Can a Restaurant Be Liable for a Customer’s Injury?

Like any other business, restaurants have a legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers. This duty of care means that a restaurant can indeed be held liable if a customer is injured on its premises due to negligence. Here’s a closer look at the circumstances under which a restaurant might be liable for a customer’s injury.

Legal Duty of Care

Restaurants must adhere to health and safety regulations, ensuring that their premises are safe for customers. This includes:

• Maintaining Clean and Safe Premises: Floors should be free from hazards such as spills or uneven surfaces that could cause slips, trips, or falls.
• Safe Equipment: All equipment and fixtures, including chairs, tables, and kitchen appliances, must be in good working order and not pose any risk to customers.

Common Causes of Injuries

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are the most common types of accidents in restaurants. Wet floors, poorly maintained walkways, or obstacles in dining areas can lead to serious injuries.
2. Burns and Scalds: Hot food and beverages must be served with caution to prevent burns or scalds. Employees must be trained to handle hot items safely.

Establishing Liability

For a restaurant to be considered responsible, the injured customer must prove:

1. Duty of Care: The restaurant owed a duty of care to the customer.
2. Breach of Duty: The restaurant breached this duty by acting negligently.
3. Causation: The breach directly caused the customer’s injury.
4. Damages: The customer suffered actual harm or loss as a result.

Steps to Take if Injured

If you’re injured in a restaurant, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritise your health and get medical help immediately.
2. Report the Incident: Notify the restaurant management and ensure the incident is documented.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photographs of the scene, obtain contact details of witnesses, and keep copies of medical reports.
4. Consult a Solicitor: A legal expert can advise you on the viability of your claim and help you navigate the legal process.

At Nicholson Jones Sutton Solicitors, our Personal Injury experts will guide you through every step of the process and will help get you the outcome you deserve whilst operating on a NO WIN NO FEE basis.

We have a reputation for providing the highest levels of customer service to our clients, whilst being as tough as is required to pursue those responsible for what has happened to you.

Our Nicholson Jones Sutton Personal Injury Specialists are sympathetic, understanding, and can help you get the outcome you deserve.

If you would like to discuss an issue, please get in touch to arrange a free no obligation consultation.

Contact us today to discuss your claim.