What If I Was Injured While Dining Out?

Many enjoy dining out, but unfortunately, accidents can happen in restaurants just like anywhere else. From slippery floors to poorly maintained furniture, restaurant patrons can suffer injuries due to unsafe conditions.

Talk to a Miami personal injury lawyer if you or someone you care about was hurt while dining at a Miami restaurant. Injuries in restaurants are more common than a lot of people realize, and Florida law protects patrons from negligent establishments.

Understanding Premises Liability for Restaurants

Restaurant owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for patrons. This means that restaurants must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards and promptly address any dangers, these protections are in place under Florida’s premises liability laws. If a restaurant fails to maintain a safe surroundings and a patron is injured, the establishment may be held liable.

Several types of accidents can occur in restaurants, leading to injuries that range from minor to severe. Some of the most common include:

• Slip and fall accidents. Wet floors from spilled drinks, recently mopped surfaces, or leaks can cause serious falls, leading to injuries such as fractures, sprains, or head trauma.
• Trip and fall incidents. Dim lighting, uneven flooring, loose rugs, or cluttered walkways can make it easy for patrons to trip and injure themselves.
• Burns and scalds. Hot food and beverages that are improperly handled or spilled can cause serious burns.
• Broken furniture injuries. Chairs or tables that are unstable or in poor condition can collapse, leading to unexpected injuries.
• Food poisoning. Consuming contaminated or improperly prepared food can result in foodborne illnesses requiring medical treatment.

To build a valid premises liability claim, injured individuals need to prove that the restaurant had a responsibility to provide a safe environment and that the restaurant breached that duty. There also must be documentation that the breach led to the injury and the harm led to losses. The losses are often damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress.

Recent Florida Cases Involving Restaurant Injuries

Several recent cases highlight how Florida courts recognize premises liability claims against negligent restaurants. In one case, a Miami diner sustained a fractured wrist after slipping on an unmarked wet floor near the restroom. They successfully sued for damages because the restaurant failed to place warning signs and clean up the hazard in a timely manner.

In another instance, a Florida patron received compensation after suffering a back injury due to a broken chair collapsing beneath them. The strength of this case leaned on documentation that the restaurant had ignored previous complaints about the risk.

A Miami personal injury lawyer can assess your case, negotiate with insurers, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Experienced know how to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies looking to minimize payouts.

Has a bill you received after a restaurant injury upended your personal finances? You may be able to connect with financial relief if an establishment was negligent. Talk to the attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law to learn more. Call 305-423-3800 to schedule your confidential consultation.