Summer is the busiest—and often most profitable—season for Ocean City businesses. From beachside restaurants and boardwalk shops to hotels and rental companies, warm weather brings thousands of visitors looking for fun in the sun. But with that increased foot traffic comes a higher risk of accidents, injuries, and potential lawsuits.
Even the most careful business owners can face legal trouble if someone gets hurt on their property—that’s why it’s wise to understand your responsibilities and, when needed, consult with a personal injury lawyer from Wapner Newman to protect your business.
In this article, we’ll break down what premises liability means, the most common summer hazards to watch for, and simple steps you can take to make your Ocean City property safer for both your guests and your employees.
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible if someone gets injured on their property due to unsafe conditions. For businesses, this means keeping your space reasonably safe and warning visitors of any potential dangers.
These accidents are frequent and can happen in a split second. Water, grease, or sand on the floor makes it easy for customers to lose their footing.
When walkways aren’t kept clear, hazards like cables, boxes, or curled-up rugs can lead to injuries.
A single missing handrail or broken step can be dangerous, especially at night or in an emergency.
Items that are stacked too high or not fastened securely can fall and injure someone.
If a customer or visitor gets hurt because of something you could have reasonably prevented, you may be held legally and financially responsible. These types of claims can be costly—and bad for your reputation—so prevention is key.
Every season brings its own set of hazards, and summer in Ocean City is no exception. Sand, sun, flip-flops, and crowds all create unique safety challenges. That’s why it’s important to take a fresh look at your property before the season kicks into full gear.
Check entrances, walkways, restrooms, dining areas, and outdoor spaces. Look for anything that might cause someone to slip, trip, or get hurt.
Take notes and snap photos of anything that needs to be fixed. Having a written record also shows that you’re taking safety seriously.
Employees often notice safety concerns that management might overlook. Encourage them to speak up and share their observations.
Review seasonal changes.
Set up special attention for high-risk areas that become more dangerous in summer—like decks, pools, and beachfront entrances.
A summer-specific assessment helps you catch seasonal risks early so you can fix them before they lead to accidents—or lawsuits.
One of the most common sources of injury in retail and hospitality settings is unsafe walkways and entrances. During summer, sand and moisture from beachgoers’ feet can make floors slippery, creating a serious hazard.
These mats help absorb water and sand and can prevent slips before they happen. Make sure they lie flat and don’t bunch up, as that can cause tripping.
Set a schedule for sweeping, mopping, and drying floors. Consider assigning someone to monitor and clean high-traffic areas throughout the day.
These signs alert customers to be careful and help protect you legally if someone slips during maintenance.
Watch for cracked pavement, loose stones, or debris near sidewalks and patios. These can all cause trips and falls if not addressed.
Mom Older guests, people with disabilities, and families with strollers will appreciate the added safety and ease of access.
Taking a little extra time to keep entrances safe goes a long way in reducing injury risk and keeping guests happy.
Ocean City summers mean more people outside—eating on patios, walking the boardwalk, or heading to beachfront shops. But outdoor areas come with their own risks, especially in the evening.
These are common on boardwalks and outdoor decks. A small misstep can result in a painful fall, so address these issues quickly.
Tables, chairs, or merchandise stands should be stable and placed so they don’t block walkways or exits. Windy conditions can easily topple light objects, causing injuries.
Dark or poorly lit areas are a major hazard after sunset. Replace burned-out bulbs promptly and consider installing motion-activated lights where needed.
Make sure outdoor furniture, fixtures, and decor can withstand summer storms and strong coastal winds.
Keeping your outdoor areas safe and well-lit not only prevents accidents but also creates a more welcoming environment for guests.
Employees are your first line of defense when it comes to maintaining a safe environment. With proper training, they can identify risks, handle incidents calmly, and help prevent accidents before they happen.
Make sure your staff is trained to:
Teach employees what to look for—wet floors, spills, broken equipment—and how to act fast to fix them or notify management.
If someone gets hurt, employees should know how to provide basic help, contact emergency services, and stay calm under pressure.
Staff should know how to fill out an incident report, gather witness information, and take photos of the scene. This documentation may be vital if a claim is filed.
Create a culture where staff feel comfortable reporting unsafe conditions. The sooner issues are flagged, the quicker they can be addressed.
Simulated scenarios help employees understand their roles in a real crisis, such as fire evacuations or medical emergencies.
Regular safety training helps keep everyone alert and prepared, reducing your business’s exposure to liability.
Warning signs aren’t just helpful—they can also provide legal protection. If a hazard is clearly marked, and a customer ignores the warning, it may reduce your liability in the event of an accident.
These should be used any time there’s active cleaning or moisture from outside.
If you have a step down or sloped area, make it obvious to help people avoid stumbles.
Clear navigation helps avoid confusion and unnecessary crowding—especially in emergency situations.
Ocean City welcomes visitors from all over, so consider using simple graphics or multiple languages where appropriate.
If your business includes or is near water access, post rules about swimming, diving, and proper behavior. This protects both patrons and your liability.
Posting signs is one of the easiest, lowest-cost ways to reduce liability and keep guests safe.
Even with the best preparation, accidents can still happen. What matters next is how you respond. Having a clear plan in place helps you act quickly, support the injured person, and protect your business from further risk.
Offer help, call emergency services if needed, and make sure the area is safe for others. Always show empathy and concern.
Complete an incident report with the date, time, and details. Take photos, get witness statements, and save surveillance footage if available.
While it’s important to be helpful and kind, don’t apologize or admit responsibility at the scene. Leave the legal side to your insurer or legal counsel.
The sooner they know about the incident, the better prepared they’ll be to respond if a claim is filed.
A phone call or email shows care and may reduce their desire to escalate the matter legally.
A thoughtful and organized response can make a big difference in how a situation unfolds—and may even prevent a lawsuit.
Beyond your own safety efforts, you must also meet the safety standards required by Ocean City and Maryland state law. Failing to follow these rules can open the door to legal action.
Every business has a maximum number of people allowed inside. Exceeding that number increases the risk of crowding and accidents.
Your business must be accessible to people with disabilities. Check for ramps, accessible restrooms, and clear pathways.
These must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and easy to access at all times.
Make sure your business is up to date on fire, health, and building inspections. Keeping your paperwork current is just as important as physical safety.
If you’re unsure about your obligations, consider hiring a safety consultant or speaking with a local legal expert to make sure you’re covered.
Even with the best prevention strategies in place, no business is entirely immune to risk. That’s where having strong liability insurance coverage comes in—it can serve as a financial safety net when accidents happen.
Review your current coverage annually—preferably before summer begins—and make sure it reflects your level of risk. Work with an insurance agent who understands your business and can recommend the right policy structure.
Having the proper insurance won’t prevent accidents, but it will give you peace of mind and financial stability if something does go wrong. Think of it as the final piece in your safety strategy: you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.
Keeping your Ocean City business safe this summer isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits—it’s about creating a welcoming space where visitors can relax and enjoy their time without worry. A proactive approach to safety shows that you care about your customers, your staff, and your community.
To recap, here are some simple but effective steps you can take:
Taking these steps now can save you time, stress, and money later. Most importantly, it helps ensure that your customers leave your business with happy memories—not injuries.
At the end of the day, safety is good business. A little effort up front can prevent major problems down the line, and your commitment to a safe environment will not go unnoticed. Guests appreciate when a business feels clean, organized, and thoughtfully managed. It builds trust—and trust builds loyalty. So this summer, don’t just focus on serving more customers—focus on protecting them, too.
