Wet floors are serious slip and fall hazards for anyone on residential or commercial properties. As such, it’s important for property owners to ensure that wet floors are marked by a sign that warns tenants and/or visitors of the hazard.
Installing a wet floor sign is evidence that a property owner tried to take reasonable precautions to prevent injuries. But what happens if a wet floor is unmarked by a hazard sign?
Below, we discuss who may be held liable in this situation.
Property Owners’ Responsibility
According to premises liability law, property owners have a legal responsibility to take reasonable precautions to identify, remove, or otherwise mark hazards on their premises in order to prevent injuries.
Common hazards that property owners should make themselves aware of include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Wet floors
- Lax security, such as malfunctioning security cameras or gates
- Broken steps or handrails
- Swimming pools with unlocked gates or no warning signs
- Dangerous animals
Wet floors, in particular, pose a significant risk of slip and fall accidents. Slip and fall accidents can have devastating consequences for victims, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more.
As such, property owners—whether they own a residential or commercial property—must take reasonable steps to identify wet floors and demarcate them appropriately.
The failure to do so represents a property owner’s violation of their duty of care and is considered negligence. This may make them liable for any injuries that occurred as a result of this negligence.
Did You Slip on an Unmarked Wet Floor? Contact Us Today
If your injury was caused by an unmarked wet floor, our San Jose personal injury attorneys can help you determine any and all liable parties and recover the compensation you need for your medical bills and lost wages.
Contact Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys today at (800) 900-0863 to schedule a free consultation with our team.