As students head back to school and summer winds down, many businesses particularly those in retail, hospitality, and education-adjacent industries—face a sharp increase in foot traffic and daily activity. This seasonal shift brings not just new customers but also a higher risk of premises liability and negligent security claims.
To better understand the exposures businesses face and what they can do to stay ahead, we sat down with Rick Gelok, Executive Casualty General Adjuster at Engle Martin, who brings extensive experience managing liability claims across a wide range of industries and jurisdictions.
Common Liability Risks During Back-to-School Season
While any business can be impacted, certain industries see more exposure during this season. “Foot traffic increases dramatically in late summer and early fall,” says Gelok. “From shopping centers and grocery stores to apartment complexes and campus-adjacent businesses, we see a spike in incidents like slip-and-falls, trip hazards, and altercations in parking lots or common areas.”
These claims often stem from:
- Poorly maintained walkways or entry areas
- Insufficient lighting or lack of surveillance
- Inadequate staffing or emergency response procedures
According to Gelok, many of these issues are preventable with proper foresight and seasonal preparation.
Industries Most at Risk and How They Can Adapt
Certain sectors are especially vulnerable. “Retailers, property managers, and businesses near schools or college campuses are typically hit the hardest,” Gelok explains. “They experience a combination of new customers, crowded conditions, and often less experienced seasonal staff.”
To tailor risk strategies accordingly, Gelok recommends:
- Conducting seasonal hazard assessments
- Reinforcing employee training on safety protocols
- Updating incident response plans specific to crowd-related risks
“We see claims every year that could’ve been avoided with simple precautions like better signage or basic inspections. In one case, ice from an open cooler melted onto the floor, causing a slip hazard. Small oversights like that often lead to costly claims,”Gelok explains.
Proactive Risk Management: Small Changes, Big Impact
Preventative measures don’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s often the simple things that make the biggest difference. “Adding more security presence, increasing lighting in key areas, and setting up temporary signage to manage traffic flow are all effective ways to reduce risk,”Gelok advises.“Just being proactive and visible can deter incidents before they occur.”
He also encourages businesses to review and update their premises liability coverage heading into the fall.
Final Thought
“Back to school should be a time of growth and opportunity not legal exposure,” says Gelok.“The businesses that succeed are the ones that treat risk as a routine part of operations, not just a box to check.” As the season shifts, now is the time for business owners, property managers, and insurers to come together, assess exposures, and ensure everyone is prepared for what lies ahead.
Engle Martin
Engle Martin’s National Casualty Practice is here to support your team with proactive risk insights and expert claims handling. Whether you’re facing daily losses or navigating complex, high-exposure incidents, Engle Martin’s National Casualty Practice is equipped to support your needs from coast to coast. Connect with a specialist like Rick Gelok, or reach out to our National Casualty Practice team to learn how we can help protect your business and mitigate loss before it happens.
To learn more about our National Casualty Practice, contact us at: info@englemartin.com
