If you’ve been hurt in a restaurant slip-and-fall accident, seeking legal representation is crucial to recover the compensation you deserve.
At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth slip and fall accident lawyer has years of experience helping victims fight for justice. We are committed to ensuring those injured due to someone else’s negligence get the help they need.
Common Causes of Restaurant Slip and Fall Accidents
Restaurants are filled with potential hazards, from spilled drinks to cluttered walkways. Identifying these common causes helps show the risks and responsibilities involved.
Faulty Stairs or Railings
Broken steps or unstable railings can cause serious falls. Regular inspections and repairs are necessary to keep stairs and railings safe for customers.
Uneven or Damaged Flooring
Cracked tiles, torn carpets, or uneven surfaces can catch patrons off guard, leading to unexpected falls. Proper maintenance is essential to keep these hazards in check.
Slippery Entryways
Weather-related hazards, such as rain or snow, can make entrances slippery. Failing to address these conditions with mats or cleaning can lead to accidents.
Poor Lighting
Dim lighting, particularly in areas like entryways or restrooms, can make it hard to see potential dangers. Without adequate lighting, guests may fail to spot hazards such as spills or uneven flooring.
Wet or Slippery Floors
Spills from drinks, dropped food, or cleaning products often make restaurant floors hazardous. When warning signs aren’t displayed during mopping, the risk of an accident increases significantly.
Obstructions in Walkways
Chairs, boxes, or other objects left in high-traffic areas can create tripping hazards. These obstacles are particularly dangerous in busy restaurants where patrons might not notice them in time.
Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can result in injuries that disrupt every aspect of your life, from your ability to work to your overall well-being.
Head Injuries
A fall can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries may require extensive medical care and can cause long-term memory or cognitive issues.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Herniated discs or even paralysis can result from a bad fall. Back and spinal cord injuries can severely limit mobility and require ongoing medical treatment or physical therapy.
Broken Bones
Fractures in areas like the wrists, hips, or ankles are common after a slip and fall. These injuries often lead to long recovery times and may impact your ability to perform daily tasks.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, or torn ligaments can be incredibly painful and take weeks or months to heal. These injuries often require physical therapy and can limit your range of motion.
Cuts and Bruises
Lacerations from sharp objects or hard surfaces can result in painful wounds that require stitches or other medical care. Deep bruising can also cause discomfort and restrict movement.
Neck and Shoulder Injuries
Awkward falls can result in whiplash or dislocated shoulders. These injuries often make it difficult to lift objects or perform simple activities.
Types of Protected Guests in Texas
Under Texas law, the level of care owed to someone injured on a property depends on their classification.
Invitees
Invitees include restaurant patrons who are lawfully on the premises for business purposes. Restaurants owe invitees the highest duty of care, meaning they must actively work to keep the environment safe.
Licensees
Licensees are individuals allowed on the premises for non-business reasons, such as a social guest. While owed a lesser duty, restaurants must still warn them about known hazards.
Trespassers
While trespassers are not legally permitted on the property, liability can apply in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Restaurant Slip and Fall Accidents?
Determining liability is essential in slip and fall cases. Several parties may be responsible for creating or failing to address hazardous conditions.
- Restaurant Owners or Management: Owners and managers are responsible for maintaining safe premises. They can be held accountable for accidents when they fail to address hazards or train employees properly.
- Employees: Employee negligence, such as not cleaning up spills or placing warning signs, can contribute to unsafe conditions. They share responsibility for ensuring guest safety.
- Third-Party Contractors: Construction crews, cleaning services, or maintenance teams hired by the restaurant might be liable if their actions or equipment lead to unsafe conditions.
- Vendors or Delivery Personnel: If a vendor or delivery worker creates a hazard, such as leaving boxes in a walkway, they can also share liability for the accident.
Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases
You must prove the restaurant was negligent to succeed when filing a slip and fall case. This involves showing the following elements existed:
- Duty of Care: The restaurant is responsible for providing a safe environment for its patrons. This includes maintaining floors, lighting, and other areas to avoid hazards.
- Breach of Duty: A breach occurs when the restaurant fails to meet this responsibility. Negligence can be shown by ignoring a spill or failing to repair damaged flooring.
- Causation: You must prove that the restaurant’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This often involves gathering evidence, such as photos of the hazard and witness statements.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate the accident’s impact, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. These damages highlight how the injury has affected your life.
How Our Fort Worth Restaurant Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Patterson Law Group, we understand your challenges after a slip and fall accident. Our Fort Worth personal injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument.
We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve through negotiations or in court. As a no-win, no-fee restaurant slip-and-fall lawyer in Fort Worth, you can trust us to fight for justice without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Compensation Available for Slip and Fall Victims
Dealing with the aftermath of a slip and fall accident at a restaurant can be challenging. Not only do victims endure painful physical injuries, but the financial burdens can be overwhelming, as well. For this reason, it is important to take legal action to recover compensation. Victims of restaurant slip and fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
Frequently Asked Questions
Slip and fall accidents can be confusing, especially regarding your rights and next steps. Here are answers to some common questions:
What should I do if the restaurant denies liability for my accident?
If a restaurant denies responsibility, gather as much evidence as possible, such as photos, witness statements, and medical records. Then, contact a restaurant injury attorney near me to help build your case and fight for your rights.
How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit in Texas?
When filing slip and fall cases, victims typically have up to two years from the accident date to file a claim. Acting quickly can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. If you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your award may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Call Our Fort Worth Restaurant Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents in restaurants can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Protecting your rights and holding negligent parties accountable is essential to moving forward. At Patterson Law Group, our best slip-and-fall accident lawyer in Fort Worth, is ready to help you pursue justice.
Contact our top-rated slip and fall attorney in Fort Worth today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
