Issues Although most new ventures, in the start-up euphoria do not want to address liability issues, these are a very important part of the overall business strategy. This chapter discusses three broad areas of liability that businesses must be aware of in their overall business planning. The first is liability in the delivery of their product or service. The second is the range of risks that face all businesses including such things as fire and theft, business interruption, and actions by employees which may create additional liability for the venture. Finally, product safety and consumer protection legislation must be considered in assessing risk and potential costs. In general, any liability which results will fall under the law of contract, the law of tort (negligence) or federal or provincial legislation.
