California Wet Floor Sign Law
Wet floors present significant dangers for any person who does not know that there is a hazard present. We have all seen “wet floor” signs before. When most people see a wet floor sign, they know that they need to take extra precautions to ensure that they do not step onto any slippery surface. Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors can lead to significant injuries, including major sprains or strains, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and back injuries. Here, our Sacramento slip and fall accident lawyers want to discuss what the rules are for property owners when it comes to “wet floor” signs in California.
Is There a Rule to use a “Wet Floor” Sign?
First, we want to point out that there is no law requiring property owners and employees to put up “wet floor” signs on their premises. However, failing to use a wet floor sign after mopping or waxing, or if there is a spill that cannot be promptly cleaned, could it lead to property owners being held liable if an injury occurs.
In the event a person sustains a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property, they may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to recover compensation. However, there are four basic elements of negligence that need to be present in order for these lawsuits to be successful. As we examine these elements, we will see how the absence of a wet floor sign could play a role in these cases.
- Duty of care. Property owners owe a duty of care to those who have a right to be on their property (typically to invitees and licensees). These are individuals who have express or implicit consent to enter the property. This duty of care extends to ensuring that guests and invitees or safe from all known hazards, including wet floors.
- Breach of duty. It needs to be shown that the property owner breached the duty of care that they owed in some way. For a slip and fall incident, this can include the failure to put up a wet floor sign after mopping or waxing or the failure to place proper warnings over spills that cannot be cleaned up relatively quickly.
- Causation. It must be shown that the breach of duty directly caused or contributed to the injury in some way.
- Damages. Finally, it must be shown that the injury victim suffered some sort of quantifiable loss as a result of the incident. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents can lead to significant injuries and major setbacks for victims. Most people tend to think a slip and fall incident is not a big deal, but the reality is that slip and fall or trip and fall incidents can lead to the following:
- Severe sprains or strains
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Whiplash and spinal cord trauma
- Deep bruising and contusions
- Internal bleeding
It is very important for individuals harmed as a result of a slip and fall accident to work with a skilled personal injury attorney who can help them with their entire case. A lawyer will understand how to gather the evidence needed to prove liability. They will work with trusted medical professionals to help ensure that their client’s expenses are properly calculated and negotiate with the insurance carriers to recover fair compensation.