Q: If while in a store, a patron ignores a “wet floor” caution sign, and slips and falls, injuring , who's liable?
A: Please explain what you mean when you say that the patron ignored the sign.
A:
If the sign was clearly visible and was ignored by the patron, the store would have a viable defense to a tort claim for personal injury. A person whose negligence is a proximate cause of their own injury cannot recover at law in Virginia under the doctrine of "contributory negligence".
Some businesses carry no-fault medical benefits on their business policy to cover medical expenses for injuries to patrons. If available, the payments will be limited to the amount carried on the policy. Such coverage does not pay anything for "pain and suffering". It is for medical expenses only.
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