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Warning signs do not always mean you can’t seek compensation

One way that businesses and homeowners try to avoid having to pay someone compensation if they get hurt on the property is by putting up warning signs. While they may argue that they do this to keep people safe — and it may help — the focus is often on liability. If someone gets hurt and threatens to sue, they assume they can just point to the sign and avoid payment.

But is that really how it works? It is true that warning signs may help prevent injuries and may make it a little harder for those who get hurt to have a case, but it does not mean it’s impossible.

For instance, say that you slip and fall on a wet floor. The store had put out a wet floor warning sign, but where was it? Was it actually visible? Was it hidden behind products or other people? Was it in a language that you can actually read? Was it clear what the sign was warning you about? How close was it to the wet area on the floor?

Or, maybe you got bitten by a dog on someone’s property, and they had a “Beware of Dog” sign. In some cases, you can actually argue that the sign itself meant they knew they had a dangerous animal that would attack someone, but they still didn’t do enough to protect you.

These are just two examples, but they help to show you why it’s so important to understand all of your rights and legal options whenever you get hurt, even when the other party thinks you have no case.

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