Quick service restaurants such as McDonald’s are can be prone to slip and fall incidents. From a slick floor caused by snow dragged into a store to spilled soda around the beverage station, a slip and fall is waiting to unfold every day. If you suffered injuries caused by a slip and fall at a quick-service restaurant, you want to know will a lawyer take your case? The answer depends on proving store negligence produced the conditions that caused the slip and fall. Also, a personal injury lawyer will determine whether there is enough evidence to warrant the filing of a civil lawsuit.
Types of Monetary Damages
The amount of monetary damages sought for a slip and fall case includes the cost of the medical care up to the time of a civil lawsuit. Medical costs include the expenses associated with diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating slip and fall injuries. What you might not know is you can also recover the costs associated with future treatments. A state-certified physician needs to file a document that presents the costs of expected future medical treatments for your slip and fall injuries. You also have the right to sue for the income lost because you were unable to work. Lost wages can run into thousands of dollars and for serious slip and fall injuries, lost wages total tens of thousands of dollars.
Why an Attorney Would Take Your Slip and Fall Case
Liability.
The personal injury attorney that you hire will determine whether a quick-service restaurant like McDonald’s was liable for causing the injuries suffered because of a slip and fall. You can expect to hear the legal term “reasonable” frequently when your attorney discusses liability and negligence. To find a company negligent for a slip and fall, your lawyer has to show the company failed to act reasonably to prevent the incident. Your attorney will answer questions like did the hazardous condition exist long enough for a “reasonable” property owner to eliminate it and did the company have a policy in place for preventing the development of a hazardous condition.
The Importance of Collecting Persuasive Evidence
Security footage is the most effective type of evidence acquired for proving negligence in a slip and fall case. A camera placed over a beverage station can show how much time elapsed between a beverage spill and a slip and fall. You also want to take photos of every injury suffered because of the slip and fall incident. Medical evidence including copies of diagnostic test results proves the existence of injuries. You should also collect statements from the healthcare professionals that treated your injuries. Witness statements can be powerful pieces of evidence, especially if the statements demonstrate negligence on the part of the quick-service restaurant. Finally, ask for a formal accident report completed by the manager on duty.
Undergo a Free Case Evaluation
A state-licensed personal injury lawyer provides you with the legal expertise to counter the legal team representing a quick-service restaurant like McDonald’s. The first order of business is for your attorney to conduct a free case evaluation to determine the best course of legal action. Schedule a free case evaluation today to start the litigation process.
Additional Resources
- McDonald's Slip and Fall Frequently Asked Questions
- 5 Things To Do If You Slipped And Fell At McDonald's
*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 another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
