May 30, 2025
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Reading Time: 4 min
Dining out at a restaurant is supposed to be a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable experience spent with friends and family. But injuries caused by hazardous conditions, such as slippery floors or broken steps, can quickly turn a relaxing outing into a stressful one.
If you’ve been injured at a restaurant, knowing what to do next can help protect your rights. If you’re unsure where to start, an experienced personal injury firm like Cellino Law can help. Fill out our online form to speak with a member of our legal team today.
Can You File a Claim If You’re Injured at a Restaurant?
You may be able to file a claim if your injury is proven to be caused by the restaurant’s negligence. Restaurant owners and management teams have a legal responsibility to address hazards and warn guests about potentially unsafe conditions. When that responsibility is ignored, and someone gets injured, the restaurant may be held liable for the resulting damages.
Some common examples include:
- Slipping on an unmarked wet or greasy floor
- Falling down poorly lit or broken stairwells
- Tripping over loose flooring or cluttered walkways
- Being injured by unstable furniture or broken railings
It’s important to note that getting injured on a restaurant’s property doesn’t automatically mean the business is legally responsible. An attorney at Cellino Law can help determine whether negligence played a role and if you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
What to Do Right After You’re Injured
The steps you take immediately after an injury play an important role in protecting your health and any potential claims.
- Seek medical attention
Even if your injury seems minor at first, it’s important to get medical attention. Some symptoms from injuries, such as TBIs, may not appear immediately. A doctor can help diagnose any injuries early and begin treatment. Medical records from your visits also serve as important documentation if you choose to file a claim later.
- Report your injury to the staff
Tell a staff member or manager at the restaurant what happened as soon as possible. Ask them to create an incident report and request a copy for your records. If a report isn’t provided, make sure to note the name and job title of the person you spoke with. This helps create a clear record of the incident.
- Take photos
Use your phone to take pictures of the area where the injury occurred. Focus on any conditions that may have caused the accident, such as wet floors, broken steps, or missing warning signs. Take pictures of your injuries as well, so you have a record of them. These images may be used as evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
- Get witness contact information
If anyone witnessed the incident, ask for their name and contact information. A witness may be able to confirm how the injury occurred and what conditions were present. Their perspective can help strengthen your claim.
- Talk to a personal injury attorney
Once you’ve reported the incident and received medical care, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your legal options and whether you may have a valid claim against the restaurant where you were injured. Your attorney will also handle communication with the insurance company and gather evidence to support your case.
What You Might Be Able to Recover
If it’s determined that the restaurant acted negligently and caused you to injure yourself, you may be able to receive compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income if you missed work
- Pain and discomfort
- Ongoing treatment or therapy
- Emotional stress caused by the injury
Everyone’s case is unique, and we take the time to understand how your injury has impacted your daily life, your health, and your ability to work.
Cellino Law Is Here to Help
Getting injured at a restaurant can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. You may not be sure what steps to take next or if you even have a case. That’s where our experienced team of attorneys can help.
At Cellino Law, we’ll give your case the time and attention it deserves. Contact us today for a free case consultation at 888-888-8888 or fill out our web form to get in touch.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.