Wet floors are a common hazard in grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, office buildings, apartment complexes, and other public or private properties. A spilled drink, recently mopped floor, or leaking appliances can create slippery surfaces that may cause someone to fall and become severely injured. Understanding the dangers of a wet floor and the safety steps to help prevent an accident is important for the safety of yourself and those around you.
How a Wet Floor Accident May Occur
Wet and slippery floors can develop for many reasons. Some hazards appear suddenly, while others may remain unaddressed for a longer period of time. Common causes may include but are not limited to the following.
- Spilled beverages, food, or other liquids
- Recently cleaned or mopped floors
- Leaking refrigerators, freezers, or plumbing fixtures
- Water near sinks or restroom areas
- Rainwater tracked through building entrances
- Roof or ceiling leaks
- Condensation from equipment
- Broken pipes or drainage problems
- Cleaning products or other slippery substances
- Failure to place warning signs near a wet area
The source of the liquid and how long the condition existed may become important when determining whether another party could potentially be responsible for an accident.
Understanding Premises Liability Laws
Wet floor accidents often fall under California premises liability law. Property owners, businesses, tenants, and others who possess or control property generally have a responsibility to use reasonable care in maintaining the premises.
In a California premises liability claim, an injured person usually must establish that the individual owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property and was negligent in maintaining it. When an unsafe property condition is involved, an important issue is whether the responsible party knew or should have known about the condition and failed to repair it, protect against it, or provide a proper warning. These requirements mean that responsibility for a wet floor accident depends heavily on the specific facts.
Who is Liable?
Depending on where and how an accident occurred, one or more parties may be held accountable after a slip and fall accident on a wet floor.
Property Owners
A property owner may be responsible for maintaining areas under the owner's control in a reasonably safe condition. If an owner knew about a recurring leak or another condition that regularly caused slippery floors and did not reasonably address the problem, that information may be relevant to a premises liability claim.
Businesses and Store Operators
Businesses usually have responsibilities to help keep customers safe. Grocery stores, restaurants, retail stores, and similar establishments may need reasonable procedures for inspecting and maintaining customer areas.
Property Management Companies
A management company may have maintenance or inspection responsibilities depending on its agreement with the property owner and the amount of control it has over the premises.
Cleaning or Maintenance Companies
Some businesses hire outside companies to perform janitorial or maintenance services. If the conduct of a contractor contributed to a hazardous condition, its actions may need to be evaluated along with those of the property owner or business. It is important to note that responsibility is not always limited to a single party.
Types of Injuries
A sudden slip may cause a person to fall backward, forward, or onto one side. Depending on the circumstances, injuries may include:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken wrists, arms, ankles, or hips
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Cuts and bruising
Some injuries may not be immediately visible after a fall. Seeking appropriate medical attention can help identify injuries and create documentation regarding the person's condition.
Preserving Important Pieces of Evidence
Evidence can change or disappear quickly after a slip-and-fall accident. A spill may be cleaned, surveillance footage may eventually be overwritten, or the condition that caused the accident may no longer be present. When possible, useful information may include, but is not limited to, the following.
- Photographs and videos of the floor
- Location of warning signs
- Witness contact information
- Incident reports
- Surveillance footage
- Information regarding inspection or cleaning procedures
Legal Guidance After a Wet Floor Accident
Seeking legal guidance and support after a slip and fall accident on a wet floor may be helpful moving forward. Our qualified personal injury attorneys at KAASS LAW may be able to review the facts surrounding your case, preserve important pieces of information, and help you understand your rights through the claims process.
The Legal Team at KAASS LAW
At KAASS LAW, we understand the challenges that may come after a slip and fall accident. That is why we are here to help. Our legal team may be able to help victims and their families get back on the road to recovery after suffering injuries from these types of accidents. Don’t wait! Call KAASS LAW today to discuss your potential options.