When you go to a favorite restaurant, the last thing you would expect to happen is to end up on your back on the floor after slipping over on something wet and slippery. These sorts of accidents are unfortunately quite common in fast food restaurants. Employees are often busy behind the counter and do not always have time to check what has been spilled on the floor.
Restaurant owners and managers are responsible for the safety of their customers and are liable to pay compensation if their negligence has caused an injury. If you have been injured after slipping over on a wet floor in a restaurant you should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss the possibility of a personal injury claim against the restaurant.
How a Slip and Fall Accident Could Occur at a Restaurant
Most slip and fall accidents in restaurants occur because a part of the floor is particularly slippery. Most restaurant floors are designed to be slip resistant, but anything liquid that finds itself spilled on to the floor can create hazardous, slippery conditions. It’s easy to imagine how a customer can inadvertently spill a drink or sauce from their take away meal.
Normally, it would be the manager’s job to make sure that any mess is cleared away promptly as it is a slip hazard, but some restaurants neglect to do anything quickly and that’s when accidents happen. The other main slip hazard in a restaurant is after the restaurant has been cleaned, especially the floor.
Unless there is a way to dry the floor quickly, or the area is cordoned off, there should be a warning notice put up to warn customers of the slip danger. If this hasn’t been done, then an injured person could justifiably sue the restaurant for negligence.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
To file a PI claim against a restaurant because of a slip and fall injury, you will need to prove to the restaurant chain’s insurer that their client had behaved negligently. It would certainly help if you can get eye-witnesses to support your claim.
That shouldn’t be too difficult as there are almost always other customers in a busy fast food restaurant. If you have something that can take photos, you could take photos of the mess on the floor that you slipped over on, and even your injuries to show that they definitely occurred at that time and place.
It’s Advisable to Use a Personal Injury Lawyer
Filing a personal claim against a company isn’t always easy. Their insurer will be reluctant to hand over compensation, especially if you have had a bad injury and are demanding thousands of dollars to pay for it.
It is advisable to speak to an experienced PI lawyer first before filing a claim. At the very least you will get some sound advice and if the lawyer thinks you have a good chance of obtaining compensation should pursue the claim on your behalf. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation 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 Chipotle Mexican Grill, or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
