If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall at a restaurant in Savannah, you may have a claim against the property owner. Restaurants can create hazards such as wet floors from spills, poor lighting, obstacles in walkways, and maintenance issues that may cause injuries to diners. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises and warn customers of known dangers in some situations. When they fail to do so, The Cornwell Firm helps injured diners pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact (912) 225-4938 today for a free consultation.
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Why Choose The Cornwell Firm for Your Restaurant Slip and Fall Case
The Cornwell Firm handles premises liability and slip and fall cases in Savannah and the surrounding area. We understand that restaurant injury claims often turn on whether the business knew or should have known about a hazardous condition and failed to address it within a reasonable time. Our approach focuses on investigating the facts, documenting the condition, and pursuing compensation supported by the evidence.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. The Cornwell Firm only receives attorney fees if compensation is recovered through settlement or judgment. The firm also offers free consultations and states that it is available 24/7.
Common Causes of Restaurant Slip and Fall Accidents
Restaurants present multiple hazards that can contribute to falls. Common examples include:
- Wet floors from spills or cleaning without adequate warning signs.
- Condensation from ice machines, drink stations, or coolers.
- Poor lighting in dining areas, entryways, or restrooms.
- Broken or uneven flooring tiles.
- Obstacles or clutter in walkways.
- Inadequate handrails on stairs.
- Grease buildup in back-of-house areas.
- Improperly stored items that create trip hazards.
Restaurant slip and fall accidents may happen when management does not address these hazards within a reasonable time. A spill left unattended, missing warning signage, or flooring problems that go unrepaired can all be relevant in evaluating whether negligence occurred.
Georgia’s Legal Standard for Restaurant Slip and Fall Claims
To pursue a restaurant slip and fall case in Savannah, you generally must show that the property owner failed to maintain reasonably safe premises. In Georgia, premises liability claims involving invitees are generally tied to the owner or occupier’s duty to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.
As a diner, you are generally considered an invitee, meaning someone on the property for a business purpose. That status means the restaurant owes a duty of ordinary care, not a guaranteed duty to prevent every accident. If the restaurant knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and did not take reasonable steps to address or warn about it, a claim may arise.
Georgia’s comparative negligence rule can allow recovery even if the injured person was partially at fault, as long as the person was less than 50% responsible. Any recovery is reduced by the person’s percentage of fault.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Restaurant Slip and Fall Case
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity when supported by the facts. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent impairment or disfigurement when applicable.
Punitive damages are not available in ordinary negligence cases simply because a hazard existed for an extended period. They may be available only in more serious situations involving conduct beyond ordinary negligence, depending on the evidence and applicable law. The amount recoverable in any case depends on the nature of the injury, the evidence of liability, and the damages that can be proven. See our guide on personal injury case value.
Steps to Take After a Restaurant Slip and Fall Accident
Taking the right steps after an accident can help preserve evidence and support your claim:
- Seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Report the incident to restaurant management and ask that it be documented.
- Take photos or video of the condition that contributed to the fall, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Preserve clothing and shoes worn at the time of the fall.
- Avoid signing waivers or settlement documents before speaking with an attorney.
Contact The Cornwell Firm promptly for a free consultation.
Georgia generally applies a two-year statute of limitations to personal injury claims, so acting promptly can be important. Document the scene with photos to preserve critical evidence.
Restaurant Slip and Fall FAQs
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Savannah?
Georgia generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Learn more about Georgia’s personal injury statute of limitations. If you miss that deadline, your claim may be barred. Contact (912) 225-4938 promptly to discuss your situation and preserve evidence.
What if I was partially at fault for my slip and fall?
Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you were less than 50% at fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault, any damages awarded would generally be reduced by 30%.
Do I have to pay upfront fees to hire a slip and fall lawyer?
No. The Cornwell Firm works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and the firm only collects attorney fees if compensation is recovered. The firm also offers a free initial consultation and case review.
What evidence do I need to prove a restaurant slip and fall case?
Helpful evidence can include photos of the condition, witness statements, medical records, incident reports, and any available surveillance footage. In general, you must show a hazardous condition existed, the restaurant knew or should have known about it, the condition caused your injuries, and you suffered damages. Learn more about how to file a personal injury claim.
How much is my restaurant slip and fall case worth?
The value of a case depends on factors such as injury severity, medical expenses, wage loss, lasting impairment, and the strength of the evidence. Some claims are worth less than others depending on the facts and damages that can be proven.
What should I do if the restaurant claims I was careless?
Georgia law may still allow recovery if you were less than 50% at fault. The Cornwell Firm can investigate the accident, gather records and witness information, and respond to arguments about comparative negligence with evidence tied to the facts of the case.
Contact The Cornwell Firm for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a restaurant slip and fall in Savannah, call (912) 225-4938 today for a free consultation. The Cornwell Firm works on a contingency fee basis, offers free case evaluations, and states that it is available 24/7.
