Slipping accidents are one of the most common types of accidents giving rise to a claim for personal injury. Unfortunately people can and do sustain nasty injuries as a result of slipping on wet floors. Such accidents more commonly happen in supermarkets or local shops. When you are in a shop, for example, then the shop or the owner of the shop has a duty to keep you reasonably safe and free from harm. Potential hazards should be brought to your attention. One such hazard is a wet floor.
If a floor becomes wet and dangerous, whether it is from people walking in rain water or whether it is from a spillage of some kind, action should be taken by the store as soon as possible. I know that in big supermarkets the procedure is that a member of staff stands next to the spillage while another member of staff goes to get a mop and bucket in order to clean up the floor and remove the danger.
I know this as I used to work in a supermarket and have witnessed the same happening when shopping myself. If the hazard cannot be rectified then a wet floor sign should be clearly displayed to warn of the danger. Obviously in the case of a spillage it would be prudent to clean up the spillage with a mob and bucket and to then display a wet floor sign until the floor is dry and the danger is gone.
A Court may look at the length of time between the spillage and any action from the Defendant or from the Defendant’s employees. Alternatively the Court may look at the length of time between the Defendant’s knowledge of a wet floor and cleaning it. In addition, if the floor is obviously wet, such as because of heavy rain outside and people walking in and out, then it would be reasonable to expect measures to be taken (for example wet floor signs should be erected so that when people walk into the store they are aware of the potential danger). Obviously it can be a constant battle for large supermarkets especially when it is raining heavily or snowing outside. The number of people walking in and out with wet footwear and water dripping from clothing can make it very difficult. It is often a question of reasonableness and if clearly visible wet floor signs are in place then this may be sufficient to escape liability if a person slips and sustains injury.
If you have sustained injury as a result of slipping on a wet floor, then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. The circumstances are different case by case. There are a number of factors to take into account. One quick note is that, as soon as possible following an accident of this type, you should request to the store in question that CCTV evidence for that particular date/time be retained. This request should be made in writing (such as by email or letter) so that you have proof that it has been sent. If the request to retain CCTV footage is ignored, then this is likely to prejudice any potential defence of the claim.
If you have sustained injury as a result of slipping on a wet floor then you should seek independent legal advice as soon as possible. We deal with all types of personal injury claims, including many slipping accident claims. We would be happy to take your call today.
