McDonald’s is one of the biggest fast-food chains in several global markets. Given the high traffic volumes at fast food outlets, slip-and-fall accidents at McDonald’s in the United States are a near-constant risk.
These incidents frequently stem from dangerous conditions involving wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained facilities. The corporation must provide security for its customers and staff and ensure safe and tidy premises at all times.
Wading through the legal scenario after such accidents can be tricky. These cases are predominantly against big insurance companies, and the intricacies of dealing with federal laws can be burdensome. A particular need for legal specialization is necessary to resolve these concerns.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are very well-versed in handling cases where someone has been injured following a slip-and-fall, especially when the case involves large fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s. We provide expert support nationwide to ensure our clients receive the legal help they need.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
We leave no stone unturned, so you can be confident that your compensation will cover all the damages resulting from a traumatic event—including medical expenses, past and future lost income, pain, and suffering.
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With our years of experience successfully handling slip-and-fall claims, we are skilled in defending your rights and working toward a full financial recovery.
Our dedicated team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is devoted to ensure that each client receives the maximum compensation available. Based on a deep understanding of this type of personal injury litigation, we have recovered significant settlements and verdicts in slip-and-fall cases.
Understanding McDonald’s Slip-and-Fall Accidents
McDonald’s is a fast food industry leader and worldwide franchise with over 14,000 outlets in the US. As a major chain, it is supposed to be friendly, safe, and clean.Â
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Slip-and-fall accidents have been all too regular at McDonald’s stores nationwide. In one infamous case, the fast food giant settled for a staggering USD 18 million in 2020 due to a slip-and-fall injury at one of its Los Angeles franchises. [1]
There have been numerous other high-profile cases where customers were seriously injured after falling on slippery floors or poorly maintained premises.
Common Injuries and Causes
The following are some common causes of fall accidents at McDonald’s restaurants:
- drops, spills, and wet floors
- uneven flooring or damaged surfaces
- dim lighting in dining or entrance areas
- blocked walkways by furniture or other obstructions
The above causes can lead to the following severe injuries:
- fractures and broken bones
- head injuries
- concussion
- traumatic brain injuries
These injuries can lead to prolonged pain, significant walking problems, or lasting disability, especially in older people. These conditions often require medical attention and rehabilitation, making it essential to seek reasonable settlement for the injured. The worst cases of slips and falls can be fatal, often caused by complications from the initial injury.
Liability for McDonald’s Slip-and-Fall Accidents
A personal injury lawsuit is often a complex legal process, especially when dealing with evidence and determining the liable party.
Proving Liability and Determining Fault
Proving liability is one of the first and most essential parts of getting compensation for a slip-and-fall accident. Liability is determined by the circumstances surrounding your injury and the parties involved.
The property owner at McDonald’s may have a legal responsibility for failing to secure a safe environment, while the blame may also fall on a third party, such as a maintenance contractor or supplier. The outcome of an accident claim ultimately hinges on identification.
Importance of Gathering Evidence
Evidence is vital to prove fault and seek compensation. Types of evidence are:
- Security cameras: Video recordings and surveillance footage can prove the incident and circumstances behind a serious injury.
- Maintenance logs: Property maintenance records can prove that a McDonald’s store was negligent in upkeeping the property through after-hours cleaning and regular maintenance.
- Statements: Statements or testimonies from bystanders who witnessed the accident can support your fall claim and verify what happened.
Gathering evidence regarding your injury strengthens your case and paves the way for a direct connection between the accident and the guilty party.
Compensation Following a McDonald’s Slip-and-Fall Accident
Compensation types in any slip-and-fall case can include:
- medical costs
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
- punitive damages
- death
Compensation in wrongful death cases can also include:
- loss of financial support
- funeral and burial costs
- loss of companionship
The amount you’ll receive varies depending on several factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- The degree of carelessness exhibited by the responsible party
- The accident’s effect on the quality of your life
As a major corporation, McDonald’s usually has significant coverage for slip-and-fall incidents. Restaurant industry data shows that big chains like McDonald’s often have liability insurance policies with coverage limits in the millions, which can raise the ceiling on potential settlement sums.
Compensation is determined under a theory of comparative negligence by apportioning fault to the injured party. If you’re partially to blame for your accident, the payment you’ll receive will be proportionally less.
What to Do Following a McDonald’s Slip-and-Fall Accident
Follow this step-by-step guide after a slip-and-fall accident at McDonald’s:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries appear minor, a medical examination can help detect hidden issues and document your problems for future injury claims.
- Notify McDonald’s personnel or management of the accident. Ask them to document everything and ensure you receive a copy.
- Take pictures of any hazardous conditions, serious injuries, and where the injury occurred with your phone.
- Ask if any surveillance cameras captured the accident, and if possible, get access.
- Maintain complete and accurate records of all medical treatment, including office visits, diagnoses, and prescriptions. These medical bills and documents are crucial for clearly demonstrating the severity and costs related to your injuries.
- Try to avoid telling McDonald’s employees or other entities about your injury. Do not apologize or make statements that their legal team can later use against you.
- Speak with a qualified personal injury attorney who has extensive experience in taking legal action and handling slip-and-fall cases.
The Role of a McDonald’s Slip-and-Fall Attorney
Here’s how a slip-and-fall injury lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will move forward with your case:
Initial Consultation
The first free consultation will involve an in-depth review. We’ll also gather all the necessary documentation to support your case.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
We may visit the accident site to assess its condition, consult accident reconstruction experts or safety inspectors, and collect evidence, such as security video recordings, witness statements, and maintenance logs. These elements are used to prove liability and make a strong case.
Negotiation and Settlement
The majority of accident cases get settled. Your attorney will negotiate with McDonald’s insurance company and other parties to ensure you receive fair payment.
Trial
Some cases may go to court, where our expert team can defend your rights, building a convincing case on any collected evidence and expert testimonies.
Statute of Limitations for McDonald’s Slip-and-Fall Injuries
The statute of limitations refers to the legal time to file a personal injury claim. This period is state-dependent and usually lasts one to three years from the date of the accident.
For example, under California law, you have two years from your slip-and-fall accident to bring a personal injury claim, whereas in Maine, you can wait up to six years.
Because of these different time frames and barriers, consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is critical to help increase your chances of receiving compensation.
Contact a McDonald’s Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer Today!
If you suffer from an injury in a slip-and-fall accident at McDonald’s, do not hesitate to contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. We offer a free first consultation where our law firm will discuss your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis and are committed to fighting for your rights and getting maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.
Resources: [1] Jury Verdict Alert