When you go out to eat at Olive Garden, or any other restaurant for that matter, you expect to have a pleasant meal with your friends or family. You don’t expect to be seriously injured and require medical attention. Nevertheless, every single day, people in the United States experience devastating injuries from slip and fall accidents in dining establishments.
Many slip-and-fall accidents are caused by some form of negligence. The property owners and management are responsible for keeping the premises clean and safe for their customers. Usually the restaurant is well managed, so the floor and walkways are clean, clear, and safe, and you can enjoy a nice meal out. Sometimes, though, managers aren’t competent or just don’t care enough to be sure staff is well trained and the restaurant is kept up properly.
This lack of care and attentiveness to hazards can lead to problems. Any issues that aren’t dealt with promptly can cause an accident. Such accidents may be minor, but many result in severe injuries, including broken bones, internal damage, and even spinal damage and brain injuries. In such cases, large damages are inevitable.
If you’re in Olive Garden and lose your footing and fall painfully to the ground or floor, the very first thing you should do is to report the accident to a member of management. The manager should create an accident report, and you should get a copy of it.
The next thing you should do is take plenty of pictures of the area where you fell, the cause of the accident, and the wider surroundings. Having a photographic record of the immediate area just after the fall happened can strengthen your case. Also, ask if anyone nearby witnessed the accident, and if so, try to get their contact information and a description of what they saw.
Another critical step is to see a doctor—even if you feel OK and aren’t sure you need medical attention. Get checked out, either at the emergency room or by your usual doctor or a nearby urgent care center. Establishing proof of injury is vital to your case, and adrenaline or shock may be preventing you from being aware that you’re injured.
After an accident, you need to focus on healing, not on the complex and often frustrating personal injury claims process. By working with an experienced lawyer, you gain a powerful ally who can help you file a claim, build a strong case, and present it effectively. As an added bonus, if the insurer refuses to settle like in Terlau v. N&D Restaurants, Inc., you’ll already be prepared for litigation with your legal representative by your side.
An expert Guru is standing by to help answer your questions and navigate the claims process after a slip & fall accident. Use the button below to contact us and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
