28 Nov Restaurant accident and illness claims
Whether it’s a formal family dinner or a casual Friday night pizza, we all look forward to a break from cooking. We never expect to become injured or ill when dining out, but unfortunately it’s a common occurrence. Restaurant accident claims occur when diners are injured due to the negligence of restaurant owners.
If you were injured in a restaurant because of the negligence of a third party, contact one of our personal injury solicitors.
When can I make a restaurant accident claim
People expect to be in a safe environment when eating out. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Restaurant accidents are common because lots can go wrong if managers and owners don’t have health and safety in hand.
The Occupier’s Liability Act states that the occupier of a premises owes a duty of care to its visitors. This act lays out the responsibilities of occupiers and puts an onus on them to ensure there are no hazards to visitors.
Restaurant owners should do regular risk assessments to ensure any health and safety risks are addressed. They should also have guidelines in place to deal with hazards as they arise.
Restaurant accident claims happen when restaurants haven’t ensured the safety of their staff and customers. If an accident occurs because of the negligence of management, the injured party can make a personal injury claim.
Injuries which lead to restaurant accident claims
The most common restaurant accidents are:
- Slips and falls: Often caused by unattended spillages, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, faulty furniture or overcrowding
- Burns: Usually due to spillages or faulty equipment
- Cuts and lesions: Caused by broken glass, broken dishes or sharp kitchen implements
Illness and food poisoning
Just as we expect a restaurant’s premises to be safe, we also assume the food served will be fit for consumption. But food poisoning can arise for a number of reasons, such as:
- Contamination between raw and cooked foods
- Unhygienic conditions
- Unqualified kitchen staff
- Rancid ingredients
Restaurant owners have a duty of care to ensure food is prepared and stored properly. If these basic obligations aren’t met, diners can suffer from food poisoning.
If you become ill because of a restaurant’s poor hygiene or incorrect food preparation, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.
What to do after a restaurant accident
If you have suffered as a result of a restaurant accident, documenting the incident can help any future personal injury case. But only if you can do so without exacerbating your injuries. After an accident, you should try to:
- Report the hazard and accident to a member of staff
- Seek medical assistance
- Take photos of the hazard which caused your accident
- Request the contact details of any witnesses present
- Make a note of any CCTV in the restaurant
If you have endured an injury or illness at any restaurant because of a breach in duty of care, you should contact a solicitor with knowledge of restaurant accident claims. Whether you’re a customer or a restaurant employee, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and suffering.
Contact the team at Ferrys Solicitors LLP about your claim today.
