Injured During a Crime at a Local Restaurant?
Our Team of Dedicated Restaurant Accident Lawyers Fights for Justice
No one expects to eat at a restaurant only to find themselves the victim of an assault, robbery, rape, or other crime. However, it does occur. Many individuals have been harmed while eating at a restaurant. When it happens, victims are often left questioning how they will pay their medical bills and who will compensate them for their losses.
While you may expect that the person who directly caused harm is fully responsible for their actions, a restaurant may be partially accountable for losses sustained by their patrons.
Restaurants owe clients a safe location to enjoy a meal with loved ones. If restaurant owners have failed to protect their clients due to lax security or a security team that did not perform their job as they were supposed to, they can be held liable.
Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law offers free consultations for individuals hurt during a crime at a restaurant. Tell our restaurant negligent security lawyers about your case today by calling us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.
Why Choose Us?
Our Restaurant Negligence Lawyers Are Prepared to Help
Our firm was founded by Terry Bryant, a dedicated personal injury lawyer with over 40 years of experience. We have:
We are always available to answer questions and help our clients, whether they’re filing a slip and fall restaurant lawsuit or wondering how to prove food poisoning from a restaurant. Our customer service has helped us winner several awards from the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our restaurant injury lawyers go to bat for our clients. While many personal injury law firms accept the most uncomplicated cases that are likely to settle, we’re all in for taking a case to trial to get our clients the compensation they deserve.
Negligence in Restaurant Security
The Restaurant Accident Lawyer You Choose Matters
Most people don’t consider the negligence of a restaurant to be a factor when someone attacks them or commits a crime against them. However, restaurant owners have a duty of care to their clients, including ensuring that their property is safe for their visitors.
While the person who committed the crime is responsible for their actions, restaurants may be negligent if they didn’t have adequate security systems or their staff didn’t take action to prevent a crime.
As an example, consider the following:
You are having dinner with your spouse when an unknown teenager comes to your table. They demand your wallet and hold you at gunpoint until you provide it. Once you hand it over, they throw a glass of water in your face, resulting in lacerations and a bruise. Afterward, they exit the restaurant’s front door and jump into a getaway car.
Following the incident, you and your spouse are understandably shaken. You find out that the host who seats individuals at tables had left their station by the front door before the incident occurred. There are no security cameras in the restaurant, despite other similar occurrences in the past.
In this example, you might have a claim against the restaurant’s owner. The lack of staff available to seat clients allowed the robber to walk directly into the restaurant and disturb guests. In addition, despite prior incidents, management hadn’t taken measures to protect customers, such as installing CCTV or hiring a security manager.
Other examples of negligent security in a restaurant include:
- Not keeping windows or outside doors locked
- No fire prevention plans in place
- No security team, especially if the restaurant has experienced past crimes
- Lack of safety features, like security cameras or alarms.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we realize that each case is different. Whether you need to file a slip and fall restaurant lawsuit or you were injured because of inadequate security, if you’ve suffered harm at a restaurant, contact us to discuss the circumstances of your claim.
How Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Can Help You
Developing a personal injury case in a negligent security situation takes time and effort. The knowledgeable restaurant injury attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have the experience to assemble your case and gather evidence. As your representative, we will perform the following:
- Understand the facts of your case through discussions with you
- Determine the value of your claim and what will be needed to prove it
- Identify examples of lax security in the restaurant that contributed to the event
- Speak with witnesses who saw the incident and gather their statements
- Ask security experts to provide their viewpoints on the situation
- Ensure all case procedures are followed per the law
- Negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a fair and just settlement for you
- Take the course to trial if parties can’t agree on a settlement
The restaurant accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have a combined experience of over 100 years in personal injury law. We know how to fight for our clients, and we won’t hesitate to do so. Contact us at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to discuss your case today.
Requirements to Prove Negligent Security in a Restaurant
In a negligence case, there are five elements that a plaintiff must prove to substantiate their claim. They include:
- The defendant had a legal duty to the plaintiff.
- There was a breach of duty.
- An injury occurred to the plaintiff.
- The defendant’s breach of duty caused the injury.
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of their injury.
For the restaurant to be partially liable for a crime committed on their property, the injured person must have sustained physical, emotional, or monetary damages due to limited security features.
The restaurant injury attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law will work to understand the facts of your case and determine if and how the restaurant managers and owners did not act to protect you from a crime that occurred on restaurant property.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive If My Case Succeeds?
Typical damages awarded in cases of negligence include economic and non-economic compensation. Our restaurant injury lawyers will fight to prove:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are easily measurable and identifiable in a negligence case. They include:
- Medical costs, such as treatments, laboratory tests, surgeries, ambulatory costs, physical therapy, and medical equipment
- Replacement of income during time away from work to recover from injuries
- Future lost income if the injured person is unable to work at their standard capacity
- Property damages or loss
- Any other monetary losses directly attributed to the plaintiff’s injuries.
Economic damages compensate victims for the identifiable costs incurred due to an injury. Our restaurant accident lawyers will help you to note and fight for compensation for all of your economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are subjective. Common types of non-economic damages include:
- Mental anguish or emotional suffering
- Pain sustained from an injury
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life.
In cases of wrongful death arising from negligent restaurant security, damages for loss of companionship or parental guidance may be obtained.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded if the restaurant owners were particularly negligent in their actions (or lack thereof). Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant and deter them from acting similarly in the future. A court may award punitive damages if a case goes to trial.
Client Testimonial
“I felt more like family than a client because they work so closely with us. Terry and his staff worked with me and were in communication with me constantly, keeping me abreast. I could call at any time, I could visit at any time, and their office and phone were always open to me and my family.” — Ray M., actual client
How Will I Obtain Damages?
Restaurant and property owners are obliged to carry insurance for their premises. Oftentimes, insurance will cover damages related to injuries that occur at a restaurant to clientele and employees. For instance, insurance may offer a payout for a slip and fall restaurant lawsuit.
As we gather the details and evidence concerning your case and file your claim, we’ll likely need to negotiate with the restaurant’s insurance company to obtain a settlement.
Not all cases get settled. If the insurance company is unwilling to provide a fair settlement for your injuries, our restaurant injury attorneys will take the claim to court and display the evidence for a judge and jury. We are board-certified in personal injury trial law, which means we understand trial law procedures and what’s required in a case that goes to trial.
If you’ve been injured due to negligent security in Houston, Texas, don’t wait. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.
FAQs to Ask a Restaurant Negligence Lawyer
Clients often have questions when they’re considering a negligence claim. Here are a few of the most common questions our restaurant accident lawyers get from clients:
How long do I have to file a negligent restaurant security lawsuit in Texas?
Each state has a statute of limitations that caps the time an injured person has to file a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, Texas has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of injury to file a claim against a negligent party. (*Always speak directly to an attorney for the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.)
While you have time to file a claim, it’s best not to wait. Your lawyer will need time to gather evidence, speak with experts and witnesses, and figure out the best strategy for your case. Waiting too long can result in less credible evidence and forgotten essential facts pertinent to your claim.
How much is my lawsuit worth?
Several factors affect the value of a lawsuit. The severity of your injuries, the actions of the restaurant, and the extent of negligence all play a role. Insurance coverage is also a determinant. The attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law will examine the factors involved in your case to determine the expected value of your claim.
How long will it take to recover damages?
The length of time to receive compensation for your case will vary. Some cases are settled promptly, while others go to court for a verdict. Payment from settled cases is received quicker than those that resolve in a trial. Your restaurant accident lawyer will advise you on your case status every step of the way.
Is it expensive to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law works on a contingency fee basis. We only receive a payment if you have a successful recovery – through a settlement or verdict. Our payment is a percentage of your award. There are no upfront fees for consultations or legal costs. We want you to focus on recovering from your injuries, and we only get paid if you do.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Before your consultation, it’s best to document the circumstances of your case in writing so you don’t forget vital facts during our case review. Bring any medical records concerning your injuries and a copy of the police report (if any). Contact information for witnesses is also helpful.
If you have questions concerning your case, note them and bring them up during your appointment.
What should I look for when hiring a personal injury attorney?
When seeking an attorney, look for someone with experience and knowledge of personal injury law. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our senior attorneys are Board Certified. We’ve won millions of dollars for our clients in various personal injury cases. We’re known for our tenacity and dedication to our clients, and we work tirelessly to ensure your claim is fairly represented.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we’re here for you. Contact us at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to schedule a case review.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
