Injury Lawyer for Slip and Fall Accidents at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Falling down in a public place or business can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, it is more likely to happen when you are visiting a popular retailer or eatery like Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Not only is a slip and fall accident in public embarrassing, it can also cause very serious injuries.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is the go-to establishment for wraps, sandwiches and fruit smoothies frequented by young and old alike. The popularity of Tropical Smoothie is evidenced by the success of the chain’s over 800 U.S. franchises. The downside of such success is the increased risk of accidents due to the rapidly changing conditions inside and outside the store.
If you experienced a fall in a Tropical Smoothie Cafe as the result of a hazardous condition, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The injury lawyers at Hill & Moin can evaluate your case and advise you on the steps you need to take to move forward with your case. Call for help today. (212) 668-6000
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Patrons rarely think about falling hazards when they stop in for a treat at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, but the reality is that potential hazards are all around. The risk of falling and being injured exists inside the lobby and dining room, and in the parking lot and walkways.
Slip and fall accidents are often caused by the following:
- Spilled liquid or food
- Freshly mopped wet floors without warning signage
- Curled or damaged entry mats and rugs
- Floor debris from overflowing garbage cans
- Cluttered aisleways
- Cracked, chipped and broken flooring
- Inadequate lighting
- Snow and ice accumulation on sidewalks and in parking lots
Regardless of what precipitated your fall, franchise owners and managers at Tropical Smoothie Cafe have a legal responsibility to maintain a reasonably hazard-free establishment. Failure to meet their duty of care, makes it likely that Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be found liable for your injuries. In order to increase your ability to hold a large chain accountable for their negligence, contact the personal injury lawyers at Hill & Moin for help today.
What You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident Impacts Your Compensation Claim
Slip and fall accidents happen in the blink of an eye. Victims experience pain, shock and often unnecessary embarrassment. In the chaos following an accident it can be hard to know what to do to protect yourself both physically and financially.
The following actions following a slip and fall accident at a Tropical Smoothie Cafe, or other eatery, can help aid all aspects of your recovery.
Receive Prompt Medical Attention: The first priority after a fall is to receive the medical help you need. Some injuries are immediately apparent but others are more subtle and may not manifest for some time. It is wise to get checked out medically for both your physical recovery and to document your injuries should you decide to seek compensation for your injuries.
Report the Incident: In addition to an accurate medical record, it is critical that you inform the owner or manager of your accident and accurately fill out any forms that may be required. Be sure to keep copies of all paperwork for your records and don’t make statements of blame or guilt. Stick to the facts and don’t volunteer unnecessary information that could be misconstrued.
Gather Evidence: They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that is never more true than when it comes to evidence. Pictures and video of the hazardous conditions related to your accident can be a powerful visual tool when establishing a business owner’s negligence.
Witness Testimony: It can greatly aid your case to have the testimony of witnesses who actually saw what happened in your accident. Be sure to get names and phone numbers and any other contact information as soon as possible after your fall. Memories fade with time, so the sooner you reach out to witnesses the better.
Slip and Fall Claims Against A Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
All Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations are owned and operated as individual franchises. Any accident claims brought against Tropical Smoothie Cafe are therefore directed toward the franchise owner, not the corporation. Franchise owners are responsible for having insurance and other resources to cover legitimate slip and fall accident claims.
Personal injury accidents often involve insurance companies, and slip and fall accidents are no exception. In order to get a fair settlement from an insurance company, it is in your best interest to have a personal injury attorney on your side. Successfully negotiating a damage award can be tricky. Insurance companies are going to do everything they can to pay the least amount possible. It isn’t uncommon for insurance companies to make a low-ball offer in the hopes you will settle for less than you deserve, in addition to using intimidation tactics that bully victims into signing an agreement before they contact a lawyer. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident can help you avoid uncomfortable and high-pressure conversations with insurance companies. Your lawyer will have your best interests at heart and will fight on your behalf for what you deserve.
Ideally, your slip and fall accident can be settled to your satisfaction without going to court, but if negotiations fail, going to trial may be the best way to get justice. Your slip and fall lawyer will present evidence to prove that Tropical Smoothie Cafe was negligent in their duty to provide a reasonably hazard free environment. In addition, your lawyer will present the medical evidence that justifies the amount of financial compensation you are seeking.
Hill & Moin Helps Victims of Slip and Fall Accidents
If you or a family member have been injured at an eating establishment like Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the lawyers at Hill & Moin have the experience and dedication to help you with your claim. We understand that being involved in an accident can have serious financial impacts. In order to help you during such a difficult time, Hill & Moin offer a no cost, no obligation case evaluation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out today for help. Contact us at www.hillmoin.com or call (212) 668-6000