Chicago Restaurant Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in a restaurant accident, you’re not alone. Over one million guests and three million food service workers get hurt in restaurants every year. Food and beverage spills, hot substances or serving dishes, and contaminated food cause the majority of these injuries. If hazards in restaurants are not addressed, the restaurant owner or operator of the restaurant may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Our experienced Chicago restaurant accident lawyers at Ankin Law assist clients with all types of personal injury claims involving accidents in restaurants, including slip and falls, burns, food poisoning, and more.
When you choose Ankin Law to handle your restaurant accident case, you benefit from:
- FREE case consultations
- Over 100 years of combined experience
- 24/7 assistance
Contact our Chicago restaurant accident lawyers at (312) 600-0000 to get started with your recovery.
Table of Contents
When Can I Sue for Restaurant Accident Injuries?
You can sue for restaurant accident injuries if the establishment’s negligence or intentional misconduct contributed to the unsafe conditions that caused you to get hurt. To succeed in your claim, you must prove the restaurant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury.
Most restaurant injury claims fall under premises liability. You can sue if your injury is caused by hazards the restaurant failed to address, such as wet floors without warning signs, broken furniture, uneven flooring, or poor lighting. For example, if you slip and fall in a restaurant because of a spill that employees failed to clean or mark properly, the restaurant may be liable.
If you suffer food poisoning or an allergic reaction due to improper food handling, contamination, or failure to disclose allergens, you may have a claim. If you are injured due to a fight, assault, or other criminal activity on the premises, you may sue if the restaurant failed to provide adequate security or address known risks, such as insufficient lighting or overcrowding.
Injuries caused by collapsing chairs, falling objects, or other structural issues may also be grounds for a lawsuit. Restaurants are responsible for maintaining their facilities and ensuring all equipment is in safe working order.
Food Poisoning
When contaminated food is consumed, food poisoning can result. If a restaurant’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing in handling, preparing or storing the food in question causes a patron’s illness, he or she may be able to recover for any food poisoning injuries. Proving that an illness was the result of exposure to a particular food can be challenging so it is important to retain a skilled personal injury attorney. The knowledgeable Chicago food poisoning attorney at Ankin Law are well-versed in challenges and legal complexities of pursuing a food poisoning claim, including those food poisoning claims brought against a restaurant owner or operator.
Burn Injuries
Restaurants frequently serve hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, that can cause burn injuries if the beverage was spilled on a customer while at an extreme temperature. Burn injuries can result in serious injuries and an intense recovery process.
Injured Restaurant Employees
If the victim of a restaurant injury or accident is an employee of the restaurant, he or she is likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is an employer-funded, state-run insurance program whereby employees that are injured on the job can recover compensation for medical bills and lost pay. Injured employees are generally entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury-causing accident. At Ankin Law, our knowledgeable Illinois workers’ compensation legal team focuses on representing injured employees in workers’ compensation claims and we can guide you through the entire workers’ compensation process.
Free Consultation
Whether you are a restaurant patron or employee that has been injured in a restaurant accident, do not hesitate to contact the skilled Chicago personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm of Ankin Law to schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible legal claim for your restaurant injury.
Center:
Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
Chicago Hearing Loss Lawyer
Hearing loss can significantly impact an individual’s day-to-day life. When sudden hearing loss is acquired through an injury or accident, the impact can disrupt a victim’s personal relationships, ability to communicate, and the way he or she navigates the world.
If you or a loved one have experienced hearing loss due to a workplace accident, traumatic injury, defective products, or medical negligence, the Chicago hearing loss lawyers at Ankin Law are here to help. With a proven track record in handling hearing loss claims, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and seeking a settlement that accurately reflects the true cost of your injury.
If another party is liable for your injuries, contact an experienced hearing loss lawyer at (312) 600-0000 to get started with your recovery.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
While hearing loss injuries can be sustained at any age due to a variety of circumstances, there are several common causes of acquired hearing loss.
The most prevalent cause of hearing loss occurs as a natural part of the aging process. As individuals get older, the delicate structures of the inner ear start to deteriorate, leading to gradual hearing loss over time. This type of hearing loss may not be preventable, but workplace exposure and other factors can contribute to the condition.
Noise-induced hearing loss is another common cause of hearing injuries. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the sensory cells in the inner ear. Over time, this damage accumulates and can result in permanent hearing loss. Additionally, traumatic injuries, such as a head injury or ear injury, can cause damage to the auditory system, leading to immediate or delayed hearing loss.
Infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing victims to suffer hearing loss if left untreated. In some cases, a medical professional may fail to diagnose or treat a condition that later results in hearing loss. Additionally, some medications, particularly those used for chemotherapy and some antibiotics, can be harmful to the auditory system and cause hearing loss as a side effect.
Understanding the common causes of hearing loss can aid in its prevention, early detection, and appropriate management. Identifying the cause of a hearing loss injury can also help victims determine who to sue for hearing loss.
Did a negligent restaurant cause your injuries? Call a restaurant accident lawyer at Ankin Law to recover compensation. (312) 600-0000
What Obligations Do Restaurants Have to Keep Patrons Safe?
In Illinois, restaurants have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for patrons under premises liability laws. This duty requires restaurant owners and operators to exercise reasonable care in identifying, addressing, and preventing hazards that could cause harm to guests. Failure to meet these obligations can result in liability for injuries sustained on the premises.
Maintaining Safe Premises
Restaurant owners must ensure the property is free from unsafe conditions. This includes promptly cleaning spills, repairing damaged flooring, and keeping walkways clear of obstacles. Proper lighting must be provided to ensure patrons can navigate the premises safely, especially in parking lots or dimly lit dining areas.
Providing Adequate Security
Bars and restaurants serving alcohol are often required to implement security measures to prevent altercations or assaults. This may involve hiring trained security staff, installing surveillance cameras, and controlling overcrowding. Establishments in high-risk areas may have heightened responsibilities to protect patrons from foreseeable criminal activities.
Safe Food and Beverage Handling
Restaurants are obligated to adhere to health and safety codes, including proper food storage, preparation, and service. This minimizes risks of foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions. Servers must also follow alcohol service laws to avoid over-serving patrons, which could lead to accidents or injuries.
Proper Emergency Protocols
Restaurants must have clear emergency plans, including maintaining accessible exits, fire suppression systems, and first-aid kits. Staff should be trained to handle medical emergencies and evacuations effectively.
Inspecting and Maintaining Equipment
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment must be regularly inspected for damage. Chairs, tables, and kitchen equipment should be safe for use to prevent injuries caused by collapses or malfunctions.
When restaurants fail to meet these obligations, injured patrons may have legal grounds to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Center:
Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
Common Hazards That Give Rise to Restaurant Accident Claims
Injuries at bars and restaurants can occur for various reasons, often resulting from unsafe conditions, negligence, or inadequate management practices. Patrons are especially vulnerable to these incidents, as they rely on the establishment to provide a safe environment. Common hazards include:
Slip and Fall Accident Hazards
Overcrowding is an issue in busy establishments, especially during events or peak hours. Patrons may be pushed, tripped, or struck by furniture due to lack of space. Poorly arranged tables and chairs, narrow pathways, or blocked emergency exits can exacerbate risks, particularly during emergencies or sudden evacuations.
Food and Beverage Contamination
Illnesses caused by contaminated food or drinks are common in restaurants. Poor hygiene practices, improper food handling, or failure to adhere to health codes can lead to food poisoning, allergic reactions, or severe gastrointestinal issues. In bars, tainted beverages or poorly cleaned glassware may cause similar problems.
Cuts and Burns
Improperly placed hot dishes, beverages, or sharp objects can injure patrons. Waitstaff handling hot trays without adequate caution or defective furniture with sharp edges can lead to burn injuries, lacerations, or puncture wounds.
Assaults and Fights
Bars, in particular, can be hotspots for altercations fueled by alcohol consumption. Patrons may be injured during fights, either intentionally or accidentally. Inadequate security or negligent behavior can contribute to these situations, making the establishment liable for harm caused by lack of proper crowd control.
Structural or Equipment Failures
Faulty furniture, such as collapsing chairs or unstable tables, can lead to sudden injuries. Poorly maintained premises, such as broken railings or stairs, also pose risks. Overhead hazards, like falling decorations or light fixtures, can result in severe injuries.
Fire Hazards
Negligent handling of candles, open flames, or faulty kitchen equipment can lead to burns or smoke inhalation. Overcrowding and blocked exits during a fire can worsen injuries.
Bars and restaurants have a duty to maintain safe premises, provide proper staff training, and adhere to safety regulations to prevent these common injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Food Poisoning?
How Much Is My Restaurant Injury Claim Worth?
The value of your restaurant injury claim depends on the severity of the injury and the sum of your losses. Compensation generally falls into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses resulting from the injury. This includes medical expenses, such as emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. Severe injuries that require long-term care, such as spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries, can increase your claim’s value. Economic damages also include lost wages for the time you’re unable to work during recovery and lost earning capacity if the injury permanently affects your ability to work. If property was damaged in the incident—such as broken glasses or phones—their repair or replacement costs may also be included.
Non-economic Damages:
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible effects of the injury, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For example, if the injury causes chronic pain, anxiety, or prevents you from engaging in favorite activities, you may receive compensation for the impact on your quality of life. These damages are subjective and usually depend on your case’s economic damages. More severe injuries with long-lasting consequences typically result in higher non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages:
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the injury resulted from the restaurant’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. For example, if a restaurant knowingly ignored a hazard, such as a broken stair, or intentionally harmed a patron, the court may impose punitive damages to punish the behavior and deter future misconduct.
The severity and permanence of your injury, the strength of evidence proving negligence, and the at-fault party’s ability to pay all influence the claim’s value. Evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and incident reports strengthens your case. To ensure fair compensation for your restaurant injury claim, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Accident Claims
Who Is Liable for Injuries at a Restaurant?
Liability for injuries at a restaurant typically falls on the restaurant owner or operator, as they are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for patrons. Under premises liability laws, they must address hazards such as wet floors, broken furniture, poor lighting, or unsafe walkways. If these hazards are neglected and cause an injury, the restaurant may be held liable.
In some cases, liability may extend to third parties. Additionally, individual employees may share liability if their negligent or intentional actions, such as improper food handling or physical misconduct, contribute to the injury. Proving liability requires demonstrating negligence, a breach of duty, and a direct link between the hazard and the injury.
How Do I Prove a Lawsuit Against a Restaurant?
To prove a lawsuit against a restaurant, you must establish negligence by demonstrating four key elements. First, you need to show that the restaurant owed you a duty of care, which requires maintaining a safe environment for patrons under premises liability laws. Next, you must prove that the restaurant breached this duty, such as by failing to clean spills, repair hazards, or adequately train staff. Third, you must establish causation by linking the restaurant’s negligence directly to your injury, like slipping on an unmarked wet floor or being hurt by defective furniture. Finally, you need to provide evidence of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Supporting evidence, such as photos, incident reports, witness statements, and medical records, is crucial. Consulting a restaurant injury attorney can strengthen your case and ensure proper legal representation.
How Long Do I Have to Sue for Restaurant Accident Injuries?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for suing over restaurant accident injuries is typically two years from the date of the injury. This time frame applies to personal injury claims, including those caused by negligence, such as slip and fall accidents or food-related illnesses. If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may extend until two years after their 18th birthday.
If the claim involves a government-owned restaurant or facility, shorter deadlines and special procedures may apply, such as filing a formal notice of claim within one year. Filing within the statute of limitations is critical; missing the deadline generally results in losing the right to seek compensation. Consulting an attorney promptly ensures compliance with these time limits and protects your legal rights.
What Our Clients Say About Us
They are the best, I recommend everybody go to them, They will get the job done they communicate and whenever you tell them to do something you need done they will get it done they will make your day happy they will do everything in their power to get everything done for you. Maria and John they best lawyers ever
