Can I Still Sue if I Slipped Next to a “Wet Floor Sign” in California?
Wet floors cause countless injuries in California each year. All it takes is a thin layer of water on a floor, and your life could never be the same. Before you know it, you might find yourself slipping backward before striking your head on a hard surface. Over the next few decades, you might struggle with depression, loss of motor control, brain damage, cognitive decline, and many other issues. What happens if there is a “wet floor” sign in the area where you fell? Is this really enough to prevent a premises liability lawsuit in Riverside?
How Does a “Wet Floor” Sign Protect Negligent Property Owners?
First of all, it is important to recognize that a proper sign could potentially protect a negligent property owner from a slip-and-fall lawsuit. This defense strategy revolves around the concept of “awareness” in personal injury cases. Generally speaking, a defendant can escape liability if they make the plaintiff (you) aware of a particular threat. In theory, they have fulfilled their duty of care as a reasonable property owner by warning you about the wet floor. As a result, they may avoid being sued. Consulting a Riverside premises liability attorney can help you determine the strength of your case and navigate the complexities of premises liability law.
Not All “Wet Floor” Signs Offer Legal Protection
With all that said, a sign does not automatically make a property owner impervious to legal action. There are many situations in which a plaintiff could still sue for a slip and fall – even if the property owner used a sign.
First of all, the sign must be clearly visible. If you never saw the sign, you could argue that it did not provide adequate warning of the hazard. For example, the property owner may have put up the sign right outside the front door. However, you may have entered from the rear door. To protect themselves against lawsuits, a property owner might need to put up multiple signs that face different angles. Consulting a premises liability attorney in Riverside can help determine whether the signage was sufficient and if you have a viable case.
In addition, the sign must be legible. A hastily scrawled cardboard sign may not provide any legal protection whatsoever. If the lettering is too small, you could still sue. The best “wet floor” signs feature not only bold lettering but also visual cues. The classic yellow sign features a stick figure slipping and falling, for example. Even if the property owner used a clear sign, however, it might still not be effective. Perhaps they placed the sign behind a concrete pillar. Maybe they used dim lighting, making it difficult to make out the wording. To ensure you have the best possible representation, working with a Riverside personal injury law firm can help you navigate the legal complexities and strengthen your case.
Find an Experienced Riverside Premises Liability Lawyer
If you’ve been searching for an experienced premise liability lawyer in California, look no further than the personal injury law firm The Knez Law Group, LLP. We understand how life-changing a serious fall can be – especially for senior citizens. A “wet floor” sign may not be enough to prevent your lawsuit. To assess your situation in more detail, it makes sense to book a consultation with us at your earliest convenience. Reach out today by calling us at 951-742-7681 to learn more about your legal options.
Andrew J. Knez earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. During his college years, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and interned at the College Legal Clinic, where he assisted underprivileged communities in obtaining affordable legal services. Mr. Knez credits this experience with fostering his appreciation for the law and its positive impact on society. Additionally, during college, Mr. Knez worked as a paralegal, gaining hands-on experience in civil litigation. Learn more here.