Surely the public restroom is not your favorite place in the world. The vast majority of us, except possibly a few curious children, make a trip to the bathroom at a restaurant, department store, or gas station out of pure necessity. Unfortunately, they can be fraught with potential risk as well.

Germs

It’s really common knowledge that restrooms can be littered with germs, but just in case there was any doubt, media channels have run headlines many times over in recent years pointing to one study after another regarding the E. coli, salmonella, rotavirus,staph bacteria, and other filth found in public bathroom stalls. It’s not just the toilet seats or stall walls to be feared. In fact, even the toilet paper holders do not contain the vast number of germs found on bathroom faucets, sinks, and paper towel dispensers. Many of these germs can be shed by properly washing hands and drying thoroughly. Avoid touching any surfaces within the restroom after hands have been disinfected.

Slips and Falls

Of all of the flooring surfaces in a public institution, restroom flooring is the most likely to have standing water and is often made of a hard, smooth material. Wet tile can be extraordinarily slippery, which puts those visiting the restroom in harm’s way when an accident has occurred within the stall or at the sinks.

Stranger Danger

Not only are bathrooms running rampant with bacteria, they are also visited by many different types of people. Some of those have bad intentions. Children are all too often taken advantage of or abducted while visiting public restrooms and adults can be burglarized while relieving themselves. If you are injured, mistreated, or made ill by your trip to a public restroom, it may be possible to collect damages to cover related medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Consult a personal injury attorney for more information and to properly discuss your case.