If you were visiting a fast food restaurant, the store has a duty to make sure its premises are safe for customers. When a slip and fall occurs, it is usually because of negligence. If you hurt your ankle after a slip and fall, you might be able to pursue a personal injury claim.
If you can show that the restaurant was negligent, you can successfully show that the restaurant is liable for the damages that you suffered. If the restaurant and its staff had exercised due care, which was its obligation to make sure the premises are safe, they are at fault for the injuries that resulted.
The Elements of Negligence
There are four elements of negligence. First, is the duty. If you can show that the business or individuals have a duty or responsibility to keep others from harm, that is the first key. In this case, the store is responsible for protecting its customers. Next, show that duty was breached. You slipped and fell because the mess wasn’t cleaned up. Or an employee mopped, and no wet floor warning sign was placed.
Next, you will need to show that breaching that duty caused your fall. Then last, you must show that the accident that breach caused led to your damages. As an example, your ankle would not have been broken if you had not slipped and fell on the soda spilled in the floor.
Keeping Evidence and Documentation
You will need to keep documentation to support your claim. As an example, a copy of the accident report, medical bills and medical records, proof of missed work and lost wages, statements from eyewitnesses.
If possible, get photos of the injuries and document any events you miss and how you cannot participate in daily activities or hobbies. Several different damages might result from a slip and fall in McDonald’s.
Damages That Might Result
If you hurt your ankle in a slip and fall, you have suffered a variety of damages. Here are some of the common damages suffered in such incidents:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Long-term disabilities
- Mental trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your personal injury attorney will review your case, assess your situation, and help you determine which damages you suffered because of the slip and fall.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have hurt your ankle after a slip and fall, you need to consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney who handles accident injury claims understands slip and fall damages and will help you recover compensation for your damages.
Every state has a statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury claim, so don’t wait until it is too late to recover your losses. Your odds of a successful claim improve significantly with the help of an attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today!
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against McDonald's, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
