West Virginia companies that own and operate laundromats may be held liable for injuries or damages that are sustained on the premises. However, they can take steps to prevent liability claims by prioritizing safety. They can also limit their exposure to claims by being aware of the most prevalent areas of risks associated with their particular business.

According to one insurance professional, in addition to fires started by dryers, liability is a primary risk in a laundromat. People have impaired visibility when carrying baskets of laundry and tend to gaze straight ahead, instead of down where they may see potential slipping, tripping, or falling hazards. Another insurance agent states that laundromat owners have the greatest risk of being held liable for slip-and-fall accidents caused by water, while their most significant insurance risk are fires that cause property damage. The premises should be closely examined to locate and repair folding tables that have sharp edges, damaged ceiling tiles and missing or broken floor tiles.

Fire should be of particular concern to laundromat owners. To avoid fire-related incidences, the lint traps in dryers should be cleaned and maintained every day. Slip-and-fall accidents can result from water damage that causes water to leak on the floor. It is necessary to regularly inspect and maintain all connections and hoses to the washing machines and to make sure that any spills are promptly cleaned. Because vending machines can contain a large amount of money, laundromat owners should also be concerned about crime and security. The premises should be well-lit and allow enough visibility so people are able to see inside the building.

Individuals who sustain injuries on another party’s property because of a hazardous condition might want to discuss their situation with an attorney. Property owners are required to keep their premises safe for customers, and this includes mitigating any danger that they are or should be aware of.