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What Happens If You’re Injured At A Restaurant


Dining out is usually a relaxing experience, but an unexpected injury can turn an ordinary meal into a stressful ordeal. Slippery floors, faulty furniture, or even food contamination can lead to serious harm. Understanding what to do after being injured at a restaurant is key to protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation. A skilled Auburn, CA personal injury lawyer can go over the details of your case to determine if it is worth pursuing. Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm has recovered millions in damages and understands how to navigate a complicated case. There are also free consultations to go over any kind of personal injury case to see if you can get compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes Of Restaurant Injuries

Restaurants have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for guests. However, accidents still happen for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include wet or greasy floors, uneven surfaces, broken chairs, poorly lit areas, or spilled food and drink. Other injuries may stem from burns, allergic reactions, or foreign objects in food. It is important for restaurants to take tips for preventing falls in the kitchen, and to take responsibility if those do occur.

What To Do Immediately After The Injury

If you’re hurt, report the incident to the restaurant manager right away. Ask them to document the event in an incident report and request a copy for your records. Take photos or videos of the scene, including the hazard that caused the injury, and gather contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if your injury feels minor, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries—like concussions, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage—may not show symptoms immediately. Medical documentation also plays an essential role in personal injury claims, proving that the injury occurred and showing its severity.

Determining Liability

In most cases, the restaurant or property owner may be held responsible if negligence contributed to your injury. For example, if staff knew about a spill but failed to clean it up promptly, that could be considered negligence. In some situations, third parties—such as cleaning companies, suppliers, or equipment manufacturers—may also share liability. It is crucial to have a personal injury lawyer after being involved in the accident.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims of restaurant injuries may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The exact amount depends on the severity of the injury, how it impacts your daily life, and the level of negligence involved.

Why You Should Contact A Lawyer

Restaurants and their insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims. A personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and negotiate for fair compensation. Having professional legal support ensures your case is handled properly and that you aren’t pressured into settling for less than you deserve.

Being injured at a restaurant can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. Taking the right steps—seeking medical care, documenting what happened, and getting legal advice—can make all the difference in your recovery and your financial well-being. Reach out to Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm today to set up a consultation to go over your case.

Get To Know Our Team


James V. Choulos, Esq.

James V. Choulos, Esq.

Founding Partner

Our founding partner, James V. Choulos, has been practicing law since 1990. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley and Santa Clara University, he combines legal knowledge with a personal, client-focused approach to representation.

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Victor Tsoi

Victor Tsoi, Esq.

Partner

Victor Tsoi earned his J.D. in 2011 from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. With experience spanning personal injury, entertainment law, and business law, he’s committed to bringing a sense of calm to any legal storm.

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Where To Find Us

Our California firm serves clients across Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Auburn, the Bay Area, and the surrounding communities. Find an office near you, and give us a call today to set up a free case evaluation.

520 Broadway, Suite 200
Santa Monica, CA 90401

310-589-3963

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Mon- Fri | 8 AM–5 PM
Sat & Sun | Closed
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11764 Inverness Way
Auburn, CA 95602

530.732.3005

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Sat & Sun | Closed
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580 California St. 12th Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94104

415.433.8500

Office Hours

Mon- Fri | 8 AM–5 PM
Sat & Sun | Closed
Live Call Answering | 24/7