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Safety Concerns in New York’s Restaurants

New York is home to some of the best and most popular restaurants in the world. The endless range of food and drink options, excellent ambience, and service can create a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones. Pertaining to this, beneath this inviting atmosphere, there are potential hazards that can turn a delightful outing into a distressing experience. From slippery floors and improperly maintained equipment to inadequate lighting and obstructed pathways, these hazards can contribute to accidents that can result in serious injuries.

diner chairs

Common Types of Restaurant Accidents in New York 

  • Slip and fall accidents resulting from wet and slippery floors, spilled liquids, uneven flooring, loose tiles, or torn carpets
  • Burn accidents resulting from accidental contact with hot food and beverages or hot surfaces
  • Accidents caused by falling objects - including items improperly stored on high shelves, loose or poorly secured fixtures, decorations, and signs
  • Chemical exposure caused by improper handling or storage of cleaning chemicals
  • Electrical accidents caused by exposed wires or malfunctioning electrical equipment

Accidents caused by falling ceiling tiles, broken handrails, and other building maintenance issues
Apart from this, unsafe and unhygienic cooking and storing practices in restaurants can also lead to several complications. These include: 

  • Allergic reactions caused by lack of proper labeling and communication about allergens in food
  • Food poisoning and foodborne diseases caused by improperly prepared and stored food and contaminated water

Examples of Restaurant Owner Negligence That Can Lead to Accidents in New York

  • Failing to establish and enforce a protocol for cleaning up spills and other slip and trip hazards
  • Not warning customers about potential hazards
  • Failing to regularly inspect and maintain furniture and fixtures
  • Failing to properly train staff on the proper handling and serving of hot food and beverages
  • Failing to train staff on the proper handling and use of cleaning agents and chemicals
  • Failing to fix exposed wiring and other electrical issues in a timely manner
  • Failing to train staff on safe food storage, preparation, and cooking practices
  • Failing to provide information about potential allergens in food items and drinks 
  • Ignoring the need to repair loose tiles, torn carpets, uneven flooring, and other slip and trip hazards

Can a Restaurant or Bar Owner Be Held Liable If I Am Assaulted on Their Premises? 

Yes, they can be held liable, but only under certain circumstances. Under New York law, restaurant and bar owners have a duty of care to ensure the safety of their patrons. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect patrons from foreseeable criminal acts. In relation to this, this duty is not absolute. The law imposes this duty of care on property owners only under very specific circumstances. 

For example, if the restaurant is in an area with a high crime rate or if there have been previous incidents of crime on or near the premises, the owner might be expected to implement additional security measures. Apart from this, if the owner is aware of any specific threats to the safety of patrons, they need to take reasonable security measures to ensure the safety of the patrons. These measures might include: 

  • Hiring security guards
  • Installing security cameras
  • Ensuring the premises - particularly the entry and exit points - are well lit
  • Installing alarm systems and secure locks on doors and windows
  • Training staff on how to respond to criminal incidents 

If the owner fails to take these steps, and if you are assaulted by a thief, robber, or any other criminal element on their premises, you can hold them liable for your injuries. 

lawyer reviewing paperwork

Get Legal Representation from Top-Rated Restaurant Injury Premises Liability Lawyers in New York

If you have been injured in a restaurant accident, you need effective legal representation to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we have a long and successful track record of helping personal injury victims get the settlement they deserve. Our NYC personal injury lawyers know the unique challenges associated with restaurant injury claims, and we know how to get restaurant owners and other liable parties to pay the settlement you deserve. 

Our founder Michael S. Lamonsoff is an award-winning New York premises liability lawyer who has decades of experience in handling a diverse range of premises liability claims. Michael’s tenacity and his propensity to take the fight to insurance companies have earned him the nickname ‘The Bull’. Under his guidance, our legal team has settled and litigated highly complex claims and has recovered more than $500 million in damages for our clients. 

To find out how we can help you, call us today at 212-962-1020 or get in touch with us online to schedule a free consultation with a top-rated New York restaurant injury lawyer at our firm. 

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