For most people, a visit to a public restroom is a daily experience when working, shopping, going out to eat, or going to the 
movies. Public restrooms can be treacherous—especially for many of Florida’s senior citizens who may experience difficulties with walking and balance. Since the floors in public bathrooms are usually marble or hard tile, slip and fall victims can suffer serious injuries from hitting the hard ground. Victims may need extensive, expensive medical treatments. Many slip and fall victims can also suffer from permanent disabilities and a reduction in the quality of their lives.
Four Causes of Public Restroom Slip and Falls
Property and business owners have a duty to keep their restrooms in a clean and safe condition at all times. Unfortunately, they often do not take this duty seriously enough, and accidents happen. Common ways people fall in public bathrooms include:
Leaks. There are many pipes and faucets in restrooms—especially large ones—that can become damaged or need replacing due to age. Leaks can cause tile or marble floors to become especially slippery, and unsuspecting guests can easily slip and fall when no warning signs are put up in the bathroom.
Overflow. Toilets and sinks are often used hundreds of times each day and can easily become clogged or overflow when they are not maintained or monitored. This can result in slippery floors and unsanitary conditions.
Broken tiles. The constant wear and tear on bathroom floors can cause tiles to crack or break. This can become a tripping hazard, especially for elderly patrons.
Lack of maintenance. Staff must check public restrooms regularly for water spills and overflows of toilets and sinks. When messes are not promptly cleaned up, dangerous conditions result.
Because of all the hard floors and sharp surfaces, injuries from slip and fall accidents can be much more serious than regular slip and falls. Common injuries people suffer from include:
Head and brain injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones, including potentially life-threatening hip fractures
Spinal injuries that could result in long-term pain or paralysis
Knee and hand injuries
Sprains
If you fell in a public restroom and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation from the business or property owner whose negligence caused your fall. Fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
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