Whether you’re dining out to celebrate a special occasion or you didn’t feel like cooking dinner, going to a restaurant is almost always a fun experience. Not only do you get to try new foods, but you don’t have to do any of the work! However, the last thing you might expect to happen when you go to your favorite local eatery is to sustain an injury that leaves you in pain and with considerable damage. Unfortunately, though not as common as other accidents, there are a number of ways in which someone can sustain injuries as a result of negligence in a restaurant. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you should know about your legal options, including the importance of working with a Broward County personal injury attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Restaurant Injuries are Most Common?
Like most places, you’ll find that the most common accidents you can experience in restaurants are slips and falls. Slips and falls are common due to the commonality of hazards like loose cords, unanchored rugs, or spills. However, in restaurants, the risk of slip hazards increases. This is because food establishments are more prone to spilled drinks and dropped food that can create a hazard for patrons. You can also sustain slip and fall-related injuries while on the premises outside of the restaurant. For example, if you slip and fall due to potholes in the parking lot or debris left on the walkway leading up to the entrance.
Another common accident that restaurant patrons may face while dining out is a burn injury. As servers walk around with hot plates or drinks, they may slip, lose their balance, or get bumped into while walking. As a result, the hot items can fall onto unsuspecting diners, resulting in serious injuries.
Finally, you’ll find that features within the restaurants can result in an injury. For example, if signage, shelving, or wall decor is not properly mounted and secured to the wall, it can fall and strike diners. Additionally, issues with furniture, like broken chairs or splintering tables, can collapse, ultimately resulting in injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for the Damages I’ve Suffered?
Determining liability for accidents in restaurants can be difficult, as there are different parties that could bear liability. For example, if you are injured in the restaurant parking lot, you may assume the owner is liable. However, if the lot is a shared space, restaurant management may have no control over the conditions. As such, the property owner or manager responsible for maintaining the parking lot would face liability.
In most instances, however, you’ll find that the restaurant owner and management can face liability for the injuries you’ve suffered. This is because they are ultimately responsible for ensuring the conditions in the restaurant are safe and properly maintained for patrons, as well as training staff and enforcing rules to ensure they do not cause injuries.
As you can see, suffering an injury as a result of negligence in a restaurant can be incredibly upsetting, as it not only results in considerable pain, but also damages. If you have been injured, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney with the Finizio Law Group to discuss your legal options. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will fight to help you through this process. Contact us today to learn more.
