During a rainy afternoon, a “Wet Floor” sign stands guard at a busy Red Bank shopping center. These yellow markers appear everywhere, from store entrances to office hallways. Their presence or absence can change the direction of your slip-and-fall claim in New Jersey.
What warning signs mean in slip and fall cases
Property owners in New Jersey must keep their premises safe and tell visitors about possible dangers. They often use warning signs as their first step to prevent accidents. These include “Wet Floor” signs, “Watch Your Step” notices and “Construction Area” barriers. But just putting up a sign won’t always protect property owners from responsibility if someone gets hurt.
When signs might not protect property owners
Many things can stop a warning sign from being a good defense in court. Here’s what we often see in New Jersey slip-and-fall cases:
- Signs placed too far from dangerous areas
- Signs are put up after someone falls
- Warnings that don’t say what the actual danger is
- Old or hard-to-read signs
- Signs only in English in areas where many people speak other languages
These problems often come up in slip-and-fall claims across Monmouth County. Each can weaken a property owner’s defense.
Signs also can’t replace fixing problems. For example, suppose a store uses “Wet Floor” signs instead of fixing a leaky roof. In that case, they might still be responsible for accidents.
Beyond the warning sign
Property owners must do more than just warn about dangers—they must fix them, too. A sign works as a short-term solution, but leaving hazards in place creates bigger problems. The law expects owners to take reasonable steps to make their property safe.
If you’ve fallen despite warning signs being present, you might still have a valid claim. Every slip-and-fall case brings its own set of facts and circumstances. A local personal injury lawyer can look at your situation and help you determine your next steps.