Many people enjoy dining with their friends and family throughout the state of Florida. Usually, these meals are pleasant, but that is not always the case. More than a bad meal, a bad night out sometimes involves serious injuries. Those who have sustained significant injuries through no fault of their own may now require financial compensation to help cover the expenses of their medical bills, lost wages from being unable to return to work and more.
If you or a loved one need to pursue financial compensation in the wake of an injury from a restaurant accident in South Florida, contact an experienced Miami restaurant liability lawyer, and read on for more information.
What may cause a restaurant accident in South Florida?
Though restaurant accidents are frequently the result of negligence, they can happen for several reasons. The following include some of the most common causes and types of restaurant accidents:
- Slips and falls due to spilled liquids
- Burns from excessively hot serveware, candles, etc.
- Insufficient lighting leading to slip-and-fall accidents, especially on uneven flooring
- Poor security leading to assault or robbery
- Parking lot accidents, ranging from slips and falls to collisions and assaults
- Food poisoning
- Electrocutions
Common injuries in restaurant accidents
Depending on the type of accident you suffer, some injuries are more likely than others.
For example, in slips, trips, and falls, whether they happen inside the restaurant itself or in the restaurant’s parking lot, the following types of injuries are common:
- Sprained ankles and wrists
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
On the other hand, if you were injured in an auto collision in the parking lot, you might suffer soft tissue injuries like whiplash, or airbag injuries like head and chest contusions.
Serious burns from restaurant accidents can also lead to nerve damage or infection.
By seeing a doctor right after your accident and scheduling an appointment with a lawyer, you not only get the treatment you need, but also establish a connection between the accident and your injuries. This is critical to proving the restaurant’s liability.
How do I prove a personal injury claim in South Florida?
You will have to gather and present sufficient evidence in order to prove a personal injury claim. Some of the most effective evidence to prove a personal injury claim include:
- Pictures of the unsafe conditions that caused your accident
- Surveillance footage of your accident as it happened
- Witness statements verifying your claims
- Photos of your injuries
- Medical records establishing when your injuries occurred, and their severity
After your accident occurs, you should also ensure that you call the police to the scene of the accident and that you seek medical treatment immediately. With this evidence in hand, our firm can take it from there and work to satisfy the burden of proof.
What is the statute of limitations for a restaurant accident in South Florida?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims constitutes the timeframe in which you will have to take legal action against the liable party. In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida is four years. Generally, this means that you will have four years from the date of your accident to sue the restaurant for your injuries. If you wait any longer than that, you will forever lose the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Thankfully, our skilled Miami premises liability lawyers are here to help you. We can help answer any questions you may have, so please do not hesitate to give us a call today.
Contact a Miami-Dade County, Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been seriously injured as a result of negligence, contact us at Aigen Injury Law today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Originally published October 24, 2022. Updated May 21, 2024.