When we dine out, we expect to enjoy good food, a pleasant atmosphere, and good service. Unfortunately, each year diners in Miami and other cities are served up a lot more than just some comfort food. Each year, customers are seriously injured or even killed due to negligent security, poor restaurant maintenance, poor hygiene, and other preventable causes. The most common causes of restaurant-related injury include:
1) Property-related injuries.
Premises liability claims in Miami and Florida often include restaurants and there are many ways that these businesses can fail to protect customers. Spilled food and drink in the dining area, for example, can pose a serious slip and fall hazard. Poorly maintained buildings can literally cause ceiling tiles and fixtures to fall on customers. In some cases, customers have been injured due to uneven floors or decorative items that posed a trip and fall hazards. Restaurants are expected to create a safe as well as pleasant dining experience; when they fail to do so, they can be held liable if diners are injured.
2) Food poisoning.
The FDA Food Code and local health inspection agencies are meant to help keep you safe when you dine out. Unfortunately, some restaurants are not adequately cautious when it comes to pests, hygiene, and food safety. As a result, some diners find themselves dealing with food poisoning. While most of us associate food poisoning with some rather unpleasant symptoms, poorly prepared or spoiled food can and does lead to permanent injury and even fatalities.
3) Allergic reactions.
Food allergies are quite common today and restaurants are expected to disclose the ingredients of their menu items upon request so that diners can make safe choices. When restaurants do not accurately disclose the presence of peanuts, soy, and other allergens when requested and a customer suffers an allegoric reaction as a result, the restaurant can be held liable for the customer’s injuries.
4) Violence and other crimes.
Negligent security can lead to many types of injuries in a restaurant. Poorly-lit or deserted restaurant parking lots, for example, can pave the way for assault or muggings. Lack of security personnel in a bar or licensed restaurants can mean that assault or melees can occur, causing injury to innocent bystanders. Restaurants – especially restaurants serving alcohol and restaurants in higher-crime areas – are expected to take reasonable precautions to keep customers safe.
5) Obesity.
While not an injury per se, the obesity risk is another reason to make a few extra meals at home. Many studies have established a link between dining out and obesity. Quite simply, restaurants often rely on fat, salt, and sugar to enhance the flavors of meals for very little money, even though these ingredients are not healthy. In addition, most restaurants serve very large portions of rich foods to make customers feel as though they are getting value for their money. All of this can mean that diners end up eating much larger portions of foods they wouldn’t normally prepare themselves.
If you have had an allergic reaction or have suffered an injury while dining out, you deserve legal advice and support. Should you find yourself in this situation, you can always contact Flaxman Law Group for a no cost, no obligation consultation to discuss your situation with a personal injury attorney at our law firm.