California is a melting pot of different cultures, so it makes sense that the state is home to many diverse restaurants. No matter the specific dish or cuisine you’re craving, a restaurant in the area is sure to match your tastes.
However, restaurants can become hotspots for slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents. A moment’s distraction or a neglected spill can turn a pleasant meal into a painful injury. It’s important to learn what type of slipping risks you might encounter and the legal courses of action you can take.
Common causes of falls in restaurants
There are numerous slipping and tripping hazards in the restaurant setting, especially when so many people are involved in preparing and serving food in one location. These hazards include:
- Wet floors from cleaning or spills
- Loose or torn carpeting
- Uneven flooring or thresholds
- Poor lighting in dining or walk areas
- Cluttered pathways with chairs or electrical cords
A combination of these factors may also lead to a catastrophic slip or fall injury.
The potential injuries from slipping or tripping in a restaurant
The possible fall injuries you could suffer include:
- Back and spinal injuries
- Cuts and abrasions
- Fractures, particularly hip or wrist fractures
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Sprains and strains
Your fall injuries can become more severe depending on how you land on the ground and other circumstances. For instance, falling down a flight of stairs can be especially damaging.
Filing a premises liability lawsuit
Under California law, everyone, including restaurants, is responsible for maintaining their property in a reasonably safe condition. If you suffered injuries due to a slip at a restaurant, you may have the right to seek compensation through a premises liability lawsuit under the law.
To make a claim, you have to prove that the restaurant had a duty to provide a safe environment, that the restaurant breached that duty through their negligence and that negligence directly led to your injuries and damages. This might be easier said than done since you’ll need evidence and witness testimonies to strengthen your claim. A legal professional may be able to review your case and see if you have enough to make a claim.