Whether you’re going out ot celebrate a momentous occasion or you don’t feel like cooking, going out to eat can be an incredibly fun experience. Not only do you not have to worry about cooking or doing the dishes, but you also get to try new foods. However, your fun night dining out can quickly take a turn into a nightmare if you are injured while in the restaurant. Unfortunately, restaurant injuries are not uncommon, so understanding how they happen and who can face liability is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these incidents and the importance of connecting with a Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer to help you navigate these complex matters.
What Are Common Restaurant Injuries and How Do They Happen?
One of the most common injuries you may suffer in a restaurant in Texas is burn injuries. With hot plates of food moving to and from the dining area, it is not uncommon for servers to slip and fall, or for furniture to break, resulting in serious burns for diners. For example, if a server is running a tray of food and they trip over a cord left on the ground, it can fall onto an unsuspecting patron, leaving them with serious burn injuries. Alternatively, if a diner is sitting at a rickety table that collapses, the food on the table can fall onto them, leaving them with burns.
Unfortunately, slips and falls are also common in restaurants, as, due to the nature of these establishments, spills are not uncommon. For example, if a server drops a glass of water on the ground, someone walking to their table may slip and fall as a result. Additionally, if there are unanchored carpets, wires, and cords strewn about, or wet spots on the ground from cleaning, diners can sustain injuries as a result. This also applies to injuries that occur outside of the actual building, such as on walkways, sidewalks, or in parking lots.
Who Is Ultimately Liable for the Damages I Suffer?
Determining liability for the injuries you have sustained in a restaurant can be difficult, as there may be a number of parties ultimately liable. In general, however, the restaurant owner may assume responsibility for the incident. This is because they are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe and the staff they hire is trained to recognize and remedy hazards. While a server may have spilled a drink, if they do not place the necessary wet floor signage near the hazard immediately, or take the steps to clean the spill, the owner would be liable for the actions of their employees.
However, in the event the injury occurs in a location like a shared outdoor parking lot,n the property managament company would likely face liability. This is because they own and care for the lot, so it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure the conditions are safe and free of hazards for those who park there.
As you can see, navigating the aftermath of restaurant injuries can be incredibly overwhelming. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC to help you navigate your legal options. Our team understands how difficult it can be to pursue a personal injury claim while still healing, which is why we are ready to guide you through this process. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact us today.
