When we slip and fall on a slippery or wet floor, the overwhelming emotion is embarrassment! The classic slipping-on-a-banana-peel fall is a slapstick comedy staple. However, for the person who slips and falls, it’s no laughing matter.

Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts, bruises and sprains to serious and life-threatening long-term or permanent damage. There are also huge physical, financial and emotional consequences to such injuries that the entire family of the victim may also have to bear.

No Wet Floor Sign?

Slipping on wet floors can be extremely hazardous for anyone, but if the victim is elderly or is a pregnant woman, the results can be traumatic. Inside the home, family-members are generally familiar with the house-cleaning routines and may also warn each other about liquid spills. However, guests may not be so warned and they are at risk. In retail and public spaces, the management is entirely responsible for installing the requisite signs to warn people about wet floors.

Closing off entrances to areas that are being wet cleaned is a good idea, along with providing a sign that says “Cleaning In Progress” etc. Another option in areas like corridors or inside washrooms is to provide a bright and large sign that says “Caution Wet Floor.” In countries like Canada, it may be necessary to have multiple languages on such signs to ensure that they are properly understood.

According to Ontario’s Occupier’s Liability Act premises owners have to take a reasonable amount of care to ensure that all visitors to their property are kept safe. This means regular maintenance, inspection and vigilance. Putting in the right systems when cleaning or construction work takes place is also their responsibility.

Safe practices include:

• Cleaning liquid spills immediately
• Regular cleaning routine with the right products at a specified time
• Ensuring that debris is cleared
• Ensuring that cleaning products and tools are cleared immediately after use
• Providing appropriately placed signs warning of the risk
• Ensuring appropriate drainage in wet-cleaning areas
• Checking on the effectiveness of guard-rails on mezzanines and balconies

There are strict time-frames for filing a personal injury compensation claim and if you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to sue. The accident must be reported immediately to someone in authority and an acknowledgment has to be taken from them.

Consult a doctor immediately if you or a dear one has sustained a slip and fall injuries. You may assume that you’re unhurt or that your injuries are minor. However, many minor injuries may turn out to be serious after a time-lapse. If you haven’t consulted a doctor immediately, it can be difficult to prove the connection between the accident and your injuries.

Unfortunately, most “accidents” are preventable and avoidable. They are caused by someone’s fault or negligence. The injured have a right to seek compensation from those responsible for the dangerous conditions that were created by such negligence.

An experienced Chatham-Kent personal injury lawyer can provide a swift and genuine appraisal of your claim and advise you on the merits of your claim.