Eating out and working in restaurants are everyday occurrences in the lives of many Americans. Along with visits to these establishments comes the risk of restaurant slip-and-fall accidents. Whether one works in or visits these restaurants in Maine — or anywhere else — it may be beneficial to exercise caution.
Recently, a guide for reducing the risk of a slip-and-fall accident in these establishments was published for owners and managers. Though it was geared toward avoiding the risks posed to employees, there is always the possibility that a patron could become a victim of a poorly maintained building. According to the National Safety Council, there are an estimated 9 million slip-and-fall injuries in the country every year. Though there are many places where these types of accidents can occur, restaurants report more than their fair share of them.
One of the biggest causes of slip injuries in a restaurant is the mishandling or improper removal of cooking oils and grease. The guide offered several suggestions to management and staff that can help eliminate the hazards posed by these substances, though it is not possible to prevent every accident. It is estimated that most of these types of accidents result in minor strains or sprains, though a serious fall could result in long-term physical injury.
What to Do After a Restaurant Slip-and-Fall Accident
If restaurant slip-and-fall accidents are the result of a negligent business owner, then an injured party may have grounds to pursue compensation for the injury and financial damages that he or she suffered. A serious fall can also require significant time off work, which can compound the monetary losses that a victim sustains. Maine residents who believe that their injury was the fault of a poorly maintained business may wish to consult with an experienced premises liability attorney who can assess their case and provide assistance in navigating a successful claim through the civil court system.
Source: qsrmagazine.com, “7 Tips to Avoid Costly Slip-and-Fall Injuries“, Jason Cocco, Accessed on April 14, 2018