If you slipped and fell on a recently waxed floor in California, you may have a valid personal injury claim under premises liability law, especially if the property owner or business failed to take proper safety precautions.
🧼 Liability for a Slip on a Recently Waxed Floor
Businesses and property owners are required to maintain reasonably safe conditions. Waxed floors are slippery by nature, so the business may be liable if they:
- Failed to post warning signs (e.g., “Caution: Wet Floor” or “Recently Waxed”).
- Used excessive wax or an improper waxing technique that made the surface more slippery than normal.
- Waxed during business hours without blocking access to the area.
- Had a history of slip incidents in the same area.
- Did not inspect or maintain the floor after waxing.
💡 Key Point: If there was no visible warning and you slipped as a result, the property owner may be held negligent.
📸 Evidence That Helps Your Case
To strengthen your claim:
- Photos of the area showing no warning signs or barriers.
- Surveillance footage (request immediately—it may be erased).
- Witnesses who saw the fall or the floor condition.
- Store or incident report (get a copy if possible).
- Medical records documenting your injury.
- Cleaning/waxing logs (can show if it was just waxed and by whom).
⚖️ California Legal Considerations
Duty of Care
Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees (customers, clients, tenants, etc.), including keeping floors safe.
Comparative Negligence
Even if you were partially at fault (e.g., wearing inappropriate footwear), California law allows partial recovery. Your damages will just be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations
- 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.
💵 Damages You Can Recover
If successful, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care or rehab
- Disability or scarring (if applicable)
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].