Do I Have a Slip-and-Fall Case If There Was a “Wet Floor” Sign?

Yes. You may still have a slip-and-fall case in Colorado even if a “Wet Floor” sign was present. A warning sign is only one part of determining liability, and it does not automatically answer whether the property owner acted reasonably or met their obligations under Colorado law.  

At Bowman Law, our Colorado slip and fall lawyers review the full context of each incident to understand what caused your fall and whether the property owner met their legal responsibilities. The presence of a sign is one element in that analysis, not the conclusion. 

How “Wet Floor” Signs Affect Liability in Colorado 

A “Wet Floor” sign may be relevant in a slip-and-fall case, but it is only one piece of the liability puzzle. Colorado courts look at the broader circumstances surrounding the fall to determine whether the property owner met their legal obligations. This includes examining: 

• the owner’s duty of care,  

• your legal status on the property, and  

• whether the warning was adequate or effective under the circumstances. 

These considerations shape how slip-and-fall claims are evaluated in our state. Here is how Colorado courts assess warning signs within this framework and why a sign alone rarely resolves the question of liability. 

When a “Wet Floor” Sign Is Not Enough 

A warning sign does not, by itself, demonstrate that a property was reasonably safe. Courts in Colorado evaluate the totality of the circumstances — including the visibility, placement, and timing of the sign — when determining whether a warning was effective. 

A valid claim may still be possible if: 

• The sign was not placed where a reasonable person would notice it, 

• The warning was posted too late, after the hazard had existed for some time, 

• The floor remained unreasonably slippery or dangerous despite the sign, 

• The property owner failed to address the hazard within a reasonable timeframe, or 

• Poor lighting, crowding, or obstructions made the warning ineffective. 

What Colorado Law Requires of Property Owners 

Colorado’s premises liability laws require property owners to take reasonable steps to protect lawful visitors from hazards they knew about or should have discovered through proper maintenance and inspection.  

The protections available to you depend on your legal status on the property: 

• Invitees (such as customers) are owed the highest duty of care, which includes taking active steps to inspect for and address hazards. 

• Licensees (such as social guests) are entitled to protection from dangers the owner actually knew about. 

• Trespassers are owed limited protections focused primarily on avoiding willful or intentional harm. 

To bring a successful claim, an injured person must generally establish that: 

1. They were lawfully on the property. 

2. The property owner breached their duty of care. 

3. That breach caused the injury. 

4. Actual damages were suffered, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

The “Wet Floor” sign is only one factor courts consider when determining whether the property owner met these obligations. 

Evidence In Support of Slip-and-Fall Lawsuits 

Strong evidence can significantly influence the outcome of a slip-and-fall claim. Courts evaluate not only the presence of a hazard, but also how the property owner addressed it and whether the conditions were reasonably safe. Key forms of evidence include: 

• Photographs or videos showing the wet floor, the location of the hazard, and the placement or visibility of any warning signs. 

• Witness statements from individuals who observed the fall, the condition of the floor, or the timing of the warning sign. 

• Security footage, when available, may document how long the hazard existed or whether the property owner took steps to address it. 

• Maintenance or inspection logs that reflect how often the area was monitored and whether safety procedures were followed. 

• Incident reports are prepared by employees or managers after the fall. 

This material can help establish whether the property owner acted reasonably and whether the warning sign effectively reduced the risk of harm. 

Why Legal Representation Matters in Colorado Slip-and-Fall Cases 

Slip-and-fall claims often involve questions about notice, timing, and the adequacy of a warning — all issues that can meaningfully affect liability. At Bowman Law, we examine these factors, review available evidence, and evaluate whether the property owner met their obligations under Colorado law. 

We also handle communications with insurers, gather and preserve critical documentation, and work to ensure the full scope of your damages is recognised. 

Get the Support You Need After a Slip-and-Fall Injury 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall — even if a “Wet Floor” sign was present — you may still have a path to recovery. Bowman Law is here to explain your rights, assess the circumstances of the fall, and guide you through the next steps. 

Contact Bowman Law to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options moving forward.