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 he or she 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 indoors, and the rules regarding a property owner's duties with respect to those conditions.

Indoor Floors

It is expected that property owners will mop, wax, or polish their floors. Nonetheless, if a slip and fall accident occurs as the result of a wet floor, the property owner may be liable. Sometimes the property owner will subcontract or hire floor cleaners that 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 questions.  Many times, in my San Diego California Slip and Fall injury law practice, I am able to 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.