Tampa has some truly stellar restaurants, and tourists come from all over the nation to visit and dine. However, some of these guests go home with more than they were bargaining for. When a night out to enjoy a nice dinner ends in the emergency room, it’s safe to say that something did not go according to plan. When you think about restaurant injuries, you may imagine allergy attacks, choking on food, or other incidents. You may be surprised to learn that the most common restaurant injury actually has nothing to do with food. In fact, the most likely injury at restaurants today is a slip-and-fall accident.
Causes of Slip-and-Fall Restaurant Accidents in Restaurants
Slips and falls in restaurants can happen due to any number of reasons. Common causes include spilled beverages, substances, food, and debris, on the floor, as well as uneven flooring. Extension cords, electrical wires, loose carpeting, and uneven flooring can also all result in nasty slips and falls. Hidden steps (as well as visible ones), loose hand-railings, uneven or unstable flooring, and bad lighting can all contribute to falls. Falls in restaurants also happen due to collapsing chairs or broken equipment. Interestingly, a significant number of restaurant injuries do not even occur inside of the restaurant. Rather, they happen outside in the parking lot or sidewalk of the restaurant, which the restaurant is still liable for.
Understanding Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in serious injuries with significant long-term consequences. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to slips and falls, and suffer a disproportionately large number of hip fractures and fatalities as a result. However, individuals of any age may be seriously injured as the result of a fall. Slip-and-fall accidents can cause fractured and broken bones, damage to the spine and neck, and even traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, often when the head hits the ground very hard, these accidents can even prove fatal. It’s important to understand that these accidents are almost always avoidable, and are rarely the patron’s fault.
Suing for Slip-and-Fall Injuries
By bringing a personal injury lawsuit, you can hold the restaurant accountable for their negligence, and make it more likely that they will take more precautions in the future. A personal injury lawsuit aims to restore you to the position you would have been in financially had the accident never occurred. A successful personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover for all expenses related to the injury, including any lost work, and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be appropriate.
Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury as the result of a slip-and-fall accident at a Florida restaurant that could have been avoided, the experienced Tampa personal injury lawyers at Durham Law Group, P.C. are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you get the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to.
