The State of California is home to 225 of the nation’s nearly 1700 IHOP locations. This puts the state in the lead for the most in a single state and more than double the state in fourth place. In addition, while smaller cities like Corona and Oxnard have only one location, larger cities have multiple locations, such as Los Angeles with 10, Sacramento with 8, San Diego with 10, Santa Ana with 3, and San Jose with 4. So when you crave a great plate of pancakes or many other American favorites, there is probably an IHOP near you.
But when you are headed into these 24/7 restaurants, it is critical to understand that there are peak times when they will be very crowded and other times when the staff will be minimal. And peak and non-peak times can present some safety hazards you should understand. Sure, you want to enjoy an affordable meal that tastes great, but should you be willing to risk your safety to enjoy Rooty-Tooty pancakes?
If you have answered yes to that question thinking that the hazards in an IHOP could not be that severe, hopefully, you were not one of the growing numbers of customers to suffer an injury. Sadly, many IHOP patrons have suffered slip and fall or trip and fall injuries in these restaurants and are now forced to file an IHOP injury accident lawsuit to get the money owed to them for their injuries. If this is the path you feel you might be headed towards, please get in touch with Normandie Law Firm today. Our staff is available 24/7, ready to answer your legal questions and provide a free consultation with an IHOP slip and fall lawyer.
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What Causes The Most Slip And Fall Accidents At IHOP?
You could expect a long list of the top reasons customers suffer slip and fall injury accidents at IHOP locations throughout California. And while that list is coming, the first part of the answer could be the most shocking of all. The one thing most slip and fall injury accidents in IHOP have in common are that they could have been avoided. Sadly, the culprit contributing to most slip and fall incidents in IHOP is negligence on the part of the staff. The errors they commit and the safety concerns they choose to overlook are the most common cause of patrons sometimes suffering very severe injuries due to:
- Food or drinks spilled on the floor but not mopped up
- Water leaking onto the floor from a damaged plumbing fixture, water line, leaking cooler or refrigerator, or splashed from a sink and not cleaned up
- Water tracked into the store from outdoors, making the floors increasingly slippery
- Torn, damaged, or folded floor mats
- Torn or damaged carpet
- Damaged tile flooring
- Floors that were recently mopped but had no signs warning customers of wet and slippery flooring
- Carts or other items that are left in the walkways make it challenging to navigate the restaurant without slipping and falling
- Litter, trash, or other debris that is left on the floor rather than being picked up and placed in a trashcan
You could think that none of these issues sounds very serious or hazardous. And that is also most likely what the staff feels until a customer suffers a severe injury when they slip and fall in an IHOP location. That is also when the employees become familiar with how duty of care applies to them and how they perform their jobs at IHOP.
Understanding Duty Of Care?
Duty of care is a term from premises liability law that defines the care a business must provide to the property to ensure the safety of customers and the general public. The most basic level of care required is what you would consider commonly offered and expected by the average person. Think of it as the common sense safety rules and eliminating common dangers.
For example, if you would remove a torn run from your home to prevent someone from falling because of it, then you should be able to expect IHOP to take that same action. In addition, if you would mop up water spilled on the floor right after you discover it, then you should be able to expect the staff at IHOP to take the same action. Taking these steps is being responsible and following duty of care.
However, if the staff fails to take these basic steps, they could be found negligent in their duty of care. And when negligence is demonstrated by your IHOP slip and fall lawyer, in most cases, IHOP will be found liable for your injuries and losses should you file an IHOP injury accident lawsuit.
What Is The Value Of My IHOP Injury Accident Lawsuit?
Sadly, what appears to be a straightforward question has a somewhat complex answer. There are no predetermined values for personal injury lawsuits. Instead, you and your Normandie Law Firm legal team will work together to compile all of your expenses and losses related to the injuries you suffered in the IHOP slip and fall. These amounts can include:
- All medical expenses related to the slip and fall incident
- The cost of your legal representation and lawsuit preparation
- The amount of your lost wages if the injuries you sustained prevented you from working
- The value of any personal property that was damaged or destroyed in the slip and fall
- An amount can also be added for pain and suffering
The pain and suffering dollar amount is typically based on the severity of your injuries and the time required for your recovery. Your Normandie Law Firm IHOP, slip and fall lawyer, will assist you in selecting a reasonable amount based on the specifics of your injuries.
Common IHOP Slip And Fall Injuries
Sadly, many slip and fall injuries sustained in an IHOP slip and fall incident are severe. While some victims escape with only minor cuts or bruises, many others face months of pain and costly medical care in hopes of reaching a complete recovery. And some must endure pain and a loss of quality of life forever. These debilitating injuries suffered in an IHOP slip and fall incident include:
- Back, neck, and spinal cord damage
- Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding
- Facial injuries of the skin, nose, mouth, teeth, ears, and eyes
- Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
- Broken or fractured bones
- Dislocated joints or damage to the soft connective tissue of the joints
- Soft tissue injuries, including nerve damage
- Head injuries, including a skull fracture, concussion, brain hemorrhage, or traumatic brain injury
In addition to the pain and physical damage caused by these injuries, IHOP slip and fall accident victims also often face added challenges with finances, added stress, anxiety, and depression. All of these issues and hardships take a toll on the injury victim and their family and often the finances of family members as they struggle to assist with caring for the injury victim.
The Statute Of Limitations On An IHOP Slip And Fall Lawsuit
In California, slip and fall injury victims, and all personal injury victims, typically have two years from the date of their injury to file a claim with the court. If the claim is not filed within two years, the victim will have lost the right to seek compensation. There are very few exceptions to the two-year time limit. However, if any apply to your incident, your IHOP slip and fall lawyer at Normandie Law Firm will explain how the extension could offer benefits should you wish to delay filing your claim.
It is also vital to understand that your Normandie Law Firm legal team will work as expediently as possible to prepare your claim for the court. Our decades of experience have proven that many personal injury victims face significant financial hardships and appreciate filing quickly to receive their settlement or verdict as rapidly as possible. Our goal is always to meet your needs. So please keep our staff informed about the best solution for your immediate and long-term needs, and we will strive to deliver.
No Prepayment Required For Quality Legal Services
Most IHOP slip and fall injury victims agree that securing legal representation is essential when considering legal action. However, figuring out how to prepay for the legal services you need to secure the money you deserve can be challenging. But when you hire Normandie Law Firm as your IHOP slip and fall lawyer, you never need to worry about upfront legal fees or payments. Our company policy is never to get paid until we have completed our job and secured the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
In addition, you owe us nothing if we fail to deliver a verdict or settlement in your favor. This policy lets every client know we are 100% dedicated to completing the job. And we are equally as confident in our team’s ability to win your case and get the funds you need to pay your legal fees and other expenses related to your IHOP slip and fall injuries. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with Normandie Law Firm as quickly as possible. Our free consultation with an IHOP slip and fall lawyer will help you understand your rights and options to protect yourself and your financial future as you overcome this obstacle.
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