Restaurant Injury Lawyer in Massachusetts

Restaurant Premises Liability in Massachusetts

Restaurants owe their customers a duty to maintain safe premises. Whether the hazard is a wet floor near the entrance, a broken step on the way to a table, a loose railing on an outdoor deck, inadequate lighting in a parking area, or a server who spills hot liquid without adequate warning, the restaurant operator is responsible for conditions on their property that injure customers. Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey represents restaurant injury victims throughout Massachusetts.

Common Types of Restaurant Injuries

• Slip and fall on wet floors near entrances, bar areas, and restrooms
• Falls on uneven, cracked, or inadequately lit steps and stairs
• Burns from hot food and beverages spilled by servers
• Food allergy reactions caused by inadequate ingredient disclosure
• Falls in parking areas due to poor lighting or uneven pavement
• Injuries from defective furniture including collapsing chairs or unstable tables
• Assaults in inadequately secured or poorly lit restaurant premises

The Restaurant’s Duty to Know and Fix Hazards

A restaurant is liable when it either created the hazardous condition or knew (or should have known) about the condition and failed to remedy it within a reasonable time. A wet floor that a server or another customer created and that existed for only a few seconds before you slipped is different from a wet floor that has been present for an extended period during which restaurant staff had an opportunity to notice and address it. Evidence of how long the hazard existed, floor inspection records, surveillance footage, witness observations, is critical in every restaurant slip and fall case.

Hot Food and Beverage Burns

Servers who carry hot food or drinks have a duty to carry them safely and warn customers when placing them on the table. Spills of hot liquids during service are a recognized category of restaurant negligence, particularly when the server was carrying an unstable load, was moving too quickly, or failed to alert the customer before placing a hot item. Serious burns require extended treatment and can cause permanent scarring. Attorney Lavey pursues full compensation including future reconstructive treatment costs.

Documenting Your Restaurant Injury

Report the injury to restaurant management before leaving the premises and ensure an incident report is completed. Request a copy of the incident report. Photograph the hazard that caused your injury and your injuries themselves. Preserve the clothing and footwear you were wearing, these are evidence that the defense may request. Seek medical attention promptly. Contact Attorney Lavey before making any recorded statements to the restaurant’s insurance company.

Frequently Asked Questions