Valentine’s Day, especially in Buffalo, sees a spike in people celebrating at local bars and restaurants. The excitement of the day can sometimes lead to accidents, ranging from slip-and-fall injuries to foodborne illnesses or even altercations. If you’ve suffered an injury while enjoying a night out, you might be entitled to compensation. Understanding what steps to take after being hurt in a public space can protect your health and legal rights. Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC is here to help guide you through the process of pursuing your claim.
Common Types of Injuries on Valentine’s Day in Buffalo Bars and Restaurants 
Valentine’s Day in Buffalo means crowded restaurants and bars where the atmosphere is lively, and the alcohol flows freely. Unfortunately, this can create situations where injuries are more likely. The types of injuries you might experience in such environments vary widely, but here are some of the most common:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and crowded spaces make for an increased risk of falls. Spills from drinks, food, or condensation from high traffic areas like restrooms or near the bar are often left unnoticed. In these cases, a restaurant or bar may be liable if they failed to clean up the mess in a timely manner.
- Foodborne Illnesses: Valentine’s Day can be one of the busiest days for restaurants, with staff working long hours under high pressure. When food is rushed or handled improperly, it can lead to food poisoning. Whether it’s from improperly cooked seafood, undercooked meat, or unsanitary food handling practices, falling ill due to negligence could give you grounds for a claim.
- Alcohol-Related Incidents: Bars can sometimes serve too many drinks, leading to over-intoxicated patrons. This can lead to fights or unsafe behavior, either toward other patrons or staff. If you’re injured because of an altercation initiated by an intoxicated individual, you may have a personal injury claim against the establishment.
- Assaults or Fights: Alcohol-fueled fights are not uncommon in crowded settings. If you’re injured during an altercation, whether initiated by another patron or by an employee, the restaurant or bar may be held accountable if they failed to provide adequate security.
- Broken Glass or Dishes: In an overcrowded setting, accidents happen, and broken glass, plates, or bottles can cause severe cuts and lacerations. If the restaurant or bar was negligent in maintaining safe conditions, such as failing to clean up broken glass quickly, they could be held responsible for the harm caused.
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What to Do If You’re Injured in a Buffalo Bar or Restaurant
If you’re injured in a bar or restaurant in Buffalo, particularly on a busy day like Valentine’s Day, it’s important to act quickly and take specific steps to protect your health and ensure that you have the information necessary to pursue a potential claim. Here’s what you should do immediately after an injury:
1. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Whether your injury feels minor or severe, it’s important to seek medical care immediately. You may not realize the full extent of the injury at the moment, especially if it’s something like a concussion, internal injury, or a sprain that could get worse over time. Getting checked by a medical professional helps to document the injury and may be crucial when filing a claim later.
2. Report the Incident to the Establishment
Let the manager or staff know about the injury, especially if it happened due to an unsafe condition like a spill or broken equipment. Many restaurants and bars will have an incident report that they can complete. Make sure you ask for a copy of the report for your records. Reporting the accident ensures the establishment acknowledges what happened, which can be important when pursuing a legal case.
The team is very personable, patient and empathetic with their clients. They are upfront with you and will explain the entire process with you, they never lead you to believe otherwise, they tell you like it is and will not sell you a million dollar dream. Trust in Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, they work for you and he looks out for your best interest.”
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3. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Take photos or videos of the location where you were injured. For example, if you slipped due to a wet floor, document the puddle or spill that caused your fall. If possible, also take pictures of your injuries and any medical treatments you receive. Gathering this evidence will support your claim and help demonstrate how the injury occurred.
4. Get Witness Information
If there were any bystanders who witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be vital in confirming what happened and ensuring you have a strong case if you need to pursue compensation.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
It’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer like those at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC as soon as possible. Legal professionals experienced in personal injury law can help guide you through the claims process, ensure that all evidence is collected, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
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Establishing Liability for Your Injury in Buffalo
To pursue a successful injury claim, you’ll need to establish who is liable for the injury. In most cases, the responsible party will be the business that operates the bar or restaurant. In New York, business owners are required to maintain safe environments for their customers and guests. If your injury resulted from negligence, the establishment may be held responsible. Here are some common forms of negligence that could lead to liability:
- Premises Liability: If the injury occurred due to unsafe conditions on the property (e.g., wet floors, broken glass, or uneven flooring), the restaurant or bar could be responsible for failing to keep the premises safe.
- Negligent Security: If you were injured in an altercation and the bar or restaurant failed to provide proper security, such as bouncers or security personnel, they could be held liable for not preventing the violence or protecting you from harm.
- Failure to Address Unsafe Behavior: Bars have a responsibility to stop patrons from over-consuming alcohol and becoming intoxicated to the point of putting others at risk. If your injury happened because a staff member over-served someone or failed to address dangerous behavior, the restaurant or bar could be held accountable.
- Defective Equipment: If your injury resulted from faulty equipment (e.g., broken furniture or glassware), the business could be liable for not maintaining or replacing the defective items.
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Compensation for Injuries Sustained in a Bar or Restaurant
If your injury was caused by the negligence of a bar or restaurant in Buffalo, you may be entitled to compensation. The compensation could cover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Bills: This includes emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, prescriptions, physical therapy, or any future medical treatment related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: If you were unable to work due to your injury, you can be compensated for your lost income during your recovery period.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensation covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, such as intentional harm or gross misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment and deterrent against future similar behavior.
How Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC Can Help You
If you’ve been injured in a Buffalo bar or restaurant on Valentine’s Day, it’s crucial to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC offers free consultations to help you assess your case and understand your legal rights. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
With a proven track record of successful personal injury cases, our team is dedicated to protecting the rights of Buffalo residents. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your best interests every step of the way.
Don’t let a Valentine’s Day injury take away your peace of mind. Let Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC be your advocate and help you recover from both the physical and financial burdens of an injury.
For a free consultation, call us today or visit our office at 420 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202. Our team is here to help you get back on track.