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Reader’s Question:

I’ve heard of someone suing a famous fast food chain just because the coffee was too hot and they forgot to put up a sign that said so. I’m planning to set up a coffee shop here in New York, NY but am afraid something along that line could happen to me – people here can be so fussy sometimes. Is there some type of insurance that covers liability from customers?

Sasha

New York, NY

Hi Sasha! Yes, I have heard of that one, too. Personally, I think it’s silly to sue a company for your own carelessness but on the other hand, some businesses can be pretty careless as well. The law in the US, including New York, NY, does provide some protection for customers from restaurants that do not ensure that the food or the premises are safe for their patrons. If you’re planning to put up a coffee shop, I think you’ll still need to ensure that you don’t mix spoiled milk into the coffee or serve sandwiches and chips past their “best before” date. However, insurers can provide you some coverage over accidents on your property. Take, for instance, a customer tripping over the leg of a chair and spilling coffee over himself or perhaps someone slipping on a slightly slippery tile floor and bumping his head on the wall; protection from liability covers specifically such incidences. Protection is usually in the form of lawyer’s fees or legal assistance as well as payment of damages within the amount of the insurance you purchased.

I suggest you look into what is available from insurers in New York, NY by keying in your zip code in the forms on this page. You can also request for free quotes for commercial insurance online. Compare coverage and costs to get the most cost-efficient coverage for your business. Good luck, Sasha!