In California, many people are injured in preventable restaurant accidents each year. If you were hurt at a restaurant, you might be wondering what you could have done to avoid an accident in the first place. It’s important to know California restaurant accident prevention tips to help both restaurant employees and guests.
Preventing Restaurant Accidents
Restaurants should take steps to protect workers and customers from hazards. Employees can cause serious accidents and illnesses if they’re not properly trained, and inadequate policies can lead to liability. As the owner or manager of a restaurant, it’s important to ensure the following steps are taken:
- Properly train employees about food safety. Employees should be regularly trained about how to handle food hygienically and how to prevent cross-contamination. Plus, employees must understand how to properly sanitize their working areas after preparing food. Employees are constantly around food intended for guests and can avoid an accident if they have sufficient food safety knowledge.
- Create procedures for emergencies. Kitchens are fast-paced environments, and accidents are likely to happen when employees are rushing. Employees can be trained on how to handle common emergency situations so they know what to do if something unexpected happens.
- Use separate areas of a restaurant kitchen for allergy-safe foods. Allergies are a major concern for guests, and it’s important to maintain separate areas for food storage to prevent any cross-contamination. Employees can be trained to prepare allergy-safe food, and guests can receive explanations of your efforts to reduce allergy issues.
- Monitor staff health. Employees can be encouraged to not work if they are sick and could contaminate food. Provide clear employee expectations and communicate that staff won’t face repercussions for being sick to prevent passing illnesses to customers.
- Make sure floors are always clean and hazard-free. Food and liquids inevitably spill, but having proper procedures in place can help prevent an accident. An employee or guest can fall on a messy floor, which can lead to a legal claim. Floor cleaning should be constant and extend into the entire serving area to help make sure guests aren’t injured.
- Handle kitchen equipment with sufficient care. Maintenance is important to make sure equipment is running properly. It helps protect the kitchen equipment and also protects your valued employees.
- Have a cleaning schedule. A cleaning schedule can be implemented, and certain employees can be assigned duties to ensure accountability. A cleaning checklist can help prevent accidents and maintain uniformity of cleaning procedures as well.
- Storing food safely. Food must be handled safely from the moment it enters a restaurant since you don’t want to risk getting employees or guests sick from improperly stored food. It can result in a legal claim and affect your restaurant’s bottom line.
While it might take time to implement some of these tips, you can potentially help prevent the majority of preventable restaurant accidents for both employees and guests. Those who have been injured due to a restaurant’s inability to address hazards can pursue a personal injury claim for compensation.
What Should I Do When I’ve Been Injured at a California Restaurant?
If you’ve been hurt in an accident at a California restaurant because of someone’s negligence, you can help bolster your own case in many ways. Regardless of whether you were burned, slipped, became ill, or suffered other injuries, you can take several active steps to help your own claim.
Right away, you can document your accident scene by taking photographs, taking notes, and gathering contact information from any eyewitnesses in the restaurant.
Then, get medical care for your immediate injuries from a trusted healthcare provider. Next, you can consult a restaurant accident attorney with experience successfully handling cases just like yours. An attorney can help investigate your accident and pursue all potential methods of recovery.
If you need help, the team at English Lloyd & Armenta can help discuss your case and pursue the maximum recovery for your injuries. Contact our firm right away to schedule an initial consultation.
FAQs
What Are Some Common Restaurant Accidents in California?
Although California restaurants have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment, some accidents are common, including slip-and-falls, burns, foodborne illnesses, accidents involving kitchen equipment, toxic chemical exposure, lacerations, sprains/strains, and ergonomic injuries.
Do OSHA Regulations Apply to Restaurants?
Yes, OSHA regulations apply to California restaurants. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, creates workplace standards and regulations designed to keep all restaurant employees, including undocumented workers, safe from workplace hazards and dangerous conditions.
If you need help with enforcing workplace OSHA standards, were hurt in a workplace accident, or were injured while a guest in a restaurant, an experienced California personal injury attorney at English Lloyd & Armenta can discuss your recovery.
What Does a California Personal Injury Attorney Cost for a Restaurant Accident Case?
Every attorney in California can set their own attorney’s fees for a personal injury case. A restaurant accident attorney typically sets their rates based on their experience level and the complexity of the case. More experienced attorneys handling more complex cases might cost more. The attorney you’re considering can discuss their written fee agreement and anticipated case costs at an initial consultation.
How Much Can I Typically Get for a Restaurant Accident Case in California?
The amount you can typically get for winning a restaurant accident case can vary widely depending on how serious your sustained injuries are, the case facts, and the negotiation skills of your attorney. An attorney can provide invaluable assistance and pursue maximum compensation based on your individual situation. They can discuss your legal options for recovery and help represent you in court if needed.
Contact Experienced Restaurant Accident Lawyers at English Lloyd & Armenta
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident as either an employee or a guest, our experienced personal injury attorneys can discuss your case and investigate your accident. We are ready to help protect your legal rights and maximize your recovery.
Contact English Lloyd & Armenta today to set up an initial client consultation.