and document improvements; NEVER give statements to the media, but keep your broker informed of PR issues.
• Clean, well-kept properties boost perception and make insurers more confident.

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Key Takeaways from the Webinar

• Inspect and document: All hazards and maintenance should be logged regularly and in detail.
• Use surveillance tools: It can be months or even years before a case is filed. Long-term video retention and thorough incident reports are essential.
• Practice empathetic communication: Calm, informed residents create fewer legal headaches.
• Clarify risk in contracts and insurance policies: Know who’s responsible before a lawsuit arises.
• Make risk management a company-wide priority: Everyone should own safety for the best results.

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Take the Next Step

This webinar only scratched the surface of strategies that can save property managers millions in liability costs.

👉 Watch the full From Sidewalks to Settlements webinar here to hear the complete legal and insurance insights from our expert panel.

📅 Or book a call with our team here to see how Cloudastructure’s AI surveillance and Remote Guarding can help you proactively prevent slip and fall claims, protect your brand, and lower insurance premiums.