Inside Flooring Conditions that lead to a San Diego County Slip and Fall | Dangerous Condition

Under California law, when the area where you slipped or tripped and fell is part of the property owner/possessor's premises, and they failed to take appropriate precautions or correct a problem that led to the accident, the owner/possessor will usually be legally responsible for your injuries. What follows are some examples of common indoor conditions that lead to slip and fall accidents and the rules regarding a property owner's duties concerning those conditions.

Indoor Floors

Property owners are expected to mop, wax, or polish their floors. Nonetheless, the property owner may be liable if a slip and fall accident occurs due to a wet floor. Sometimes, the property owner will subcontract or hire floor cleaners who were negligent in causing a slippery or dangerous flooring condition. Examples of conduct for which a property owner may be held responsible if a slip and fall accident results are:

• Failing to provide adequate warnings, such as signs, that the floor is being cleaned and is still wet or damp;
• Failing to provide adequate barriers to close off an area where there is a wet or damp floor;
• Using an excessive amount of wax or polish;
• Applying wax or polish unevenly;
• Treating a part of a floor and leaving a part untreated so that the change in conditions causes a slip and fall;
• Applying a floor treatment to a sloping or inclining part of the floor;
• Failing to use a floor treatment with "non-skid" ingredients when such treatment is required.

A property owner's neglect in properly maintaining carpeted floors, rugs, and mats can also create liability if a slip and fall accident occurs. Do not overlook if the property owner hired someone else to maintain the floors.  In my San Diego, California, Slip and Fall injury law practice, I often go after the owner and the entity or person the owner hired to maintain the floors.  Examples of such conditions that often lead to slip and fall accidents are:

• Torn, worn, or broken or bulging areas of carpet;
• Rugs or mats with curled edges, worn spots, or holes with edges sticking up;
• Items caught in the carpet material that stick up and catch on footwear.