Orange County Restaurant Injury Lawyer

A a minimum, restaurants must ensure the following:

• Entrances and exits, including all fire exits, are accessible and in working order;
• Floors are free from defects such as cracked, loose tiles, uneven carpet, and slippery surfaces;
• Furnishing such as chairs and tables are in good working order and able to support a reasonable amount of weight;
• The food served must be properly stored and inspected;
• Food served to patrons that advise of allergies must not contain those allergens;
• Lighting is sufficient so that patrons can observe hazards and
• Patrons are properly warned of hazards that cannot be immediately repaired.

These are just examples of duties and responsibilities of restaurant owners, not a comprehensive list. If you’ve been injured at a restaurant, it’s worthwhile to contact an Orange County restaurant injury lawyer for advice. Call The Text Kevin Accident Attorneys at (888) 965-3827 for a free consultation.

When Is A Restaurant Not Responsible?

The restaurant is not required to guarantee the safety of patrons, only to make the premises reasonably safe. The restaurant is required to do reasonable inspections, not to constantly survey every inch of their establishment. For example, if a patron spills water on the floor, the restaurant is expected to mop it up promptly. They would not be responsible for the injuries caused by somebody that slipped on the water right after it spilled before they had a reasonable opportunity to mop it up. The restaurant would probably not be responsible for a fall that occurred after they put up a “wet floor” sign and warned patrons of the danger. These cases are complicated, so it’s important to speak to an experienced Orange County restaurant injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident or incident at a restaurant to discuss your possible claim. Call The Text Kevin Accident Attorneys for a free consultation.

Slip and Fall Accidents at Restaurants

The most common claims against restaurants are injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, herniations, disc bulges, torn ligaments of an extremity, back and neck injuries from falls. If you slip and fall at a restaurant, it’s important to immediately report the incident to the restaurant manager. Take photos and videos of the dangerous condition that caused your fall, and if your injuries are serious, request that an ambulance is called to take you to the nearest emergency room. Be sure to keep your receipt as further proof that you were served, and do not agree to any settlement until you know the extent of your injuries. For example, don’t sign a release agreeing that you absolve the restaurant of all claims in exchange for “dinner on the house.” If it turns out that you have a fractured ankle, your out-of-pocket medical expenses and lost time from work would cost much more than the meal. After you’ve obtained medical treatment, call an experienced Orange County restaurant lawyer to find out if you have a valid case. Call The Text Kevin Accident Attorneys at (888) 965-3827 for a free consultation. Contact us today to arrange for a free consultation.

Restaurant Responsibility For Scalding Liquids

Anybody of a certain age remembers the Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants case that focused the country’s attention on a restaurant’s liability for serving liquids hot enough to cause severe burns. That case was successful due to the fact that McDonald’s had been serving their coffee twenty to thirty degrees hotter than recommended, for over ten years, and had not changed their policy even after 700 people had filed claims for burns. The National Coffee Association of the U.S.A recommends serving coffee at 180 to 185 degrees, but, to be on the safe side, Starbucks serves its hot beverages at temperatures between 150 and 170 degrees. Despite this awareness, improperly trained employees sometimes spill hot liquids such as coffee, tea, or gravy on patrons causing severe third-degree or second-degree burns. A restaurant is also liable for self-serve beverage or soup that is available to customers at a temperature high enough to cause burns. If you’ve sustained a serious burn at a restaurant, it’s important to get high-quality legal advice.