A slippery floor without a wet floor sign in an Oregon business or home is a disaster waiting to happen. If you slipped and fell on an unmarked wet floor in Oregon, trust Rizk Law to help you recover fair compensation. Our Portland slip and fall accident lawyers can identify who’s liable for your injuries and hold them accountable. We’ll handle all the legal work so you can concentrate on healing. Plus, you don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
Slip and Fall Accidents in Oregon
Slip and falls are a common type of accident that can lead to serious injuries. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting are just a few dangerous conditions that often contribute to these incidents. They frequently occur in Oregon grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings, and other public spaces where property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions and warn visitors of potential hazards.
Slip and fall injuries range from minor bruises to more severe harm, such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries. Older adults are particularly at risk of life-altering complications from slip and falls, including hip fractures and long recovery times.
What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents?
In most cases, slip and fall accidents on unmarked wet floors happen because the property owner or another party didn’t uphold their legal obligation to protect visitors. “Negligence” is the legal term for this failure to maintain the premises. Some common examples of negligence that cause slip and falls on wet floors include:
- Failure to place warning signs – Wet floors from cleaning, spills, or leaks require clear warning signs. Without proper signage, visitors may not notice the hazard.
- Untimely cleanup of spills – Delays in addressing spills or leaks increase the likelihood of accidents. Prompt cleanup is necessary to prevent injuries.
- Inadequate lighting – Poorly lit areas make it difficult to see wet spots or other hazards on the floor, making an accident more likely.
- Improper floor maintenance – Cracked tiles, loose mats, or uneven surfaces can create hazards, especially when combined with moisture.
- Blocked or poorly placed drainage – Faulty drainage systems or blocked drains can cause water to pool on floors, increasing the risk of slipping.
- Failure to inspect the premises – Business owners must routinely check for potential hazards. Neglecting to identify and address issues, like wet floors, is a common cause of accidents.
- Slippery cleaning products – Using cleaning solutions that leave a slick residue can create dangerous conditions if the floor isn’t dried or treated correctly.
Slip and Fall Accidents When There’s No “Wet Floor” Sign
Unmarked wet floors are particularly dangerous examples of property owner negligence. If the wet floor isn’t marked, it usually means the property owner either doesn’t know about the hazard or isn’t concerned enough about the possibility of an accident to warn visitors. No matter the scenario, the property owner has failed in their legal obligations, as Oregon law requires property owners to warn visitors of known hazards. Business owners owe a further duty to visitors and must regularly check for potential dangers.
Property owners who fail in these duties may be liable for any injuries visitors sustain in a slipa nd fall. Those injured in slip and fall accidents can seek compensation for their losses from the negligent property owner, including money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lower quality of life
Who Is Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents in Oregon?
In most Oregon slip-and-fall accident cases, responsibility for the accident ultimately falls on the property owner. Whether the property owner maintains the premises themselves or gets outside help, the duty to keep visitors safe ultimately falls on them. That said, some other parties may share liability for the accident, such as:
- Property managers – If a property manager oversees daily operations, they may be liable for failing to address hazards or ensure proper maintenance.
- Cleaning companies – Third-party cleaning services responsible for maintaining floors can be at fault for accidents if they don’t place warning signs or properly dry wet areas.
- Contractors or maintenance workers – Contractors hired for repairs or maintenance may be liable if their work creates unsafe conditions, such as leaving floors wet without warning.
- Tenants or lessees – If someone rents the property and controls its upkeep, they could be held accountable for hazards in their leased area.
- Manufacturers of defective products – If faulty cleaning equipment or products caused the wet or slippery floor, the manufacturer might share responsibility for the accident.
How to Prove Liability for a Slip-and-Fall on an Unmarked Floor
Proving liability for a slip-and-fall on an unmarked wet floor requires you to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and didn’t take proper precautions. One way to demonstrate a property owner’s negligence is to look at surveillance footage of the accident. This footage can provide a neutral perspective on what happened and demonstrate a lack of warning signs in the accident area. Eyewitness accounts can provide similar perspectives. A skilled personal injury attorney can gather evidence to support your slip-and-fall claim while you rest and heal.
An Experienced Oregon Slip-and-Fall Attorney Can Get You the Help You Need
Rizk Law has decades of experience defending the rights of injured Oregon residents, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our deserving clients. We’ll make the legal process as simple as possible and negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement. If the property owner or other liable parties don’t make a fair offer, we’re ready to take your case to trial and represent you in court.
If you need further reassurance about choosing one of our Portland slip-and-fall accident lawyers, here’s what one client said about their experience with us:
“Richard and the Rizk Law team made the whole process seamless and as easy as possible. I really appreciate how communicative they were and their knowledge of the law was astounding. These guys are the best and I recommend them to anyone.”
Ready to talk to our lawyers about your case? Contact us today for a free consultation.