What Kinds of Injuries Can a Restaurant Be Liable For?

 Posted on March 30, 2025 in Premises Accidents

Many people eat at a restaurant every week. Some make it more of a daily habit. From fast-food places and neighborhood bar-and-grills to fine dining, Chicagoland has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. When you decide where to dine, you expect to enter a well-maintained dining area and eat safely prepared food. You also expect to be safe both inside and out.

When you think about accidents, you probably do not consider restaurants and bars as a prime location. If you are harmed in one, though, you may be entitled to compensation. One of our knowledgeable Aurora, IL premises liability attorneys can tell you if you qualify and help with your claim.

What Is Premises Liability?

Property owners, managers, and occupiers have to use reasonable care to keep their premises safe for visitors and guests. The Illinois Premises Liability Act holds those parties accountable for negligence that causes injuries or harm to others who are legally on the property. Trespassers typically do not benefit from this law, although young children are often not considered trespassers.

To file a premises liability claim, you need evidence proving that:

• You were on the property legally.

• A hazardous condition caused your injury and related damages.

• The party responsible for the property knew about the safety hazard in enough time to address it before your accident happened.

• That party did not do anything to remedy the unsafe condition.

Several kinds of incidents could qualify for a premises liability claim. If you think you have a case, call our office and request a free consultation.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Falls are a leading cause of injuries. A slip-and-fall is when something causes you to slip or trip and fall on someone else’s property. In a restaurant, the cause could be slick floors, loose rugs or flooring, poor lighting, or objects in walkways.

Negligent Security

Restaurants and bars are also responsible for providing adequate security to keep patrons safe, both inside and while walking to and from restaurant-owned parking areas. Failing to have security guards where warranted and not providing adequate lighting can lead to assaults.

Food Poisoning or Allergic Reactions

Any place selling prepared food is expected to follow food safety best practices to prevent food poisoning. They are also supposed to list ingredients that are known allergens to keep diners from having allergic reactions.

Could Restaurants and Bars Share the Blame for Drunk Driving Accidents?

If a drunk driver causes an accident that hurts or kills someone, the establishment that sold or served the alcoholic beverages could share fault for that accident under the Illinois Dram Shop Act. Although the bar or restaurant does not directly cause harm, this law holds them accountable for enabling their customers to hurt others.

Call Our Skilled Aurora, IL Premises Liability Attorneys

If you are harmed by someone else’s negligence, whether at a restaurant, bar, or elsewhere, one of the dedicated Kane County, IL personal injury lawyers at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. can help you hold them accountable. Call 630-907-0909 or contact us online to get started.