Do Wet Floor Signs Automatically Protect a Business in Texas?
Not necessarily. While a wet floor sign can help a business defend itself in a slip and fall case, it does not automatically shield them from liability.
The Open and Obvious Rule
Under Texas law, to prove a premises liability case, you must show:
A dangerous condition existed on the property.
The property owner knew or should have known about it.
The open and obvious rule comes into play when a hazard is so apparent that a reasonable person would notice it. For example, if a wet floor sign is clearly visible, a court may consider the hazard “open and obvious,” and your case could be dismissed on a motion for summary judgment.
When Wet Floor Signs Might Not Protect a Business
Sometimes, whether a hazard is “open and obvious” is a question for the jury, especially if:
The sign was placed in a hard-to-see location.
The floor condition was unusually dangerous despite the sign.
Other circumstances made the hazard difficult to notice.
An experienced attorney can analyze the facts and determine if the open and obvious rule applies or if you can still recover compensation.
