Slipped and Fell in a Store or Restaurant During Rain? What to Do Next
Slip-and-fall accidents are most common on rainy days. These accidents usually occur in grocery stores, retail shops, cafés, and restaurants where the floor is slippery and wet. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their properties follow safety precautions, especially during poor weather, such as putting up wet floor signs. In slip-and-fall accidents, a property owner may be held responsible for injuries caused if they did not correctly implement safety measures in their building.
Why Rainy Weather Increases Indoor Fall Risks
During rainy weather conditions, moisture is built up near entrances, checkout aisles, beverage stations, and restrooms. It is crucial to take extra precautions when walking around those designated areas, as they can cause serious injuries when slippery. The following are instances that could increase the chance of indoor falls:
- Water near the entry doors
- Missing or soaked floor mats
- Missing signs indicating a slippery floor
Businesses have a responsibility to ensure that preventable hazards do not occur. During a storm, businesses must take precautionary measures so that the risk of a slip-and-fall accident is decreased.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Fall
When a slip-and-fall accident has occurred, it is crucial to understand the necessary steps to take to prevent future harm or chronic health conditions. Even in cases where there are minor injuries, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure they do not worsen over time. The following are steps to consider if you have suffered injuries from a slip-and-fall accident.
1. Seek Medical Attention First
Seeking the proper medical attention will help decrease the chance of future health issues occurring. Oftentimes, individuals who believe they are fine are suddenly hit with long-term health concerns when injuries go unnoticed. Individuals who wait to report their injuries are also at risk of insurance companies questioning whether the injury was caused by the accident at all. You should seek medical care if you experience the following:
- Head impact
- Dizziness or nausea
- Back or neck pain
- Difficulty walking
- Swelling or numbness
2. Report the Incident to Management
It is important to notify a manager or supervisor as soon as an injury occurs. Individuals should also ask that an incident report be created as a way to decrease the chance of further stress. Individuals should proceed with the following steps after an injury has occured:
- Request a copy of the report, or
- Photograph the completed report on your phone.
3. Document the Scene
After seeking the necessary medical attention, it is crucial for individuals who have suffered slip-and-fall injuries to document the scene. This is to clarify any confusion as water gets cleaned, and warning cones generally appear after an incident has occurred. Documenting the scene helps maintain what the area of the accident looked like at the time of the fall. Individuals should try to collect the following:
- Photos of the wet floor
- Absence of warning signs
- Lack of mats or soaked mats
- Lighting conditions
- Your shoes and clothing
- Visible injuries
4. Preserve and Maintain Evidence
Many people unknowingly discard important evidence that could help them in their case. These minor details can become important later when revisiting the steps of how the accident occurred. Individuals should:
- Keep the clothing and shoes worn during the fall
- Do not wash them immediately
- Save medical paperwork and receipts
- Keep a daily pain journal
Understanding Business Responsibilities
Property owners in California must uphold reasonably safe premises for customers to maintain security and decrease the chance of injuries. Premise liability holds parties liable for hazardous conditions that cause injury or damage. If a property owner or business is negligent and does not maintain a level of safety for their customers, then they may be held accountable for the harm caused. The following are instances where an evaluation can determine who is liable for an injury:
- Whether employees inspected the floor
- Whether the business followed cleaning procedures
- Whether warning signs were used
- Whether the mats were appropriate for the weather conditions
Common Injuries From Rain-Related Falls
Indoor slip-and-fall accidents are far more serious than people expect from the impact caused during the initial fall. Reported injuries frequently include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Wrist fractures
- Hip fractures
- Knee ligament injuries
- Herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Shoulder tears
- Chronic back pain
When to Consider Legal Guidance
An experienced personal injury attorney can assist in explaining your rights and responsibilities after reviewing the facts of your case. This will help individuals focus on recovering from their injuries. Seeking legal guidance can help individuals understand the importance of medical documentation, insurance communications, and evidence preservation. You may consider consulting an attorney if:
- You required medical treatment
- The business denies that the incident occurred
- You were seriously injured
- Surveillance footage may exist
- Medical bills or missed work are involved
How KAASS LAW Can Help
KAASS LAW can examine the events surrounding a slip-and-fall accident and help you understand possible next steps. At KAASS LAW, we understand the challenges and trauma that can occur as a result of a slip-and-fall accident and want to help. Our experienced attorneys will guide each client through the legalities of the case and help clients focus on recovering from their injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a slip-and-fall accident, you are not alone. Call KAASS LAW today to discuss your options and understand your rights.