Ordering a burger should never be an unpleasant situation—but when you walk into any restaurant, such as Five Guys, there’s always a risk of a slip and fall accident. Even the more careful of customers can become injured if store employees are not diligent in removing hazards. If you were hurt in a Five Guys, you need to know your legal options. Speaking with a Five Guys slip and fall accident and injury lawyer in Georgia will give you the answers you need.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you build a strong personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages. We have more than 20 years of experience helping countless injury victims recover what they need to pay for their costs. Let us help you, too—starting with a FREE consultation.
To schedule your FREE consultation and case evaluation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
An Overview of Five Guys and Slip and Fall Accidents in Georgia
Five Guys Enterprises LLC was founded in Arlington County, Virginia, in 1986. They are a “fast-casual” restaurant, meaning they sell higher quality food options than traditional fast-food restaurants but still do not provide full table services.
The Five Guys menu features different types of burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. They also have sodas and milkshakes. “Regular” burger sizes come with two hamburger patties, while you can order a “little” size with just one patty. Fries also come in “regular” and “little” sizes.
Wet floors, spilled drinks, and other hazards at restaurants like Five Guys can lead to slip and fall accidents if employees are not careful. If you slipped, fell, and were hurt in a Five Guys restaurant, you may have a personal injury case.
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Slip and Fall Injuries that Can Happen at Restaurants in Georgia
Slip and fall accidents happen when you least expect them. The dangerous condition coupled with the surprise fall can easily lead to serious injuries. Some slip and fall injuries also take time to fully manifest, which is why it’s so important to see a doctor after your accident—whether you think you’re hurt badly or not.
Although a slip and fall accident at Five Guys can leave you injured in just about any way, some of the most common types of injuries include:
- Broken bones in your wrists, arms, ankles, or other areas
- Strains and sprains
- Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries
- Scrapes, cuts, or bruises
- Spinal injuries
Besides actually slipping, you may fall on or collide with other objects nearby, such as the sharp edge of a counter. Don’t underestimate the severity of your injuries from a slip and fall accident. Even seemingly minor injuries can become more severe with time.
The Five Guys’ manager or the insurance company might try to downplay the severity of your injuries or blame you for at least some of the accidents. These are attempts to reduce their own liability in the accident so they can pay you less. Don’t let it discourage you, and don’t admit any blame before you talk to an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer.
In Georgia, you still have the potential to seek damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident (Georgia Code section 51-12-33). So, speak with a lawyer before assuming one way or the other about whether or not you have a case.
What You Need to Prove in a Five Guys Slip and Fall Injury Claim
To have a successful Five Guys slip and fall accident claim, you’ll need to prove that the Five Guys business was negligent in your accident. To be negligent in Georgia, a property owner or occupier must have failed to act in the way a reasonably careful person would under similar situations.
When determining liability, you and your lawyer will need to ask questions like:
- Was the hazard that caused your fall present long enough for a reasonable employee to have clean it up or fixed it?
- Was there a legitimate reason for the hazard (or creation of the hazard) to have been present during the time of your accident?
- Did the Five Guys location have safety standards that involved regularly checking for potentially dangerous conditions on the premises?
- Is there a log or other documentation showing safety procedures were followed before your accident occurred?
- Could an employee have reduced the danger by using a sign, blocking off the hazard, or relocating it?
- Did limited visibility, such as poor lighting, contribute to or cause the slip and fall accident?
These types of questions will help you and your lawyer investigate the accident and who was at fault for it. Under Georgia law, the negligent party is liable for all damages resulting from their negligence. That would mean Five Guys was responsible for covering the costs of your accident.
Proving Your Slip and Fall Damages
You will also need to prove that you suffered damages from the slip and fall accident. These damages may include:
- Medical costs (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
You’ll want to carefully document all of your damages to include in your injury claim. An experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can help you compile the right information and account for all losses.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
To reduce their own liability, the restaurant or their insurance company might try to blame you for some of the accident or claim you weren’t being careful enough. Insurance companies are skilled at making it hard for injury victims to recover the full value of their damages, which is why it’s so beneficial to work with a good lawyer.
Your lawyer can make sure your legal rights are upheld and protected in your case. They can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you’re not taken advantage of throughout the process.
Talk to a Five Guys Slip and Fall Accident and Injury Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t suffer through the aftermath of a slip and fall accident at Five Guys on your own. At John Foy & Associates, we’re ready to represent your legal rights every step of the way—starting with a FREE consultation. If you choose to work with us, there is no fee unless we win you money.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
