Can a Wet Floor Sign Invalidate My Virginia Premises Liability Claim?

Many people believe that they are not entitled to any financial compensation because the slip-and-fall accident that caused their injuries took place near a wet floor sign. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your fall, however, simply placing a warning sign for a wet floor might not necessarily absolve the property owner or business from liability for the damages you sustained in a Virginia premises liability accident. 

Can I collect damages if I slipped and fell near a wet floor sign?

Our experienced legal team can evaluate your claim and file it on your behalf so that you collect the full amount of financial compensation to which you are entitled. To schedule your free case review with one of our Virginia premises liability lawyers, call our Virginia Beach law offices at (833) 997-1774 or fill out our form online.

When a Wet Floor Sign Isn’t Adequate

In Virginia, both property owners and businesses have a responsibility to keep their premises free of dangerous conditions and debris that could result in guests and visitors injuring themselves. In the event that the hazardous condition cannot be immediately repaired or removed, they have a duty of care to warn others of the possible danger.

Placing out a bright yellow wet floor sign is a standard method used by stores and businesses to inform their clients and customers of hazards. A wet floor sign might be necessary if the floor has just been mopped and is still wet or if there is a spill or a leaking piece of equipment. Just because the manager or owner placed a wet floor sign near the area, however, does not mean that you are unable to prove their negligence in causing your slip-and-fall accident. 

Some possible scenarios where the placement of a wet floor sign might not be sufficient include: 

• The company depended on the wet floor sign for an unreasonable length of time and should have been able to clear the area of the hazard, such as wiping up a spill.
• The hazard was in an appealing area where the manager or owner was aware or reasonably should have been aware that customers would walk through it to reach popular items.
• The store or business was inadequately lit which prevented you from being able to see the sign.
• There was another valid reason you could not see the sign. 
• There were obstacles or barriers that made it impossible for you to avoid the spot where the sign had been posted.

What Should I Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

If you fell and were injured in the vicinity of a wet floor sign, don’t just assume that you don’t have a valid case. After any slip-and-fall accident, you can protect your rights and potential compensation by:  

• Taking photos of the spot where you slipped and fell, the wet floor sign, any visible injuries, and anything else you think might be important. Make sure you take pictures from a variety of angles. If your injuries are too serious for you to do this, you can ask someone for help.  
• Informing the owner or manager of your accident and filing an accident report. Make sure you get a copy for your records. 
• Seeking immediate medical attention even if you feel that your injuries are minor or that you were not injured at all.  
• Hiring a reputable Virginia premises liability lawyer as soon as you can following your accident. 

Contact a Virginia Premises Liability Attorney Today

If you were hurt in a Virginia premises liability accident and would like to speak with a lawyer about what your next steps should be, reach out to the Virginia personal injury law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, by calling (833) 997-1774 or through our online contact form. 

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