An accident in a restaurant changed your life in an instant. The physical and emotional consequences are painful.
Plus you have to face the legal process. But you are not alone. Contact our Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer for free to receive maximum compensation.
Most Common Causes Of Restaurant Accidents
Restaurants are places to enjoy good food and spend quality time with friends and family. But we often don’t think about the serious accidents that can happen there. These incidents can turn a pleasant experience into a negative one and lead to unexpected injuries.
When this happens, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the restaurant owner or other responsible parties. To do this, you will need the help of a specialized Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer, who can assist you in obtaining fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
Both owners and customers should be more aware of the risks and take the necessary steps to prevent accidents, in line with Florida’s regulations for lodging and food service establishments. Understanding these regulations can help ensure compliance and enhance safety measures to avoid accidents.
Here are the most common causes of restaurant accidents:
- Slips and Falls: Caused by wet floors, liquid spills or food debris.
- Burns: Can occur from touching hot dishes or boiling liquids, affecting both employees and customers.
- Failure to Make Repairs: Issues like worn-out carpets or unsafe stairs can lead to accidents.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Caused by improper use of knives and other dangerous utensils.
- Food Poisoning: Results from poor hygiene, improper food storage or inadequate cooking.
- Accidents in Certain Areas of the Restaurant: The kitchen or aisles may have hazards like faulty equipment or fallen objects that can cause serious accidents.
Knowing these common causes can help you take preventive measures to avoid accidents and ensure the restaurant is a safe environment.
Types Of Injuries Resulting From Restaurant Accidents
Restaurant accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor to severe, depending on the circumstances. The best thing to do is to seek medical attention as soon as possible to begin your recovery. You should also contact a Tampa Restaurant Accident Attorney who can handle the legal aspects and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
Here are some common injuries that may result from these accidents:
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Bruises
- Burns
- Head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Dental and facial injuries
- Eye injuries
- Muscle injuries
- Whiplash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Poisoning
- Allergic reactions
- Choking
- Tears
What To Do After A Restaurant Accident
After going through a restaurant accident in Tampa, it’s important to follow a series of steps to protect your health and safeguard your rights so you can file a restaurant injury claim.
Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice closely, as failing to do so could affect the validity of your claim and reduce the compensation you are entitled to.
Stay calm and act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, they may not be immediately apparent. A doctor should examine you.
- Notify the Restaurant Staff: Inform the manager or supervisor and request that they complete a report with all the details. This will be helpful later in the legal process.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take photos and videos of the scene and your injuries. Get witness statements, as they will be crucial in supporting your case.
- Keep Track of All Expenses: Document all costs you incur, including medical bills, lost wages, transportation and any other expenses related to the accident.
- Consult a Legal Professional: Contact a Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer who specializes in these cases to help you understand your best options, evaluate the viability of your case, negotiate with insurance companies and represent you if necessary.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Restaurant Accident
In a Tampa restaurant accident, several parties may be held liable depending on the circumstances and the conditions that led to the incident.
A Tampa Restaurant Accident Attorney has the job of determining who is responsible so that each party pays fairly. This can be a complex process, but the priority is to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your case.
Parties who may be liable for these accidents include:
- The restaurant owner
- Restaurant manager
- Restaurant employees
- Maintenance companies
- Cleaning companies
- Outside suppliers
- Manufacturers of defective products
- Customers
Comparative Negligence In Restaurant Accident Cases
Comparative negligence is a legal principle used to determine liability and compensation in accident cases. It can sometimes be challenging to determine liability, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
A person may still receive compensation even if they are partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation will be reduced based on their degree of fault.
All available evidence will be reviewed to assess the degree of fault for each party involved. This ensures that any compensation or payments are fair and proportional.
Having a Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer is crucial to building a strong case, demonstrating the restaurant’s degree of negligence and maximizing the compensation you can receive, even if you are partially at fault.
The Process A Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer Will Go Through
A Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer will navigate the legal process, which can often be lengthy and complex, depending on the specifics of each case. The restaurant accident solicitors will follow a series of steps to prove liability and obtain appropriate compensation for the client.
Specialized Tampa restaurant injury lawyers will guide the client through every stage, from the initial investigation to trial or appeal, ensuring the client’s rights are fully protected.
Here’s the process they will follow:
- Initial Consultation: The attorney meets with the client to learn all the details of the accident, including the injuries sustained and the damages suffered.
- Case Evaluation: The attorney evaluates whether the case is viable based on the client’s account and reviews the facts to determine if the restaurant breached its duty of care.
- Evidence Gathering: The attorney collects evidence, such as photos, videos, medical reports, witness statements, restaurant maintenance records, expert consultations and any other relevant documents related to the case.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a restaurant injury settlement cannot be reached, the attorney will proceed with filing a lawsuit.
- Negotiation with the Insurance Company: The attorney will negotiate with the restaurant’s insurance company to try to reach a settlement before going to trial. The insurance company may attempt to lower the compensation amount, but the attorney will fight to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
- Mediation: If a settlement can’t be reached, a mediator may step in to help facilitate an agreement.
- Trial: The case is presented before a judge or jury, where both sides provide their arguments, evidence, and testimony. The attorney will work to prove who was responsible and justify the damages requested.
- Appeal: If either party is dissatisfied with the verdict, they may appeal the decision to a higher court. The attorney will represent the client during the appeal, presenting the reasons for challenging the decision.
The Damages A Tampa Restaurant Accident Attorney Will Help You Recover
An attorney will work to seek a variety of damages to cover the losses suffered by their client. These damages can be either economic or non-economic.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical costs resulting from the accident, such as hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation and more.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to being unable to work. This can also include future lost earnings.
- Property Damage: Compensation for any damage to property or personal belongings caused by the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional pain experienced due to the accident, including stress, fear and anguish.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of the client’s ability to enjoy activities they once did because of their injuries.
- Loss of Companionship and Consortium: When the client’s injuries affect their relationship with a spouse, partner, or family, damages may be sought for the loss of companionship and support.
A Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer will pursue these damages to ensure that the client receives fair compensation for all losses suffered.
The Time An Attorney Has To File A Claim
In Tampa, Florida, the time a person has to file a claim for a restaurant accident is determined by the Statute of Limitations.
This statute sets the maximum time allowed to file a legal claim after an accident occurs. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
This means you have up to two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in the appropriate court. However, the time limit may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
It’s crucial to contact a Tampa Restaurant Accident Law Firm as soon as possible to ensure you don’t lose your right to make a claim. The sooner you start the process, the easier it will be to gather evidence, obtain witness statements and build a strong case.
Contact Our Tampa Restaurant Accident Law Firm Today To Resolve Your Case
You are a victim of a restaurant accident. The consequences were devastating in your life, so you have to move forward and continue to cope with the situation.
Our Tampa Restaurant Accident Law Firm specializes in these cases and provides the expert legal representation you need to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Our team understands that every client is unique, so our Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer handles each case individually, focusing on what is best for you based on your specific situation.
With over 30 years of experience in these cases, we have offices throughout Florida, so you can visit the location most convenient for you.
We have received many positive reviews from our clients and have a strong record of successful cases, making us the highest-rated firm on Google Reviews (4.8).
We are ready to stand up to the insurance companies on your behalf. We know how stressful this can be, and we want to help. We also connect you with the best doctors to take care of your recovery and treatment.
To ensure that money is not a barrier, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing until we win your case.
Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights from start to finish. We strive to get you the results you need so that you can return to your life as it was before the accident. We believe that is possible.
We focus all our attention on each client, exceeding expectations and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
We constantly seek to improve our knowledge and skills, using the latest technology to provide timely and client-friendly services.
We work closely with each client, listening carefully to understand their best interests and providing the best legal options.
Since 1992, we have represented clients throughout Florida with professionalism and integrity. We have the experience needed to help bring your case to a successful resolution.Contacting our Tampa Restaurant Accident Lawyer can give you peace of mind, knowing that you have an experienced legal professional working for you. Call LaBovick today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
WHO CAN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY ACCIDENT IN A RESTAURANT?
The restaurant owner, the manager, the employees, an outside contractor. An attorney will help you determine who is responsible.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT IN A RESTAURANT?
Seek medical attention, inform the restaurant staff, take photos and videos of the accident, ask for witnesses and contact an attorney.
WHY DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR A RESTAURANT ACCIDENT?
Because they will help you through the legal process. They will provide you with the best legal options to get the compensation you are seeking.
HOW WILL MY ATTORNEY DETERMINE IF I HAVE A VALID CASE?
They will review the evidence, reports, videos, witness statements, among others. They will analyze if the duty of care was breached.