Restaurant Liability

Slip and Fall Attorneys Compassionately Serving Cape Cod Residents

The experienced premises liability lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III represent individuals on Cape Cod and elsewhere in Massachusetts who have been involved in various accidents. We dedicate our legal practice to serving clients in personal injury cases, and we have a significant track record of success in these matters. Our firm takes a comprehensive and personalized approach to legal representation, taking the time to fully understand each client’s individual situation and fighting steadfastly to pursue the full legal remedies that they deserve.

Slip and fall accidents can happen in a wide variety of settings. Whether it is in a slick grocery store aisle, an icy sidewalk, or a dimly lit stairwell, an unexpected tumble can cause serious injuries to those involved. Restaurants, especially those that see a lot of foot traffic over the course of a day, pose a particular threat to visitors because of spills and wear and tear on floors that can make them hazardous to navigate. This simple fact does not, however, mean that a restaurant owner is off the hook for accidents that occur on the premises. Instead, the law expects them to keep the property clear of hazards.

Holding a Negligent Restaurant Accountable for an Accident

Premises liability is a legal theory under which a person hurt on another party’s property can sue that party for damages. In most slip and fall cases, these damages may include money for doctors’ bills and other medical costs, missed time from work as a result of the injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

A restaurant or other property owner is generally considered responsible for accidents caused by unsafe conditions on the property that the owner either knew about or should have known about through reasonable inspection. If a waiter spills water on a walkway, for instance, the restaurant owner will likely be considered to have been aware that the floor was slick if a manager knew about it or should have known about it after a few minutes. Owners are required to take reasonable steps to warn visitors of any hazards, including by using signs or blocking off unsafe areas of the property. A victim would need to show that a restaurant’s failure to do so led directly to the accident in which he or she was hurt and point to quantifiable damages that were incurred.

Even if an accident is caused by an employee like a waiter, busboy, or host staff, a restaurant owner is likely to be liable. This is because the owner is responsible for keeping the place in a reasonably safe condition. It is also because employers are typically responsible for accidents caused by workers while they are on the job. This theory is known as vicarious liability, and it can be a way to introduce parties into a lawsuit who may be more financially capable of paying a judgment for damages than an individual would be.

Legal Guidance for Injured Individuals on Cape Cod

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, we have more than 146 years of combined experience representing clients in slip and fall and other accident cases. We also have a strong record of success that includes a number of six- and seven-figure settlements in a wide range of personal injury matters.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident at a restaurant or other property on Cape Cod or in the surrounding areas, the injury attorneys at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III can help. We are conveniently located in Hyannis and Plymouth, and our lawyers are also happy to travel to you if you cannot come to us. We do not charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.