Many commercial businesses, restaurants, retail stores, hospitals, schools, and other public establishments offer public restrooms to guests. While they are convenient and necessary facilities, they are also the location of many slip and fall accidents. Because of the hard surfaces in these restrooms, a person who slips and falls can suffer severe injuries—some causing life-long changes to his life. An accident victim may need the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney to hold the business or property owner responsible for compensating him for his injuries.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Public Restrooms
Property owners that provide public restrooms have a duty to keep them in a reasonably safe condition and to warn guests of hazards. Because these bathrooms are high-traffic areas, it requires effort on the part of property owners to fulfill their duties. Common ways that people suffer slip and fall accidents when conditions are dangerous include:
- Leaks. When leaks in the many sinks and toilets found in public restrooms are not repaired, water can accumulate on the floor. Many of these floors are tile, which can become dangerously slippery when wet.
- Overflow. Toilets and sinks can become clogged and overflow quickly. This can create an unsanitary condition as well as slip and fall danger.
- Cracked flooring. When tile or other flooring becomes cracked, chipped, or broken, an unsuspecting guest can trip or slip and fall.
- Debris and spilled liquids. Not all people who use a public restroom are considerate of others. When debris, splashed water, and spills of soap are not promptly cleaned up, it can create a slip and fall hazard for other guests using the facilities.
What Are Common Injuries Caused by Restroom Slip and Fall Accidents?
Accident victims can be seriously injured due to landing on the hard floor in a fall—sometimes also hitting bathroom fixtures. Common injuries in public restroom slip and falls include:
- Sprains
- Broken bones, including to arms, wrists, legs, ankles, pelvic bones, and hips
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in a public restroom, you will need the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney to prove the property owner’s negligence. To learn about your legal options, call our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
|
Related Links: |