Wet Floor Accidents in Georgia & South Carolina
Wet floor accidents are among the most frequent causes of slip and fall injuries in commercial properties, workplaces, and public buildings. Whether caused by a spill that went unattended, a freshly mopped floor without adequate warning signs, a leaking roof, or rainwater tracked into an entryway, a wet floor creates a serious hazard for anyone walking through the area. The National Safety Council (NSC) identifies slips and falls as one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries, with wet or slippery surfaces playing a major role.
At Roden Law, our wet floor accident lawyers represent victims across Georgia and South Carolina who suffer injuries because property owners or businesses failed to keep their floors safe and dry. Under Georgia premises liability law (O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1), property owners must exercise ordinary care to protect visitors from foreseeable hazards — including wet floors. South Carolina applies the same reasonable care standard under its common law framework.
Common Causes of Wet Floor Accidents
Wet floor hazards arise in many settings and from a wide range of causes:
- Freshly mopped or waxed floors without visible warning signs or barriers
- Spills from beverages, food, cleaning products, or leaking merchandise
- Rainwater, snow, or ice tracked into building entryways without floor mats or drainage
- Leaking pipes, HVAC condensation, or roof leaks creating puddles
- Restroom overflow or plumbing failures
- Produce misting and refrigeration condensation in grocery stores
- Pool decks, spas, and water parks without slip-resistant surfaces
These hazards commonly occur in grocery stores, restaurants, hotels and resorts, retail stores, and workplaces. Property owners in all of these settings have a duty to prevent wet floor injuries or adequately warn visitors of the danger.
Warning Signs and Legal Duties
Many property owners believe that simply placing a “wet floor” sign eliminates their liability. This is not necessarily the case. While warning signs are an important step, Georgia and South Carolina law require property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent the hazard — not merely warn about it. If a floor has been mopped, the property owner should block access to the area until it is dry. If a chronic leak creates recurring puddles, the owner must repair the underlying problem rather than relying on perpetual warning signs.
Additionally, a wet floor sign must be conspicuously placed where it is actually visible to approaching pedestrians. A sign placed behind the hazard or in a location where it cannot be seen does not satisfy the property owner’s duty of care.
Injuries from Wet Floor Falls
Wet floor falls can cause severe injuries, particularly for elderly individuals. Common injuries include hip fractures, broken wrists and arms, traumatic brain injuries from striking the head on hard surfaces, herniated discs and spinal injuries, and torn ligaments and tendons. Falls on wet surfaces often occur suddenly and without warning, leaving victims unable to brace themselves and increasing the severity of impact injuries. The CDC reports that one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
Comparative Fault in Wet Floor Cases
Property owners frequently argue that the injured person was partially at fault — for example, by not watching where they were walking, wearing inappropriate footwear, or ignoring a warning sign. Under Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. South Carolina allows recovery if you are less than 51% at fault. Our attorneys work to minimize any allegations of shared fault and maximize your compensation.
Contact Roden Law After a Wet Floor Accident
If you were injured in a wet floor accident, it is essential to act quickly. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, witnesses may become unavailable, and the property owner may repair the hazard to hide evidence. Our attorneys investigate wet floor accidents thoroughly and pursue every avenue of recovery. Contact us for a free consultation — there is no fee unless we win.