Accidents can happen anywhere, but one of the most common places where injuries occur is in restaurants.
That’s because of the high volume of foot traffic combined with slippery or greasy floors, conditions that create the perfect storm for a slip and fall injury. This is especially true during Mardi Gras, when restaurants in New Orleans are packed, and guests may be navigating floors with spilled drinks, food, or general crowd congestion.
According to the National Safety Council, tens of thousands of Americans experience slip and fall accidents in public venues each year. While many result in minor injuries, others lead to serious harm, and some are fatal.
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall in a restaurant or other public venue in New Orleans, our team at Crescent City Personal Injury is here to help. Led by attorney John Radziewicz, our personal injury lawyers have years of experience helping injured clients pursue the compensation they need to heal, recover, and move forward.
What Is the First Thing I Should Do After a Slip and Fall?
Your first priority after a slip and fall should be ensuring your health and safety.
If you’re seriously hurt, do not attempt to get up right away. Wait until emergency personnel arrive. If someone tries to help you up, politely decline and explain that you don’t want to risk further injury.
Even if you feel fine at the moment, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, such as:
- Concussions
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal injuries
Visiting a physician or emergency room right after the incident not only protects your health but also creates medical documentation that may become critical for your case.
How Should I Alert the Restaurant Manager?
Once the slip and fall has occurred, inform the manager or supervisor on duty as soon as possible.
Be careful with your words. Do not:
- Share the extent of your injuries
- Downplay your pain
- Admit fault or distraction (such as saying you were texting)
If the manager fills out an incident report, ask for a copy before you leave. This report can serve as vital proof that the accident occurred.
It’s also a good idea to ask the manager the following:
- If anyone has slipped in the same spot before
- To call an ambulance, so your injury becomes part of the public record
If the restaurant had prior knowledge of the hazard. such as a leak, poor lighting, or recurring spills, this can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim under Louisiana premises liability law.
How Should I Document the Scene?
If you’re physically able, use your phone to gather as much visual evidence as possible. This may include:
- Photos of the exact area where you fell, showing spilled liquids or a lack of caution signs
- Wider shots of the surrounding environment, including lighting conditions or heavy foot traffic
- Photos of your injuries, such as bruises, scrapes, or swelling
- Photos of your clothing and shoes, which may be relevant to show that you were wearing safe footwear
Also, collect the names and contact information of any witnesses. They may be able to verify what caused your fall or confirm that the restaurant failed to address a known hazard.
Finally, make detailed notes about:
- The time and date of the incident
- Weather or lighting conditions
- What were you doing just before the fall
The more detail you can preserve early on, the stronger your case will be.
What Are My Legal Rights After a Slip and Fall in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, property owners, including restaurant owners, are required to maintain reasonably safe conditions for patrons. If you were injured due to a hazard the owner knew or should have known about, they may be liable for your injuries.
Common forms of restaurant negligence include:
- Failing to clean up spills in a timely manner
- Not placing warning signs near wet or recently cleaned floors
- Poor lighting or visibility
- Uneven or damaged flooring
- Lack of handrails or support in dangerous areas
A successful personal injury claim can help you recover the following:
- Medical expenses (including emergency treatment and follow-ups)
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation or therapy costs
Our team at Crescent City Personal Injury understands how to build strong premises liability cases. We will fight to protect your rights and secure the full compensation you deserve.
Why You Need an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney
Even when the facts seem obvious, slip and fall cases can be hard to prove. Insurance companies may argue that:
- You were wearing unsafe footwear
- You weren’t paying attention
- The hazard was “open and obvious.”
- You are exaggerating your injuries
That’s why it’s critical to work with a personal injury attorney who knows how to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Contact Our Slip and Fall Lawyers at Crescent City Personal Injury for Help
At Crescent City Personal Injury, we have a team that is proud to represent individuals and families throughout New Orleans who have been injured through no fault of their own. If you’ve suffered a slip and fall at a Louisiana restaurant, we are ready to help you pursue justice and compensation.
Contact us today at 504-608-0084 for a free initial consultation with us.