If you frequent the same bar or restaurant often, you probably start to feel like a regular. You might even develop friendships with some of the staff. Now imagine slipping and falling in the establishment because the owner, staff, or both were negligent. When those friends see you get hurt because of a slip and fall accident, they may worry that it will impact future business. Are they right? Would suing be an overreaction? Or would you just get over it and move on?
Ultimately, the answers to those questions come down to your own values and how much damage you sustained as a result of the accident. Keep reading for more information about filing a claim after a slip and fall accident.
What You Should Know About Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents cause over one million hospital visits. They are one of the most common causes of injury in public and commercial areas. They happen when a surface is slippery or uneven, and a person trips or falls because of the state of the flooring.
Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents involve:
- Wet or icy conditions – Snow and ice can melt and then freeze over again, making surfaces extremely slick.
- Outdated flooring – If a restaurant or bar is old and hasn’t had a floor replaced in decades, the floor may be uneven or even have holes in it.
- Unattended hazards – A loose rug can be a tripping hazard that no one notices.
- Careless employees – If an employee accidentally causes a slippery or hazardous condition, the owner may be responsible.
- Leaking water – When there’s a leak, water can get on the floor and make it slippery.
Why You Might Want to Sue After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve fallen and have been injured while visiting a restaurant, you have the option to sue for compensation for certain losses related to the accident.
In many cases, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after the accident. If you decide to sue the restaurant or bar after a slip-and-fall accident, the first thing you should do is hire a lawyer.
Personal injury attorneys are lawyers who specialize in these types of claims and can advise you on the best way to proceed. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including:
- Medical bills – If you needed medical attention after the fall, you may have racked up a hefty bill.
- Pain and suffering – A fall could cause serious injuries, including broken bones, sprains, and soft tissue damage. In some cases, this pain can last for years, and you’re entitled to compensation for that suffering.
- Lost wages – If you took time off work after the fall to recover from your injuries, you can be compensated for that time.
- Mental and or emotional trauma – while slipping and falling usually inflicts substantial physical damage, the shock from the accident can also cause mental or emotional anguish.
Why You Should Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer After the Accident
If you’ve fallen after visiting a restaurant or bar, you may be feeling conflicted about whether or not to file a claim. You may feel like it’s not worth the trouble, or you may feel guilty about suing a place you visit regularly.
A personal injury lawyer can walk you through the process and explain the benefits of seeking fair compensation after a slip and fall accident. After reviewing any evidence you have, they can also explain whether the restaurant or bar will be liable for your injuries. If you decide to file a claim, a lawyer can help you navigate the process and make sure you receive just compensation for your losses.
Is Suing the Right Decision?
In many cases, filing a claim after a slip and fall accident is the right decision. You’ve been injured and deserve compensation for your losses. The restaurant or bar may be aware of the hazard that caused your fall. The bottom line is that they failed to correct it and in doing so, caused you a great deal of harm. That harm could have been prevented had they not been so negligent.
By filing a claim, you can hold the owners or managers accountable for their negligence. You can also help protect other people who frequent the establishment as other people could be seriously injured by the same negligence. In fact, someone could die if something isn’t done to correct the hazard.
It’s important to think of it in terms of how you’re not only helping yourself by suing the establishment that caused your accident but others as well. By filing a claim, you’re protecting yourself and other customers.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve slipped and fallen at a restaurant or bar, you have the option to sue for compensation for your medical bills, time off work, and other losses.
When you file a claim, you will need to prove that the restaurant or bar is responsible for your fall and any subsequent injuries. A personal injury lawyer can help you organize your case by leveraging any evidence you have in your favor when filing a lawsuit against the establishment in question.
Need Help Filing a Lawsuit in South Florida? Call Anidjar & Levine!
Filing a lawsuit is easy, winning is the hard part. When you partner up with the experienced professionals at the law offices of Anidjar & Levine, you can be confident in having some of the most exceptional legal representation in the South Florida area.
In an Accident? The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Can Help.
Our injury attorneys assist people in Florida who have been injured in traffic accidents caused by negligent drivers, road rage, and more. Contact us today to explore your legal options and determine if you qualify for financial compensation. You may be able to collect compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, disability, and other losses related to your injuries.
Call the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine at 1-888-816-9520 for a free consultation.
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