With 36,525 locations in more than 100 countries, McDonald’s is probably the most recognizable fast-food chain in the world.
There are more than McDonald’s restaurants in Georgia alone.
Given the huge numbers of people who walk through their doors every day, slip and fall accidents are unfortunately bound to happen.
A slip and fall accident can cause injuries ranging from minor abrasions to severe and ongoing pain. Some common slip and fall injuries include:
- Broken ankle
- Wrist injury
- Dislocated shoulder
- Broken bone
- Back pain
- Injured knee
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain damage
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in a Georgia McDonald’s restaurant due to employee negligence, call the experienced slip and fall lawyers at John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000.
Premises Liability for Georgia Businesses
Property owners including businesses like McDonald’s have a duty of care to provide safe conditions for their customers. If an injury occurs due to the negligence of a McDonald’s employee, the McDonald’s Corporation may be liable for damages. This is called premises liability.
A valid premises liability claim against a Georgia McDonald’s restaurant must include the following elements:
- There was a hazard inside, outside, or in the parking lot of the McDonald’s restaurant.
- There was at least one McDonald’s employee who knew about the hazard before your fall.
- The employee did nothing to correct the hazardous situation.
- You were unaware of the hazard on the property.
- The hazard caused you to slip and fall.
- You were injured by the fall, and these injuries caused financial or emotional damages.
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McDonald’s Restaurant Hazards
Slip and fall accidents can happen in any place of business, but certain hazards that contribute to falls can often be found at a McDonald’s restaurant.
Some of these potential hazards that could cause a slip and fall accident include:
- Food or drink on the floor – In a fast food restaurant there are many reasons why food or drink could end up on the floor. Rushed employees may spill food at the counter, or customers carrying trays loaded with food or dispensing large drinks at the soda fountain could drop their dinner.
- Wet floors – The wet surfaces of newly mopped tile or linoleum floors are often slippery, and it can be easy for unsuspecting customers to lose their footing.
- Uneven areas of the parking lot or sidewalk – Over time, cracks and inconsistencies in the pavement can create a tripping hazard.
- Dim lighting – Burned out lightbulbs must be replaced immediately. Otherwise, it may be difficult to see clearly in some areas of the restaurant.
- Defective or damaged seating – In the dining area, chairs or booths that are old or improperly installed could tip over or collapse and cause injury.
What You Should do After a McDonald’s Slip and Fall Accident
There are actions you can take if you are involved in a slip and fall accident at a McDonald’s restaurant, especially if you think you may want to file a premises liability lawsuit. The following steps will ensure adequate documentation to present in your lawsuit.
- Take photos of your injuries and the area where you fell. This should be done right away before anyone has the chance to alter the scene or remove the hazard.
- Talk to other diners who witnessed your fall. Ask them to write a signed statement giving their recollection of the events, and make sure you collect their contact information in case you need to reach out to them again.
- Report your accident to the McDonald’s manager on duty and ask for a copy of their written incident report.
- Note camera locations and ask for copies of the security video from the time of your fall.
- Go to the emergency room or visit your doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Keep copies of all medical records and bills.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and continue all prescribed treatments until you are fully recovered.
Consult with a Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Contact a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible after your McDonald’s slip and fall injury. There are two reasons you should not delay:
- Prompt evidence gathering – Your lawyers will want to talk to witnesses and review evidence as soon as possible after your accident. That is the best way to ensure the witnesses’ memories are fresh and the pertinent evidence is still available.
- Statute of limitations – The Georgia Code § 9-3-33 specifies a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. This means you have to file your lawsuit within two years of the day of your accident for it to be valid. An experienced slip and fall attorney can help make sure you meet this deadline.
Contact John Foy & Associates today to schedule your free consultation. We can be reached any time of the day or night at (404) 400-4000. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident caused by negligence at a McDonald’s restaurant, let us put our Strong Arm to work for you.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form