If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident on a wet floor, you may be able to hold the property owner or store manager accountable for your injuries and losses.
There are certain steps you should try and take if you slip and fall on a wet floor. Seeking medical help is critical following this type of accident to diagnose and document any injuries you may have sustained.
Other Steps to Take Following a Slip and Fall Accident
Experiencing a slip and fall due to a wet floor can be jarring, embarrassing, and painful. If possible, take these steps following the incident, which can later help hold the responsible party liable:
- Report the accident: If you are in a business establishment, ask for the manager, supervisor, or owner and notify them of the accident. They owe customers a duty of care, so request a written statement.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of the area. Pay attention to things like an obstructed sign, icy patches, dim lighting, slick spots, high traffic, etc. that may have contributed to the accident.
- Make no statements: Since this unfortunate incident is now a legal matter, someone may misconstrue innocent remarks as an admission of guilt, affecting your claim.
- Contact an attorney: Slip and falls are complex cases to prove, so it may be beneficial to hire a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the complex legal process.
What Are the Steps to Building a Case After a Slip and Fall Accident?
Commercial establishments like grocery stores, bars, hair salons, and sports stadiums have a duty of care to post warning signs alerting customers to potential hazards such as wet floors.
These could be as follows:
- Yellow or orange cones blocking off wet areas
- Stationing an employee near the wet area
- Taping off the hazardous area
- Using signage indicating “wet floors” ahead
Your lawyer will investigate and use documented evidence to build your case for personal injury and show how the accident negatively affected your life.
Proving the Business or Property Owner Knew the Hazard Existed
The next step is proving that the establishment was aware of the wet floor that could potentially harm customers. For instance, an employee performing their cleaning duties proves the business was mindful of the wet floor. Cleaning is typically done on a schedule, and the company should put safety measures in place.
Can the Establishment Deny Culpability for Slip and Fall Accidents?
There are instances where the establishment may deny being aware of the wet floor. For example, if something spilled in the juice section of a grocery store and management claims it did not have enough time to take action or clean it up prior to your slip and fall.
Your attorney will work to demonstrate management should have been aware of the potential hazard by proving:
- The business failed to uphold reasonable care such as regular inspections by a designated floor supervisor to keep their premises safe for customers
- There was an employee in the vicinity of the wet area, so they should have noticed the potential danger to customers and implemented safety measures
Slip and Falls Due to Wet Floors Are Common
Commercial enterprises must warn customers about wet and slippery floors. The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) attributes more than 8 million hospital emergency room (ER) visits to falls, accounting for more than 21 percent of trips to the ER. More than one million slip and falls account for 12 percent of all falls per year. Five percent of fall victims suffer fractures, interfering with their daily activities and expected productivity.
How does the “Wet Floor” Sign Impact My Injury Lawsuit?
Businesses are knowledgeable about pending lawsuits if a customer slips and falls, suffering an injury on their premises. Most responsible establishments have put safety measures in place to prevent such accidents from happening. If you suffered injuries due to a slip and fall even when there is a “wet floor” sign, you can still pursue a claim for damages under the following circumstances:
- The presence of other hazards like broken glass on the floor where the “wet floor” sign is placed
- The “wet floor” sign was hard to see due to crowds of shoppers at the store or improperly placed
- The area was dimly lit, making it challenging to read or see any signage
- The lack of alternative areas to walk means you could not avoid the wet floor
Loopholes like these can make premises liability cases such as slip and falls difficult to prove. The store will be keen to pass the blame on to you and possibly pay very little even when they do admit fault. Having a personal injury team on your side can take the stress off you while your lawyer handles every aspect of your case.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for Help Today
Were you recently involved in a slip and fall at a grocery store or other business? The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can assist with responsive legal care. Once you hire us, you will have your lawyer’s phone number, frequent case updates, and answers to your questions. Let us handle your legal issues while you focus on recuperating. Contact us at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation with a team member today.
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