Americans love to eat at their restaurants and with over half a million currently open, who can blame them? But what happens if a customer gets injured at a restaurant?
The U.S. census reports there are over 500,000 operating restaurants in the United States. Every day, more than 130 million Americans frequent these restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal, they are our first stop for delicious food. But not all restaurant experiences are pleasurable. Aside from the bad food we may get every now and then, accidents are known to occur, and when they do customers get hurt. To protect themselves from the nasty lawsuit that comes with an injured customer, most restaurants have liability insurance.
Restaurant Liability and the Law
Unsurprisingly, most people don’t think about restaurant liability policy when they are enjoying a delicious meal at a restaurant.
Restaurant liability is not only restricted to injuries that occur within the restaurant. Food that is brought home and consumed elsewhere can also cause injury and illness.
Restaurants are subject to state, county, and municipal health regulations. Unfortunately, if violations occur, the state fines don’t go to the one injured. But this is why courts exist, to mediate between the law and the real world. If something in or offered in a restaurant causes injury, the courts give the injured the right to pursue some sort of compensation directly from the restaurants or its insurance company.
Common Causes of Restaurants Injury or Illness
Food Poisoning
This is a catchall phrase for various kinds of bacterial infections that have to do with the gut and include, salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, Cholera, Fish poisoning, and Campylobacter enteritis.
Scalding
Hot food or coffee that is served at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can give third-degree burns in mere seconds. Lower temperatures can cause burns, as well and are quite painful! (Remember the roof of your mouth got burnt because you ate pizza that was too hot?)
Choking
There are 3,000 people that choke and die every year at restaurants. Choking is not the main cause of injury, it’s usually the delayed time in which the restaurant administers CPR or call for emergency medical help.
Puncture Wound
Customers are more prone to punctures during the summer months due to wearing sandals and shoes with thin soles.
PMC Insurance Group offers top-notch assistance with all insurance types for your clients, including restaurant insurance to protect them from liability issues if one of their customers gets injured. To learn more about getting competitive coverage for your small business clients, contact us today.
