The presence of a wet floor sign does not necessarily mean that the property owner is immune from liability if someone slips and falls on the wet floor. While the sign may serve as evidence that the owner was aware of the hazard, it is not conclusive evidence that the owner took adequate steps to remediate the hazard or warn of the danger.
What Happens if a Wet Floor Sign Was Present?
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident on a wet floor, you may be wondering if you can still sue even if there was a wet floor sign present. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including:
- Whether the sign was placed in a conspicuous location
- Whether the owner took adequate steps to clean up the hazard
- Whether you were reasonably expected to see the sign
Conspicuous Location
One of the first things that will be considered is whether the wet floor sign was placed in a conspicuous location. If the sign was obstructed by merchandise or otherwise not easily visible, the property owner might be found negligent.
For example, if you slipped and fell on a wet floor in a grocery store aisle and there was no wet floor sign present, you would likely have grounds to sue.
Adequate Measures to Clean Up
Even if the wet floor sign was prominently displayed, you might still be able to sue if it can be shown that the property owner did not take adequate steps to clean up the hazard or warn of the danger. For instance, if you slipped and fell on a puddle of water and it was found that it had been there for hours with no attempt made to clean it up, you may have a good foundation for a claim.
Reasonably Expected to See Sign
In some cases, even if the wet floor sign was properly placed and the property owner took adequate steps to clean up the hazard, you might still be able to file a lawsuit if it can be proven that you could not have reasonably expected to see the sign. Say, for instance, there was a leak in a grocery store bathroom. The owner made every effort to contain it (to no avail) and placed down a wet floor sign. The sign, although very obvious to anyone standing inside the restroom, could not be seen to anyone on the outside. If someone were to enter the bathroom and slip, they may have grounds for a claim.
What Does “Reasonable” Mean in Personal Injury?
The concept of “reasonableness” is one that plays a major role in personal injury cases. The term “reasonable” means that an ordinary person, under similar circumstances, would have acted the same way. Taking this into account when considering whether to sue for slipping and falling on a wet floor can help you understand if you have a valid claim even if there was a wet floor sign present.
Ultimately, it is essential to consult with an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
Do You Think You Have a Case?
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident on a wet floor, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. An experienced lawyer can review the details of your case and advise you on whether you may have grounds for a claim. They will also be able to help you navigate the legal process and make sure that your rights are protected.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, call us today at (775) 227-2280 for a free initial consultation!