Safety Tips for Avoiding Bathroom Slip-and-Falls

While we often talk the dangers of slips and falls in the public areas of restaurants, stores, office buildings, and other businesses, it is important not to forget that public bathrooms present many slip-and-fall risks as well. Slip-and-fall accidents in bathrooms are just like slip-and-fall accidents anywhere else: If you fall due to a dangerous condition that the owner or tenant had a duty to fulfill, Florida law entitles you to seek financial compensation.

Common Slip-and-Fall Risks in Bathrooms

The slip-and-fall risks in bathrooms are similar to those in other areas. These include:

• Slippery Floors – owners seeking to keep their premises clean may overlook the need to place warning signs on recently cleaned floors. Tile floors are slippery when wet, and unsuspecting patrons can easily get hurt in a fall on a freshly mopped or waxed bathroom floor.
• Puddles and Spills – Of course, when owners don’t keep their bathroom floors clean, this can create slip-and-fall risks as well. Puddles around sinks and commodes can cause sudden falls, as can soap spills and even loose paper towels.
• Chips and Cracks – We’ve all been in public bathrooms that have seen better days. Loose, chipped, and cracked floor tiles are also potential fall hazards, and owners have a legal duty to fix dangerous maintenance issues before they lead to harmful accidents.

Five Tips for Avoiding Public Bathroom Falls

With these risks in mind, here are five tips to keep in mind to help keep yourself upright next time you need to make use of a public restroom:

Tip #1: Observe Warning Signs

If you see a “Caution” or “Slippery When Wet” sign, be aware that you may be approaching a slippery floor.

Tip #2: Think Your Shoes

Are you wearing rubber-soled athletic shoes, or high-heel stilettos? If you are wearing slick or unstable shoes, keep in mind that you may be more likely to slip and fall.

Tip #3: Look Out for Obvious Hazards

While many slip-and-fall risks are difficult to spot, some may be obvious. If you see a puddle or a particularly shiny spot on the floor, try to walk around it if you can.

Tip #4: Avoid Creating Hazards

In addition to being respectful, leaving the bathroom how you found it can help you avoid slipping and falling on a hazard you helped to create.

Tip #5: Pocket Your

This goes along with Tips #1 and #3: In order to avoid walking directly into a potential fall hazard, consider putting away your phone. It only takes a second to slip and fall – if you are distracted, you are less likely to spot a warning sign or spill.

Of course, some accidents will simply be unavoidable, and no one expects you to conduct a thorough safety inspection each time you need to go to the bathroom. Just be smart your surroundings, and if you get hurt in a fall, call the legal team at Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers so that we can help you Demand More® for your losses.

Speak with a Lawyer for Free

At Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers, we provide free initial consultations for slip-and-fall accident victims in Florida, and we do not charge any legal fees unless we win your case. To find out if you have a claim for compensation, call our Palm Beach County law offices at 561-202-6673.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a licensed Personal Injury attorney.