Slip and fall accidents in restaurants can happen quickly, often leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical expenses, and financial stress. Hazards such as spilled drinks, uneven flooring, poor lighting, or poorly maintained walkways can easily cause accidents, leading to long-term health issues and significant challenges.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident at a restaurant in Louisiana, it’s crucial to understand your rights and take steps to protect them. Consulting a Louisiana slip and fall lawyer can help you determine your legal options and fight for compensation.
At Laborde Earles, our team of restaurant slip and fall injury lawyers in Louisiana has over 350 years of combined experience helping injury victims throughout the state. We are on your side. Let us guide you through the process and work to secure justice on your behalf.
Common Causes of Restaurant Slip and Fall Accidents
Restaurants are bustling environments where hazards can easily arise. Some frequently occurring reasons for slip and fall accidents in restaurants include:
- Wet Floors: Caused by an equipment leak, a spill from drinks or food, or an area that had recently been mopped
- Debris: Food waste, paper napkins, or other items left on the floor
- Uneven Surfaces: Cracked tiles, torn carpets, or uneven flooring
- Poor Lighting: Dimly lit areas that make it difficult to see hazards
- Obstructions: Items such as chairs, boxes, or cleaning equipment left in walkways
Restaurant owners and employees are legally obligated to ensure their premises are safe and promptly address any potential hazards. If they neglect these duties and an accident occurs as a result, they may be held accountable for the injuries caused.
A Louisiana restaurant slip and fall lawyer can assist you in pursuing compensation for your damages.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientSteps to Take After a Restaurant Slip and Fall Accident
Here is what to do if you slip and fall at a restaurant in Louisiana. Taking these steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal case:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always be your top priority. Even if you feel fine immediately after the fall, some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Visiting a doctor ensures your injuries are documented, which can be crucial for your case.
2. Report the Incident
Notify the restaurant manager or supervisor about your accident and ask them to document it in an incident report. Request a copy of the report for your records.
3. Document the Scene
Take photos or videos of the area where the fall occurred, including any hazards (e.g., wet floors, debris). Record the presence or absence of warning signs, such as “Caution: Wet Floor” signs.
4. Collect Witness Information
If other diners or staff saw your fall, ask for their contact information. Witness testimony can provide valuable evidence to support your claim.
5. Preserve Evidence
Keep any clothing or footwear worn during the accident, especially if they were damaged in the fall or show signs of the hazard.
6. Consult a Lawyer
Speaking with an experienced Louisiana restaurant slip and fall injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action to pursue compensation.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientCommon Injuries from Restaurant Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Broken Bones: Fractures, such as in the wrist, arm, hip, or ankle
- Head Trauma: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from hitting your head on the floor or nearby objects
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Herniated discs or other spinal injuries, which can lead to chronic pain
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, or torn ligaments
- Cuts and Bruises: Injuries caused by sharp edges or hard surfaces during the fall
The severity of your injuries can vary based on factors like the height of your fall, the type of surface you landed on, and your overall health. A Louisiana personal injury lawyer can help you get justice after suffering these and other forms of harm in a fall.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCan You Sue a Restaurant for a Slip and Fall Accident?
In Louisiana, restaurants are responsible for keeping the property safe for customers. If they fail to fix a dangerous condition and you get hurt because of it, you may be able to file a premises liability claim. To win your case, you’ll need to show that:
- The restaurant had a duty of care to keep the space safe for customers.
- The restaurant breached that duty by failing to address a hazard or warn guests about it.
- The breach caused your accident, resulting in injuries.
- You suffered damages because of the injury.
A skilled Louisiana restaurant slip and fall lawyer can help gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and hold the negligent party accountable.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientWhat Damages Can You Recover?
If you were hurt in a restaurant slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for treatments, hospital visits, physical therapy, and medications
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time missed at work while recovering
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or performing at the same level
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation you may recover depends on the specific details of your accident.
How a Restaurant Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer Can Help
Handling a slip and fall case on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies or corporate attorneys. A restaurant slip and fall injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident.
- Gather evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical records.
- Prove negligence on the part of the restaurant.
- Negotiate with the restaurant’s insurance company for a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
Contact a Louisiana Restaurant Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a restaurant slip and fall accident, there are resources you can turn to for help. At Laborde Earles, our dedicated team has extensive experience handling slip and fall cases and fighting for the compensation our clients need and deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Let us provide the compassionate, skilled representation you need to move forward with confidence.
