Quick question for those who operate their business out of their home

Last year at this time my office was located in a commercial building, but this year we decided to have the office in our home. It's been going great (no client complaints, as a matter they think it seems more private), my question is that it has now started snowing outside and our home is located uphill. Should I give up my uphill park to customers so they won't have to climb a hil and have a slip and fall, or would it be safer for them to park on the street.

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Permalink Reply by Fable Goodman on November 16, 2011 at 11:48am

great question Jagi.

A lot depends on how steep the hill, and how safe the driveway is.

how easy is it to drive/walk up there, and how easy is it to drive/walk down, (after a session.)

How may minutes walk is it from the street parking?

How many parking spaces are in your 'uphill park'... etc etc.

How far outside your front door, do you see your 'duty of care' extending?

In any event, I would make sure the drive/walkway is safe and welcoming for any visitor.

Use grit/salt as appropriate.

Love and hugs,

Lawrie

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Permalink Reply by Graham Old on November 16, 2011 at 11:58am

Might be worth consulting your insurance documents?

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Permalink Reply by Alonzo Cavazos, Ed.D., LCSW, LPC on November 21, 2011 at 5:27pm

Jagi:

I ran my practice out of my home. In general, clients needs to know if there are any barriers (obstacles) to the office, whether at a commercial site or home office. After taking reasonable precautions as Fable suggested, clients, after being informed, can decide for themselves whether or not to accept any inconveniences. Accidents, like slip and falls, can and do occur.

Alonzo

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Permalink Reply by Sheila M. Street on November 21, 2011 at 7:08pm

Hi Jagi:

If there is a greater risk of them slipping and falling by having to climb the hill, then you might be wise to give up your parking space temporarily. Better that you should be a little inconvenienced, then have a "slip and fall" insurance claim on your hands. Unless you have crappy weather for six months straight, this will probably only be for a few weeks at most, and probably not a steady thing. Even on a good day, it would still be wise to have them parking as conveniently as possible, though, because most clients just don't like to be inconvenienced by trying to find parking or having to climb or walk too far.

Sheila

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Permalink Reply by Polly Hawkins on November 22, 2011 at 12:53am

I would agree with Brian and think ‘lawsuit’. I would have thought that, if clients continue to park where they usually park and walk up the hill, you would not be liable if they slipped. However, if you give them permission to park in your space and they have an accident en route, then you may be. Having said that, laws are often not logical. I work from home (in the UK) and our local authority have stipulated that clients must NOT park on my property.

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Permalink Reply by Jagi Egnell on November 22, 2011 at 8:36am

Thank you everyone for the great responses. It's a ittle difficult to get liability insurance out here in BC due to not having professiona insurance + E&O.

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Permalink Reply by Karen on November 22, 2011 at 8:58am

I would assume your homeowner insurance should cover this type of slip and fall, but I agree with the above. I would not want to put any obstacles in my clients way and a walk up a hill for some could be a big one (good weather or not).

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Permalink Reply by Richard Rumble on November 22, 2011 at 9:41am

Well... Here in California, the Sue Me State... I personally would give them the closest safe parking spot to the door of your office. If they slip and fall walking UP to the session.. or back DOWN after the session.. its a lawsuit. So.. for ME... I would give them the spot right next to the door.

I am not an attorney.. nor do I play one on TV and you should get specific legal advice from someone in your area that knows the law in your state. ( another legal CYA for those of us in the land of the SUE )

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Permalink Reply by Joshua Johnston on November 22, 2011 at 12:22pm

I might suggest offering the option of Skype on those days when they can't park safely at your home. That way, they can't slip and fall on property that you're liable for in any way. ;)

That said, like Richard said, consult with someone who knows the laws, etc. in your area because we aren't lawyers and can't give you advice.

Joshua