Can a Restaurant Be Held Liable for Injuries Suffered on the Premises?

 Posted on June 11, 2020 in Blog Post

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most eating establishments were closed except for takeout or drive-thru service. This was done to help prevent the highly contagious virus from spreading. The good news is that restaurants throughout the state of Illinois are now opening up for dining outside on patios or spaced apart inside the establishments. After being under a stay-at-home order for the past several months, many Illinois residents are flocking to their favorite restaurant or bar for a night out. However, a fun outing can have an unexpected outcome if an accident occurs. There are several ways that a dining patrol can be injured. In the majority of cases, a negligent owner or operator may be to blame. That is why it is essential that you consult with a skilled personal injury attorney to learn your options for seeking damages.

Types of Accidents That Can Occur at a Restaurant

Some of the most common injuries sustained at a restaurant are the result of slip and fall accidents. Slippery surfaces can cause patrons to slide and lose their balance. Similarly, customers may trip on debris or objects on sidewalks or aisles. The causes of these conditions can include the following:

• Spilled food or liquid on flooring or hand railings
• Uneven pavement
• Poorly lit parking lots

Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, all property owners in Illinois are responsible for keeping their premises clean and safe for those who visit, or at least provide a warning if they cannot keep the area free from hazards. Restaurant and bar owners or managers can be held accountable for injuries that occur within the dining area in addition to the walkways, patio, and parking lot. In order to prove negligence, accident victims will need to show that the restaurant created the hazard, knew of the hazard, or should have known of the hazard. These rules do not apply to people who are trespassing.

Common Injuries Suffered in a Slip and Fall

Many people wonder how someone could be seriously hurt at a restaurant. However, slipping, tripping, and falling may result in injuries that require medical attention. In some instances, they can have lasting effects that necessitate long-term care and assistance. In other cases, staff may spill hot water on a customer, causing burns to the skin. This can occur if a worker is intoxicated or fatigued.

A few of the typical injuries that restaurant guests may suffer from include:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Spinal cord damage/paralysis
• Third-degree burns
• Cuts/lacerations
• Sprains or strains

Contact a Des Plaines Personal Injury Lawyer

An accident can happen when you least expect it. This includes while you are out enjoying a nice dinner at a restaurant. Property owners and managers owe a duty of care to their patrons, which means they must keep them safe while on their grounds. However, in some cases, inadequate maintenance can lead to dangerous conditions, causing you to slip and fall or hurt yourself if objects are not properly secured. The Quinn Law Group, LLC is well-versed in Illinois laws regarding personal injury claims. Our diligent Glenview premises liability attorneys will carefully review the details of your accident and hold the negligent party responsible. To schedule your free consultation, call our office today at 847-232-7180.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57