Slippery floor signs are commonplace in America. In fact, they are so common that many people don't even notice them. As people walk through a room, they often walk right by the sign wet floor sign that is placed there to protect them. Still, these yellow plastic signs can be a significant factor during a slip and fall lawsuit.

When Should Warning Signs be Posted?

These signs should be present even in places where there is a very small chance of anyone slipping. Most often, they are used by businesses or in public places where it is not as easy to personally guard the spill. On private property, people can normally make sure that guests or family members walk around a slippery substance and warn them of where it is. However, the demands of a business may keep employees away from a slippery for extended periods.

What if a Sign Isn’t Posted?

Slip and fall lawsuits depend heavily on whether a property owner was aware of the slippery surface. For example, a house guest can sue if the host knew about the wet floor but failed to notify others of the situation. In the workplace, a slip and fall accident where the injured person was not warned beforehand can result in workers' compensation and a lawsuit. According to Slip and Fall Prevention: A Practical Handbook, the average cost of a worker fall is $12,470. This can increase up to $26,000 when lost production costs are added. Costs are even higher when the fall is sustained in a public place like a supermarket.

Popular Uses of Wet Floor Signs

On rainy days, many places such as fast food joints or stores with linoleum floors may situate these wet floor signs throughout their building. This way, customers who track in water are forewarned of the danger at hand. People also tend to put these signs out when something has spilled, or when a janitor is cleaning hard floors. These signs can divert people from the wettest or most slippery areas and are also capable of warning walkers of the risks of the floor well before they are near the hazard zone. Slippery floor signs are a patented product and are sold to property owners everywhere. While this sign cannot always protect from a lawsuit, property owners hope that it will make people aware. People who fail to display signs in their public locations can be held responsible through a premises liability lawsuit.

When Can Someone File a Slip & Fall Case?

Slip or fall claims are only legitimate if the victim suffered pain and injury. While a clumsy tumble can be embarrassing, embarrassment is not a legal ground for a lawsuit. Still, if you suffered severe bruising, broken bones, or skull and spinal injuries, you will likely be able to file a claim—especially if your injuries forced you to take time off from work. If you slipped and fell in a public location or in the workplace, you must be able to prove that property owners failed in their duty to post adequate signage warning of the danger which caused you to fall.