Running a business means facing risks every day. Whether it’s a customer slipping on your floor or a product that causes injury, these situations can quickly turn into expensive claims or lawsuits. That’s where General Liability Insurance (GLI) comes in. It protects your business when someone is hurt, their property is damaged, or your advertising causes harm. But insurance is one thing – it’s always better to prevent claims in the first place. 

In this article, we explain the most common GLI claims and give clear, simple tips on how you can avoid them.

Slip-And-Fall (Premises Liability)

One of the most frequent types of claims involves a customer hurting themselves on your premises – like slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a loose rug. These accidents can cause injuries ranging from simple bruises to serious trauma like broken bones.

How To Prevent

• Clean spills immediately: Assign staff to regularly check floors and respond fast.
• Use warning signs and cones: Make hazards obvious, like freshly mopped areas.
• Install non-slip flooring or mats: Especially in high‑traffic zones.
• Inspect consistently: Include walkways, parking lots, and stairs in daily checks.

Third-Party Property Damage

This claim arises when your business or employees accidentally damage someone else’s property – like a dented car, a scratched floor, or broken personal items.

How to Prevent

• Train employees: Teach staff careful handling when working around customer belongings.
• Keep work areas organized: Clear tools and items away from fragile objects.
• Use protective gear: Utilize padding, barriers, or spotters in tight spaces.
• Provide storage space: Offer lockers or bins for customers’ valuables.

Product / Completed Operations Liability

When something your business produces or services results in injury or damage – like food poisoning or a defective product – it falls under this category.

How to Prevent

• Quality control: Test and inspect items thoroughly before delivery .
• Use proper labeling: Clearly display ingredients, allergens, and usage instructions.
• Address complaints promptly: Early feedback can help catch issues before they escalate.

Personal & Advertising Injury

These claims involve harm done through your advertising or business statements – such as slander, libel, or misleading images/legal claims.

How to Prevent

• Train employees on language: Teach staff not to make negative statements about competitors or clients.
• Review marketing materials: Have a legal or risk expert check advertising and promotions.
• Avoid copying content: Be sure any images, music, or text used are original or properly licensed.
• Maintain a social media policy: Set guidelines for what staff can post or share online.

Liquor Liability (If You Serve Alcohol)

If your business serves alcohol, you could be held responsible for damages or injuries caused by an intoxicated customer – like a bar over-serves someone who later causes a car accident .

How to Prevent

• Train staff in safe service: Use programs like TIPS or ServSafe.
• Monitor drinking: Watch for signs of over‑intoxication and limit service.
• Use clear IDs and policies: Check age and refuse service when needed.

Copyright Infringement

Claims can arise if you use someone else’s images, text, or logos without permission – this falls under advertising injury.

How to Prevent

• Use licensed content: Only use materials you own or have permission to use.
• Avoid copying competitors: Even similar designs or slogans can lead to claims.
• Document sources: Keep proof of licenses and permissions on file.

Reputation / Defamation Claims

If your business is sued for saying something false or damaging about another person or company – intentionally or not – it becomes a defamation claim.

How to Prevent

• Stick to facts: Ensure all statements are based on verifiable information.
• Educate employees: Provide training on respectful and professional communication.
• Implement review steps: All public statements should have oversight before release.

Risk Management Strategies

To further reduce claims risk, businesses should:

1. Perform regular risk assessments
   Identify high-risk areas (e.g., icy steps, chemical spills, or defective products).
2. Document incidents thoroughly
   Record the who, what, when, where, and how. Photos, witness statements, and timely incident reports strengthen credibility.
3. Understand your policy’s coverage and limits
   Know what’s included, excluded, and under what conditions. For example, your GLI might not cover employee injuries (which usually need workers’ compensation) or professional mistakes.
4. Conduct regular training
   Share best practices monthly or quarterly on slip prevention, safe service, or advertising boundaries.
5. Choose loss-control programs
   Some insurers offer checklists, on-site inspections, or lower rates for businesses that follow safety guidelines.

Why These Issues Matter Now

Businesses across the U.S. are seeing claim costs and litigation rise, with liability insurance premiums increasing significantly. That trend makes prevention strategies and proactive risk management more critical than ever.

Take Control Of Your Risk – And Claims With The Right Insurance

Understanding the most common general liability claims – like slip‑and‑fall injuries, property damage, product liability, and defamation – is a vital first step to protecting your business. But knowing them isn’t enough. You need proactive steps: clean floors quickly, train staff, review advertising, and document everything. The result? Fewer claims, lower insurance rates, and a stronger reputation. And while General Liability Insurance is an essential safeguard, preventing claims has an even bigger payoff.

Protect your business with the right insurance and proactive risk control. Visit General Liability Insurance US today to explore informative guides, checklists, and tools to keep your business safe and smart.