You may worry that you have no right to compensation if you injured yourself in a slip and fall accident near a wet floor sign. However, depending on the facts of your case, putting out a wet sign warning may not absolve the business or property owner from liability for your injuries.
When Putting Up a Wet Floor Sign May Not Be Sufficient
In Virginia, businesses and property owners have a duty to keep their property free of debris and hazardous conditions that could lead to people injuring themselves. When they cannot remove the dangerous condition immediately, they are required to warn guests of the potential danger.
Placing out a wet floor sign is a common way that businesses inform customers of hazards. This could be needed if a floor is mopped and wet or there is a leak of equipment or spill. However, just because the owner put out a wet floor sign does not mean that you cannot prove the owner’s negligence in causing your fall. Here are some situations where this may not be enough:
- The business relied on the wet floor sign for an unreasonable amount of time and should have removed the danger, such as cleaning up a spill.
- The hazardous area was in a desirable location where the owner knew or should have known that customers would cross into it to obtain popular products.
- The business or other property was poorly lit and prevented you from seeing the sign.
- You could not see the sign for another legitimate reason.
- There were obstructions that prevented you from avoiding the area where the sign was posted.
What Should You Do If You Were Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?
If you hurt yourself in a fall near a wet floor sign, do not make the mistake of assuming that you do not have a case. Take these steps to protect your legal rights:
- Take pictures of the area where you fell, the wet floor sign, your injuries, and anything else you believe may be helpful. Be sure to take photos from different angles. If you are too hurt to do this, ask someone to do it for you.
- File an accident report to notify the manager or owner of your fall.
- Seek prompt medical care even if you believe that you suffered no or minor injuries.
- Retain an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Our skilled legal team can evaluate your claim and file it for you so that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. To schedule your free case evaluation, call our Norfolk office or fill out our online form.
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