If you need to use a public restroom at a place of business but get injured in a slip and fall accident, you might wonder whether you can sue the business for failing to prevent your injury.
Contrary to popular belief, a business is not automatically liable for all slip and fall accidents in its public restroom. That’s why you should speak with our Lakeland slip and fall attorney at The Turnbull Firm to investigate your particular case and determine whether you can sue the business to seek compensation for your injury.
The dangers of slip and falls in public restrooms
A public restroom can be a dangerous place when not inspected and cleaned properly. Public bathrooms at stores, coffee shops, shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and other places of business are responsible for hundreds of thousands of slip and fall accidents per year.
After using the restroom, people wash their hands with soap. Some of that water can drip on the floor. When the public bathroom is not inspected and cleaned properly and often, the liquid soap and water can accumulate on the floor, increasing the risk of a slip and fall accident.
When are businesses liable for slip and fall injuries in public bathrooms?
Under Section 768.0755, Florida Statutes, you can sue a business or property owner for a slip and fall accident if the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition that caused your injury.
Therefore, if you were injured in a slip and fall accident in a public restroom, you will need to prove that the owner of the property or business was negligent in inspecting, maintaining, or cleaning the facility.
If there is evidence to prove that the owner knew or should have known about the condition through a reasonable inspection, you may be able to sue the business for your restroom slip and fall accident.
It is advised to consult with a knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer in Florida to determine whether or not a business can be held liable for your injury.
What damages can you recover after a slip and fall accident in a public restroom?
If a business failed to act reasonably to remedy a dangerous condition to prevent your slip and fall accident, you might be able to sue the business owner after slipping in their public bathroom.
When you can prove that a business was negligent, it will be ordered to cover your damages and losses resulting from the slip and fall accident. The damages may include but are not limited to:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
What to do after slipping in a public bathroom?
If you injured yourself after slipping and falling in a public restroom, it is vital to notify the business owner or manager of your accident and collect all available evidence.
Take photographs and record videos of the dangerous condition that contributed to the accident. Get a copy of the cleaning log showing when the restroom was last inspected and cleaned.
After you are done with gathering evidence, seek medical attention to diagnose your injury. Then, it is advised to schedule a consultation with an experienced slip and fall lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact our slip and fall attorney at The Turnbull Firm to determine liability in your slip and fall accident. Call at 863-324-3500 for a free case review.