Southern California Rain and Slippery Floors: Guide in Protecting Your Business and Property

Southern California holds the status for its rays of sunshine and delightful climate. Alternatively, sometimes, but not often, we also experience occasional bursts of heavy rainfall. While these rains are always welcomed, we must be wary of its hidden dangers: slippery floors. As a result,  this puts business and property owners legally responsible to maintain safety for their visitors and potential customers and or clients. This includes taking prevention in avoiding the risk of slip and fall accidents during wet or rainy weather. At KAASS LAW, we understand the consequences of slip and fall injuries, and we are here to shed light on the importance of safety.  The following will explain the reality of slippery floors during rain, the legal responsibility of property owners, steps and preventions of preventing slips and falls, and how we can legally provide representation and or services if needed. 

Reality of Slippery Floors

Rainwater that tracks into a building and or public space can create a hazardous environment.  Picture this: those glossy tiles in a building’s entrance or the polished concrete floors you see in a lot of modern spaces. They turn into a hazard when wet. A simple rain shower can make them dangerously slick. People can seriously get hurt. It’s not just a simple scratch or a minor bruise. We see cases with broken bones, even head injuries, from falls on wet floors. It’s a serious responsibility for building owners to keep those areas safe, and when they don’t, people pay the price. We’re here to help those who’ve been injured because of this preventable danger.

Legal Obligations & Duty

Property owners and businesses in Southern CA have a legal duty to maintain safety in their premises in a reasonable safe condition, especially in a working area. Slipping and falling at a location due to failing to maintain safety can potentially be a premise liability claim. These legal duties include taking steps to prevent slip and fall accidents during rainy weather. Some important safety practices include but are not limited to: 

• Promptly Placing: Placing “slippery floor” signs is a great way to show a visible warning to anyone near the premises.
• Implementing Effective Floor Matting: Installing or placing prestige quality absorbent floor mats near entrances or high foot traffic areas such as bathrooms, lobbies, or hallways.
• Regular Floor Inspections and Mopping: Frequent floor inspections and mopping of anything that is deemed wet or slippery are important, especially during a rainy day.
• Providing Adequate Lighting: Well-lit areas that increase visibility increase the chances for individuals to see any potential wet or slippery floors.
• Addressing Leaks and Water Intrusion: Any potential leaks or areas that lack maintenance can be hazardous and may compromise someone’s safety.
• Training Staff: Employees and staff should be trained to understand and address potential slips and falls when applicable.

California Civil Code 1714

California Civil Code 1714 entails that: 

“Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself. The design, distribution, or marketing of firearms and ammunition is not exempt from the duty to use ordinary care and skill that is required by this section. The extent of liability in these cases is defined by the Title on Compensatory Relief.”

What to Do If You’re Injured Due To A Slip & Fall

If you have an injury due to a slip and fall accident due to a property owner’s negligence during rainy weather, it’s essential to take the following steps:

• Seek Medical Attention: Call and or report to the emergency if necessary. Your health and well-being is the most important factor.
• Document the Scene: Pictures, videos, or anything that proves and connects the incident to your injuries is crucial.
• Gather Witness Information: If someone was there with you or made contact with a supervisor or management, it will help your case.
• Report the Incident: It can be from the authorities or the owner of the business that needs to be notified.
• Keep Records: Keep a timeline from the date of the accident to what has transpired in your current state. Don’t leave any details that are relevant to your accident.

Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case

To successfully pursue a slip and fall claim, you must prove that the property owner was negligent. This involves demonstrating that:

• The property owner had a duty to maintain safe premises.
• The property owner breached that duty by failing to take reasonable precautions to prevent slip and fall accidents.
• The breach of duty caused your injuries.
• You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.

Contact KAASS LAW

At KAASS LAW, we understand the problems of slip and fall victims. We are here and can alleviate your troubles from this accident. We are committed to providing compassionate, effective, legal representation for you, and or someone you know. Furthermore, our sole purpose is to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to call right away for a free consultation!