When Business Deals Turn into Legal Battles: Employee Injuries on Client Property

Business travel and client site visits are routine for many employees. But what happens when an employee is injured at a client's location? Beyond medical concerns, these incidents can create financial and legal complications for employers.

Many people assume workers' compensation is the only option, but that's not always the case. If the injury resulted from unsafe conditions, the employer may have the right to pursue a third-party claim for compensation.

This article explores when a client's business may be liable, how experts can help, and what steps employers should take after an accident.

Workers' Compensation & Employer Concerns

Workers' compensation is designed to cover an employee's medical expenses and lost wages after a work-related injury. However, it has limits—it typically does not compensate employers for business disruptions, productivity loss, or additional costs tied to the accident.

If another business's negligence caused the injury, workers' comp may not be the only solution. Employers can seek reimbursement through third-party claims, which hold the client's business accountable if they fail to maintain a safe environment.

In such cases, legal action can help recover costs that workers' comp does not cover, ensuring the employer is not left paying for someone else's mistake.

Understanding Legal Options After an Employee Injury

When an injury happens at a third-party location, employers often struggle to determine whether they have a valid claim. Many assume that workers' compensation is the only option, but in some cases, additional legal avenues exist.

One important factor is premises liability. If unsafe conditions at the site contributed to the accident, the property owner may be responsible for damages.

This is where premises liability attorneys can help. They assess whether negligence played a role, gather evidence, and determine the best way to recover compensation. Their role includes:

Investigating the accident and identifying safety violations.
Collecting evidence such as surveillance footage and witness statements.
Proving that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
Negotiating compensation for damages beyond workers' comp, such as lost productivity and liability costs.

Seeking legal guidance ensures that employers explore all available options rather than absorbing costs caused by another party's negligence.

When Is the Client's Business Liable?

For a third-party claim to succeed, the property owner must have been negligent in maintaining a safe environment. Liability is often established when:

Known hazards, such as slippery floors, loose handrails, or faulty equipment, were not addressed.
No warning signs were placed for temporary dangers like wet floors or construction zones.
Lapses in security or maintenance led to preventable accidents, such as falling objects or exposed wiring.

If the injury could have been prevented with proper safety measures, responsibility may fall on those in charge of maintaining the premises. Employers should consider legal action if unsafe conditions contributed to the accident.

Steps to Follow After the Injury

After an injury, employers must act quickly to protect both the employee and their own financial interests. Here are the most important steps:

Ensure medical attention—The employee's health comes first. Get immediate medical care and keep records of all treatments.
Document the scene—Take photos, gather witness statements, and note any hazardous conditions at the site.
Report the incident—Notify workers' compensation and inform the client's business about the accident.
Consult a lawyer—Legal experts can review the case and determine if a third-party claim is possible.
Secure medical reports—Obtain records that clearly outline the nature and cause of the injury.
Review contracts and agreements—Check if liability waivers or agreements with the client's business affect legal options.
Inform your insurance provider—Insurance may help cover costs related to legal action or compensation claims.

Acting fast ensures that evidence is preserved and that employers explore all possible avenues for compensation.

Preventing Future Incidents

While legal action can help recover costs, prevention is always better than dealing with accidents after they happen. Employers can take proactive steps to reduce risks when sending employees to off-site locations.

Train employees—Teach employees how to identify and report unsafe conditions at client sites.
Review insurance policies—Ensure the business has coverage for off-site injuries beyond workers' comp.
Negotiate liability clauses—When working with clients, include terms in contracts that address safety responsibilities.
Request safety inspections—If employees frequently visit a client's site, request confirmation that the workplace meets safety standards.

By setting clear safety expectations with clients, businesses can minimize liability risks and protect their workforce.

Conclusion

When an employee is injured at a client's workplace, employers should explore all options beyond workers' compensation. If unsafe conditions caused the injury, the client's business may be responsible for additional damages. Third-party claims help businesses recover financial losses and prevent long-term setbacks. Taking immediate action and enforcing stronger safety policies can help businesses protect their employees and operations.