One of the most common defenses in a slip-and-fall accident case is that the property owner posted a warning sign, whether or not a reasonable person would have heeded the warning and continued with caution or avoided the area and not been injured. The presence of a warning sign — such as a yellow standing floor sign or a safety cone — does not absolve the property owner from fault after a slip-and-fall accident.
Anyone who has been seriously injured in a slip-and-fall accident caused by an avoidable danger should speak with an experienced Atlanta slip-and-fall accident attorney. Contact Ponton Law to schedule a free consultation.
Can You Sue if you Slip And Fall in a Store Where There Were Warning Signs?
All of the facts matter in a slip-and-fall case, not just whether or not there was a warning sign. Property owners, especially commercial property owners, have a legal liability to ensure the health and safety of their visitors. They should ensure that their premises — which include any buildings or property — are reasonably secure for visitors and other occupants. If danger arises, the property owner is responsible for repairing it as soon as possible and posting appropriate notices if it cannot be fixed immediately.
Some of the questions that may arise after a slip-and-fall accident with a warning sign include:
- What kind of sign was there?
- What was the distance between the sign and the hazard?
- What method was used to position the warning sign?
- Was the sign’s message in a language that the fall victim might understand?
- Was there ample illumination to see and read the sign?
The Significance of Reasonableness
In a slip-and-fall claim where the store had caution signs up, both the plaintiff and the defendant are bound by what an average person would have done in this situation. The property owner should act promptly and responsibly to address any issues. If not, they may be liable.
Nonetheless, the plaintiff is also held to the same standard. Only if an average person would not have seen the sign and behaved accordingly is compensation available. A court may limit or remove any damages awarded if it finds that the business owner behaved reasonably and that a reasonable individual would have seen the sign.
Contact Ponton Law Firm
There is no straightforward answer to whether caution signs would stop you from receiving coverage if you slip and fall, sustaining injuries. Each case is unique, and making this decision necessitates a detailed investigation, but a warning sign doesn’t erase liability.
If you’ve been injured in an Atlanta slip-and-fall accident, contact Ponton Law for prompt and competent representation. Their Atlanta slip-and-fall attorneys will investigate your accident to collect relevant testimonies and necessary evidence that will help build a strong case on your behalf. Call today to schedule a free consultation and receive the compensation you deserve.