May 24, 2023 | Reading Time: 6 min Slip and falls caused by wet floors are common accidents that can result in devastating injuries. When floors are wet or slippery, victims suddenly feel their feet come out from under them. In many instances, this happens so quickly they can’t break the fall. The consequences can be horrible.
Understanding the causes of wet floors, the injuries they can cause, and the legal responsibilities of property owners is essential if you find yourself involved in such an incident. Get in touch with a Cellino Law attorney as soon as possible if you’ve suffered an injury due to a slip and fall caused by another’s negligence.
If you would like a free evaluation of your case, please call (888) 888-8888 or use our online contact form.
Causes of Wet Floors
Several factors can contribute to wet floors, such as:
- Spills and leaks: Accidental spills or leaks from pipes, appliances, or overhead fixtures can create wet surfaces. Common examples include spilled beverages in restaurants or leaking pipes in bathrooms.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Floors may become wet during routine cleaning or maintenance activities, such as mopping or waxing. Failure to adequately dry the floors or provide warnings can lead to slip and fall accidents.
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or ice can make floors wet and slippery when tracked indoors, especially if appropriate measures like mats or rugs aren’t in place.
Injuries Caused by Wet Floors
Slip and fall accidents on wet floors can result in various injuries, many of which can be debilitating. These include the following:
- Fractures and sprains: Falling on a wet surface can lead to broken bones, sprained joints, or torn ligaments.
- Head and brain injuries: When someone slips and falls on a wet floor, they may strike their head on a hard surface, leading to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or other head-related injuries.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: The impact of a fall can result in back injuries, spinal cord damage, or herniated discs.
- Soft tissue injuries: Ligament strains, muscle sprains, and contusions are common soft tissue injuries that can occur in slip and fall accidents.
Who’s Responsible for Keeping Floors Clean and Dry?
The responsibility for maintaining clean and dry floors depends on the circumstances and location of the accident. Generally, the following parties may have a duty to keep floors clean and dry:
- Property owners: Property owners, whether residential or commercial, have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises. They should regularly inspect the property, address any hazards promptly, and take reasonable steps to prevent slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors.
- Property managers: In cases where a property owner has delegated management responsibilities to a third party, such as a property management company, that entity may be responsible for keeping floors clean and dry.
- Business operators: In commercial establishments like stores, restaurants, or shopping malls, the business operators have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for their patrons. This includes promptly addressing spills, leaks, or wet floors and providing warnings if immediate cleanup isn’t possible.
Can You Sue if There Was a Wet Floor Sign?
A wet floor sign doesn’t automatically absolve the property owner, business, or homeowner of liability in a slip-and-fall accident. This sign indicates that the property owner is aware of the hazard. But it doesn’t excuse negligence if they failed to take appropriate action to address the dangerous condition promptly.
Whether or not you can sue in a wet floor slip and fall case depends on the specific circumstances, such as the degree of negligence on the part of the property owner or occupier, the extent of your injuries, and applicable laws in your jurisdiction. Consulting with a slip-and-fall accident attorney is crucial to evaluate the viability of your case.
Slip and Falls Caused by Wet Floors: Steps to Take After it Happens to You
If you experience a slip-and-fall accident on a wet floor, it’s essential to take the following steps:
- Get medical attention ASAP: The most important thing, of course, is to protect your health. If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately. This is especially true if you’re experiencing severe pain, have visible injuries, or suspect a head or spine injury. Prompt medical attention will help ensure your well-being. It will also provide documentation of your injuries, which may be necessary for any potential legal claims.
- Report the incident: Notify the owner or manager of the property or a supervisor. Tell them about the accident as soon as possible. Provide details, including the location, time, and cause of the wet floor. Request an incident report be filed, and obtain a copy for your records.
- Take pictures or videos with your phone: If you can do so safely, take photos or videos of the wet floor, the surrounding area, and any relevant signage, such as wet floor signs or caution cones. This visual evidence can be valuable in demonstrating the hazardous condition that led to your accident.
- Get witness info: If witnesses are present, obtain their names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Witness statements can be crucial in supporting your claim later on. Your personal injury attorney will follow up to interview those who saw what happened.
- Preserve evidence: Preserve any physical evidence related to your slip and fall, such as the shoes you wore during the accident. These items may serve as evidence to establish the conditions under which you fell.
- Consult with a slip and fall accident attorney: Contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. They can evaluate the circumstances, assess liability, guide you through the legal process, and help protect your rights.
Contact Cellino Law ASAP to Speak with a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
If you’ve suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident caused by a wet floor, you must seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options. Cellino Law is an experienced, highly respected law firm specializing in personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents. When you get in touch with us, we’ll discuss the specifics of your case. We’ll then provide guidance and representation to pursue a potential legal claim.
Schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling (888) 888-8888.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.