Slip and fall accidents can occur at a restaurant in Los Angeles due to the property owner’s negligence or the failure to adequately maintain safe premises. If you wish to pursue a claim for this type of accident, there are several essential steps you should take to strengthen your case.
Check for Signs of an Injury
While you may be tempted to immediately jump to your feet after a slip and fall in a restaurant, it is important for your physical safety to remain where you are until you check yourself for signs of injury. If you suffer a neck or back injury in a fall, for example, moving abruptly could exacerbate the harm caused. Note that your adrenaline from the accident may initially mask pain.
Request Medical Attention
If you notice signs of a serious injury, such as a potential broken bone or pain when you move, ask somebody to call 911 to bring paramedics to the scene. If you believe you only sustained minor injuries, you should still seek medical attention right away. Your injuries may be worse than they initially appear. Keep all copies of your medical records and hospital bills.
Report the Accident
Find a restaurant supervisor or manager and report the slip and fall accident. Explain what happened, but do not admit fault or apologize. Describe the events as they occurred and request a copy of the accident report for your records.
Take Photographs
Before a staff member can repair the hazard that caused your slip and fall, such as mopping up a spill or straightening a loose rug, take photographs. Capture images of the property defect or dangerous element that appeared to have caused your accident. Take pictures of the surrounding area, as well, to document issues such as a lack of warning signs.
Gather Information
Write down the name of the manager or staff member to whom you reported your accident. If any witnesses saw your slip and fall, write down their names and phone numbers. Preserve the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall for evidence, as well. Keeping detailed records can help you prove your case.
Notify Insurance
You may have grounds to file an insurance claim against the owner of the restaurant for your slip and fall accident. Private owners and large franchises alike are required to carry property insurance to cover accidents and injuries that occur on their premises. Contact the insurance carrier that covers the restaurant to report the accident as soon as possible. Before you initiate a claim, however, speak to an attorney.
Consult With a Lawyer Near You
As a slip and fall accident victim in Los Angeles, you may be able to seek financial compensation from the restaurant through a Los Angeles premises liability claim if there is evidence of negligence by the property owner or a staff member. A slip and fall accident attorney in Los Angeles can help you collect evidence to support your case, such as restaurant cleaning and maintenance logs.
Avoid making statements about your slip and fall accident until you’ve spoken to a Los Angeles injury attorney. This includes posting on social media and giving a recorded statement to the insurance provider of the restaurant. These statements could be used against you in an attempt to deny liability for your injuries.
Finally, trust your attorney to handle the insurance claims process or file a personal injury lawsuit for you while you focus on healing. To discuss a specific restaurant slip and fall accident case with an attorney in Los Angeles for free, request a consultation at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP.