Can You Sue a Restaurant for Falling on Their Property?
Becoming a victim of a slip-and-fall accident is the last thing you expect when you go out to eat at a restaurant in Alabama. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be significant. So, if you fall at a restaurant, how do you sue for damages?
How Does Premises Liability Work in Alabama?
Under premises liability laws, patrons who eat at a restaurant are invitees. The property owner owes this category of visitor the highest duty of care. Restaurant owners in Dothan have an obligation to inspect their premises for dangers and promptly address any hazardous conditions. Whether it’s a wet floor, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, or some other hazard, a restaurant must either remedy the dangerous condition or warn patrons that it exists.
Can You Sue a Restaurant for a Fall?
If you have suffered injuries in a fall at a restaurant, you may wonder if you have grounds to sue for your injury-related losses. If your injuries resulted from an unreasonably hazardous condition on the premises that the restaurant owner should have remedied or warned you about, the restaurant could be liable if you can prove that they were negligent.
Negligence refers to the failure to exercise the kind of care a reasonable person would demonstrate, thus leading to injury. To establish a case, you must establish that the restaurant’s negligence directly caused your fall and injuries.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen at a Restaurant
If you have had the traumatic experience of falling at a restaurant, taking immediate action is essential to protect yourself and your compensation claim. Follow these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your potential case:
- Seek medical attention. Your well-being should be your priority. Get medical help even if you at first believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms and require professional evaluation.
- Report the incident. Notify the restaurant’s staff or manager about the fall, ensuring they properly document the incident.
- Gather evidence. Take photographs of the accident scene, including any hazards contributing to your fall. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the incident and may be willing to provide statements later.
- Document everything. Keep a record of all relevant details, such as the date, time, and location of the fall. Also, maintain records of medical treatments, expenses, and other losses you incurred due to the incident.
How The Slip and Fall Lawyers at Stokes Stemle, LLC, Can Assist You
The experienced legal team at Stokes Stemle, LLC, has extensive experience handling restaurant negligence cases in Alabama. Our dedicated premises liability attorneys can thoroughly investigate your claim, gather evidence, and build a solid case for you. We are committed to fighting for your rights and working to recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
You should not have to shoulder the financial burden of a restaurant’s carelessness. The attorneys at Stokes Stemle, LLC, can answer any questions you may have about how to sue a restaurant for negligence. We can support you through the process, providing guidance and fighting for justice.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.