A slip and fall at a restaurant can happen when you least expect it. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting can all lead to serious injuries. If you’ve fallen at a restaurant in New York, knowing what to do next can help protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling the situation.
1. Get Medical Help Right Away
Your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, might not be obvious at first. If needed, call 911 or have someone take you to the hospital. Seeing a doctor also creates a medical record, which can be useful if you decide to seek compensation later.
2. Report the Incident to the Restaurant
Tell the restaurant manager or owner about your fall as soon as possible. Ask them to write an incident report and request a copy for your records. If they refuse, make a note of the conversation, including the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with.
3. Gather Evidence
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Try to collect the following:
- Photos and Videos – Take pictures of where you fell, especially if there was a hazard like spilled liquid, broken flooring, or poor lighting.
- Witness Statements – If anyone saw your fall, ask for their contact information. Their statements could help prove what happened.
- Your Clothing and Shoes – Keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing in case they become important evidence.
4. Keep Records of Your Injury and Expenses
Document everything related to your fall, including:
- Doctor’s visits and medical treatments
- Prescriptions and therapy sessions
- Any missed work and lost wages
- Pain levels and how the injury affects your daily life
Keeping detailed records helps show the impact of your injury and strengthens your claim for compensation.
5. Understand Your Legal Rights
If the restaurant was negligent—meaning they failed to keep the premises safe—you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. New York law requires property owners to keep their spaces reasonably safe, so if the restaurant knew (or should have known) about the hazard and did nothing, they may be liable.
6. Talk to a Lawyer
Slip and fall cases can be complicated, and insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. A lawyer can help you:
- Prove that the restaurant was responsible for your fall
- Deal with insurance companies
- Fight for fair compensation
At Gash & Associates, P.C. in White Plains, NY, we have experience handling slip and fall cases. If you’ve been injured at a restaurant, call (914) 328-8800 to discuss your case.
Falling at a restaurant can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
