Miami IHOP Injuries: Who’s Liable for Restaurant Accidents?

Whether from a slip and fall, a parking lot hazard, or unsafe dining conditions, if you were seriously injured in an accident at an IHOP in Miami, you may be entitled to compensation. Restaurant owners and managers in Florida have a legal duty to keep their property safe. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt, personal injury laws come into play. If you’ve been injured, contact Wolfson & Leon at 305-285-1115 for a free consultation.

Why Restaurant Accidents Matter in Miami

Miami is one of the most visited cities in the U.S., attracting millions of tourists each year. Restaurants like IHOP open long hours and often located near busy shopping areas, see a high volume of traffic. That increased foot traffic—especially in ZIP codes like 33139 (South Beach), 33130 (Downtown), 33134 (Coral Gables), 33126 (Flagami), 33172 (Sweetwater/Dolphin Mall), 33175 (Westchester), and 33132 (Overtown/Wynwood)—makes accidents more likely.

Slip and fall incidents are among the top causes of injury in restaurants. The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that over 1 million emergency room visits each year are due to slips and falls—many in food service settings like IHOP.

What Is Considered to Be a Restaurant Accident?

A restaurant accident includes any injury that happens on the premises due to unsafe or poorly maintained conditions. These accidents are not just unfortunate—they are often preventable.

Common IHOP Restaurant Accident Types:

• Slip and falls on wet floors or spilled syrup/grease
• Trip and falls from loose rugs, clutter, or uneven flooring
• Parking lot accidents, including negligent drivers, poor lighting or potholes
• Burn injuries from overheated plates, spills, or faulty kitchen equipment
• Furniture accidents, such as chair or booth collapses from poor maintenance

Common Causes of Restaurant Injuries:

• Lack of routine cleaning or inspections
• Failure to post wet floor or caution signs
• Broken furniture or flooring
• Improper lighting or signage in indoor and outdoor areas
• Negligent or improperly trained staff

Who Is Liable? Understanding Florida Premises Liability Laws

In Florida, restaurant owners and operators are legally responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe for guests. Under Florida premises liability law, if a dangerous condition exists and the restaurant knew—or should have known—about it but failed to fix or warn customers, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Potentially Liable Parties:

• IHOP franchise owners or corporate operators
• Restaurant managers or employees
• Property management companies or landlords
• Negligent drivers

To prove a claim, your attorney will work to establish:

1. A hazardous condition existed.
2. The business knew or should have known about it.
3. No steps were taken to correct or warn about the danger.
4. The unsafe condition directly caused your injury.

What To Do if You're Injured at an IHOP in Miami

Taking the right steps after a restaurant accident can make a major difference in your recovery and your legal case.

6 Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident: Here is what you should do after a slip and fall at IHOP:

1. Get medical attention immediately—even if injuries don’t seem serious at first.
2. Report the incident to a manager and ask for a copy of the incident report.
3. Document the accident with photos and videos of the scene, any hazards, and your injuries.
4. Get witness contact information, if others saw what happened.
5. Keep copies of all bills, records, and communications related to the injury.
6. Contact a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and evaluate your case.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

Hiring a Miami personal injury lawyer after a restaurant accident gives you the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can investigate the cause of your injury, collect evidence, and communicate directly with the restaurant or their insurance company. They’ll make sure your case is taken seriously and that no one tries to offer a quick, lowball settlement. More importantly, your lawyer will guide you through the legal process—helping you focus on recovery while they focus on building your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is responsible for a slip and fall at IHOP?

Typically, the owner or operator of the restaurant can be held responsible if they failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition that caused your injury.

2. How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?

You generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, as per Florida’s updated statute of limitations.

3. What types of compensation can I receive?

You may be entitled to:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation or long-term care needs

4. Do I need a lawyer for a restaurant accident?

Yes. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, a lawyer ensures you’re not taken advantage of and helps you pursue full and fair compensation.

Call Wolfson & Leon After a Restaurant Injury

If you or someone you love has been injured at an IHOP—or any restaurant—in the Miami area, don’t wait. Wolfson & Leon is here to help. Our legal team has been representing accident victims in Florida for over 60 years. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at 305-285-1115 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 and ready to help you get justice.

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