Whether you’re walking through the lobby of an office building or shopping at a mall, the last thing you expect is to lose your footing and fall to the ground because of a slippery, wet floor. While some of these accidents result in embarrassment and a light bruise, the seriousness of a slip and fall because of a wet floor should not be understated, as a victim can sustain serious injuries as the result of another’s negligence. If you were injured because of a spill left on the ground, it’s in your best interest to connect with experienced slip and fall attorneys to explore your rights during these matters. The following blog can answer some of the most common questions you may have.
What injuries can I sustain from a slip and fall?
While a slip and fall may hurt your ego out of embarrassment, much more serious injuries can occur. When you lose your footing because of a wet spot on the ground, you can sustain the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head, neck, and spine damage
- Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Sprains and strains
- Back injuries
When you fall, depending on your surroundings, you may find that you can hit your head on a surface while falling, such as a counter or stairs, before sustaining another blow when your head hits the ground.
What are my rights if I slip and fall on a wet floor?
If you slip and fall on a wet floor in an establishment, understanding your rights as a victim is critical. Generally, if there was no wet floor sign or anything indicating that the walkway was unsafe, you are within your right to seek compensation for the injuries you sustained.
It’s important to understand that the duration of the hazard on the ground can also impact your ability to file a claim. For example, if the shopper in front of you drops their water bottle and you slip on the wet spot thirty seconds later, you may not have a successful suit, as it’s important to understand that the establishment must have reasonable time to respond to the hazard. On the other hand, if a pipe is leaking from the ceiling and management has been alerted but fails to remedy the situation or warn patrons of the risk, they can face a lawsuit for their negligence.
When injured due to the negligence of a property owner to remedy a wet spot on their floor, understanding how to recover the compensation you’re entitled to is critical. At Friedman Schuman, we understand how complex these matters can be, and how challenging it can be to fight for justice while recovering from an injury. As such, our team is committed to fighting for you during these matters. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
