Restaurants are meant to be places where people enjoy meals with family and friends. However, they also present many hazards that can lead to serious slip-and-fall accidents. From spilled drinks and greasy floors to poor lighting and uneven flooring, restaurants can quickly become dangerous if not properly maintained. At Hillstone Law, we represent victims of restaurant slip-and-fall accidents across California and fight to secure the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Restaurant Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall incidents inside restaurants are often caused by negligence, including:
- Spilled food or beverages not cleaned up promptly
- Greasy or oily kitchen floors tracked into dining areas
- Wet restroom floors without caution signs
- Broken tiles, uneven flooring, or damaged carpets
- Poorly lit entryways and dining rooms
- Cluttered walkways or obstructed aisles
- Unsafe outdoor conditions such as icy or wet sidewalks
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States, with restaurants being among the common locations.
Source: https://nfsi.org/
Types of Injuries from Restaurant Slip and Falls
These accidents can result in both minor and life-altering injuries, such as:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Knee, hip, and ankle injuries
- Shoulder dislocations and wrist fractures
- Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that slip-and-fall accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury
Liability for Restaurant Slip and Fall Accidents
Under California’s premises liability laws, restaurant owners and operators are legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their patrons. Liability may apply if:
- The restaurant staff failed to clean up spills promptly
- Warning signs were not placed near hazardous conditions
- Management ignored customer or employee reports about unsafe areas
- The restaurant did not maintain walkways, stairs, or parking lots safely
If the restaurant’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Restaurant
If you’re injured in a restaurant slip-and-fall, take these steps:
- Report the accident to restaurant management and request an incident report.
- Take photos of the scene and any hazardous condition.
- Collect witness names and contact information.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment records.
- Contact an experienced slip-and-fall attorney before dealing with insurance adjusters.
How Hillstone Law Can Help
Insurance companies and large corporations often fight slip-and-fall claims aggressively. At Hillstone Law, we know how to hold restaurants accountable. Our legal team will:
- Investigate your case and secure surveillance footage
- Review maintenance and cleaning logs
- Gather witness testimony and expert opinions
- Negotiate with insurers to maximize your settlement
- Take your case to trial if necessary
We pursue compensation for:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or wrongful death
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a restaurant slip-and-fall accident in California, Hillstone Law is ready to help.