EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Illinois Restaurant and Bar Slip and Fall Attorneys
Award-Winning Lawyers for Customers Injured in a Fall at a Bar or Restaurant in Naperville, St. Charles, and Throughout Illinois
Slip and fall accidents are a significant concern in the restaurant and bar industry, posing risks to both patrons and employees. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, legal liabilities, and financial burdens for establishments. At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated Illinois premises liability attorneys aggressively pursue justice for victims injured due to unsafe conditions in bars, restaurants, and other public places. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we serve clients across Illinois with proven results in complex slip and fall cases.
The Prevalence of Slip and Fall Accidents in the Foodservice Industry
Slip and fall accidents are alarmingly common in the foodservice industry. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), over 3 million foodservice employees and 1 million guests are injured annually due to slip and fall incidents in restaurants alone. Studies show that the average restaurant experiences between 3 and 9 slip and fall accidents each year. These accidents result in an estimated $2 billion in costs each year.
Common Causes of Restaurant and Bar Slip and Fall Accidents
1. Wet and Oily Floors
Wet floors, often resulting from spills, cleaning, or weather conditions, are a leading cause of slip and fall accidents. In fact, 50% of such incidents in restaurants are attributed to wet or dangerous floors. In kitchens, grease and oil can make floors particularly hazardous, especially when staff inadvertently track these substances into dining areas, where guests can encounter them and fall.
2. Uneven or Damaged Flooring
Cracked tiles, uneven surfaces, and loose mats can create tripping hazards for restaurant and bar customers. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to identify and rectify these issues promptly to ensure customer safety.
3. Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting can obscure hazards, making it difficult for patrons and staff to navigate safely, especially in bars, where customers are often drinking and not paying attention as closely to their surroundings. Dimly lit areas, near stairs, hallways, and restrooms, increase the risk of serious slip and fall accidents.
4. Cluttered Walkways
Obstructed paths due to misplaced furniture, equipment, or decor can lead to trips and falls. Ensuring clear walkways is vital for customers’ safety.
5. Inadequate Safety Measures
The absence of safety features like handrails, non-slip mats, and warning signs can also contribute to accidents. Implementing proper safety measures is crucial for bars and restaurants in preventing slip and fall incidents.
High-Risk Areas for Falls in Restaurants and Bars
1. Kitchens
Kitchens are prone to spills of water, oil, and food, making them high-risk areas for employee slips and fall accidents.
2. Entrances and Exits
Entrances and exits can become slippery due to rain, snow, or spilled drinks. These are the most common areas where customers fall.
3. Restrooms
Restrooms often have wet floors due to sinks and cleaning activities. Regular maintenance and the use of appropriate signage are essential to prevent accidents.
4. Dining Areas
Spilled food and drinks in dining areas can easily create slipping hazards for customers.
Common Injuries from Restaurant and Bar Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents in restaurants and bars can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Some of the most frequent injuries include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Especially common in the wrist, arm, ankle, or hip due to the natural instinct to brace oneself during a fall.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Falls are a leading cause of concussions and other brain injuries, particularly when a victim strikes their head on a hard surface.
- Herniated Discs: A fall can lead to back injuries that cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, or ligaments—often difficult to detect immediately but potentially debilitating.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass or sharp furniture edges can cause deep cuts that may require stitches or result in scarring.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Particularly when the face, head, or hands are injured in the fall.
Slip and Fall Claims Against Restaurants and Bars
Under Illinois premises liability law, restaurant and bar owners owe a duty of care to their customers to ensure their property is safe. Restaurants and bars must take reasonable steps to maintain safe conditions on their property and warn patrons of known hazards. When they fail in this duty and someone is injured, the establishment can be held liable for injuries caused by slip and fall accidents.
Proving a Slip and Fall Claim against a Restaurant or Bar
To succeed in a personal injury claim after a slip and fall in a restaurant or bar, a plaintiff must prove:
- A hazardous condition existed (e.g., wet floor, uneven surface, etc.).
- The restaurant/bar knew or should have known about it (actual or constructive notice).
- The business failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about the condition.
- The hazardous condition directly caused the injury.
- Damages resulted from the fall, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Damages You May Be Entitled To After a Slip and Fall Accident in a Restaurant or Bar
Slip and fall victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our Real-Life Case Result
A settlement for $150,000 was obtained for a client who suffered injuries to her lower back and knee following a fall on water in a restaurant. The lawsuit, filed in Kendall County, alleged the restaurant had poor lighting and failed to warn customers of water on the floor near the restrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Restaurant and Bar Slip and Fall Accidents
Q: What should I do after slipping and falling at a restaurant or bar?
A: Seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel okay. Then, report the incident to management, take photos of the hazard, gather witness information, and contact an experienced Illinois slip and fall attorney as soon as possible.
Q: Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: Is the business automatically liable if I fall on their property?
A: No. You must prove that the business was negligent—meaning they knew or should have known about the danger and failed to fix or warn about it.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury.
Q: Can employees sue their employer after a slip and fall at work?
A: In most cases, employees must go through a workers’ compensation claim. However, if a third party contributed to the hazard (e.g., a cleaning company), a separate lawsuit may be possible.
Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Restaurant and Bar Slip and Fall Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident at a restaurant or bar, don’t wait to seek legal help. These establishments have insurance companies and legal teams working to minimize their liability—so you need someone on your side who knows how to fight back.
At John J. Malm & Associates, our Illinois slip and fall attorneys have the experience and dedication to hold negligent businesses accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.