When it comes to safety in public and private spaces, slip and fall accidents are serious risks for both individuals and businesses. If a person slips and falls on a wet floor, especially on a hard surface, without a warning sign, the consequences can range from minor injuries to serious fractures or head trauma.
Those bright yellow caution signs with black letters are designed for a reason — to alert people of potential dangers. But when businesses fail to use the correct signage, they neglect their duty to protect visitors and customers. If you’ve been the victim of a slip and fall accident due to inadequate warning, here’s what to do next.
Who is responsible?
When a slip and fall occurs due to a wet floor when no sign is present, it raises the question of who is responsible for the incident. Determining liability depends on the facts of the case.
To hold the property owner responsible for your injuries, you must demonstrate they owed you a reasonable duty of care. You must prove:
- the condition of the floor at the time you fell
- how long the floor was wet and unprotected
- the lighting and other environmental conditions
- whether the property owner or manager had knowledge of the hazard and had adequate time to address it
- whether appropriate warning signage was provided
To establish proof, it’s important to obtain an incident or police report detailing the time, date, and details of the incident. If you suffered injuries that needed medical attention, include your medical bills. Along with witness statements, photos, and videos, this evidence can help determine the at-fault party and hold them accountable.
Taking care of yourself
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall case where there was no sign, the property owner is liable for all injury and recovery costs. Your recoverable damages can include:
- Medical bills including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, in-home medical support, and assistive devices.
- Pain and suffering including physical, mental, and emotional trauma.
- Past and future lost earnings including full-time and part-time income, benefits, business losses, and future earning potential.
- Travel costs to and from medical appointments.
Is calling a personal injury attorney your next step? Slip and fall injury cases are difficult to prove, but with Brennan Law on your side, you have a path to justice. As a premier personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, Brennan Law will fight for your right to compensation. From gathering pictures and evidence to the final outcome of your case, we provide the support you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.