Slip, Trip, Fall, or Burn at a Subway in Fort Lauderdale: Can You File a Claim?

Subway restaurants are among the most popular fast-food franchises, known for quick, affordable meals. With multiple locations throughout Fort Lauderdale, customers frequent these restaurants daily for lunch breaks, quick dinners, or snacks. Unfortunately, busy restaurant environments like Subway can lead to slip, trip, fall, and even burn injuries.

If you've been injured at a Subway restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, you might wonder if you have the right to file a claim for your injuries. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help determine if you qualify for compensation and guide you through each step of the claims process.

Although Subway is known for its generally clean, organized stores, accidents can still happen due to common hazards such as:

Wet floors from spills, freshly mopped surfaces without proper signage, or leaking drink machines can quickly create slippery conditions, causing severe falls.

Loose mats, uneven flooring, cluttered walkways, improperly stored boxes, or merchandise obstructing pathways often result in trip and fall accidents.

Hot food items, soup warmers, ovens, coffee machines, or heated sandwich-making equipment can cause severe burns if improperly handled or maintained by employees.

Broken tiles, inadequate lighting, malfunctioning doors, or damaged furniture may contribute significantly to slip, trip, and fall injuries within the restaurant.

Employees who fail to promptly clean spills, provide adequate warning signs, or follow proper safety protocols significantly increase customer injury risks.

Injuries sustained at Subway restaurants can vary widely, but commonly include:

• Broken bones or fractures from falls
• Sprained wrists, ankles, or knees
• Severe burns from hot liquids or heated equipment
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from head impacts during falls
• Back and spinal injuries resulting from slips and falls
• Cuts and lacerations from sharp equipment or broken furniture

These injuries can be physically painful, emotionally stressful, and financially challenging due to medical bills and lost income during recovery.

Taking prompt, careful action after an accident at Subway can help protect your health and strengthen your legal claim:

Inform Subway management or staff immediately about your accident. Ask for an official incident report, which can be crucial for your legal case.

Visit a healthcare provider right away. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen without prompt attention, and early medical documentation strengthens your claim.

Capture clear photos or videos of the exact area where you were injured, including visible hazards (such as wet floors, loose tiles, or malfunctioning equipment).

Obtain names and contact details from any witnesses present. Eyewitness testimony often proves crucial when establishing liability.

Do not discuss the specifics of your accident with insurance adjusters or representatives from Subway without consulting an attorney first.

An attorney with knowledge on premises liability claims can handle the legal details, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

Under Florida premises liability law, restaurant owners and franchisees have a clear legal duty to keep their properties safe for customers. To hold Subway accountable, your claim must demonstrate:

• A hazardous condition existed in the restaurant.
• Subway’s employees or management knew (or reasonably should have known) about the danger.
• They failed to properly address or warn about the hazardous condition.
• You suffered injuries directly resulting from that hazard.

Subway franchise owners, store managers, or even Subway corporate entities may be liable depending on specific circumstances. Your attorney can investigate thoroughly to establish who is responsible.

If you've been hurt in a Subway accident in Fort Lauderdale, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital bills, ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery period and potential future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work fully.
• Pain and Suffering: Payment for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal belongings damaged during your accident (e.g., cell phone, clothing, glasses).
• Future Medical Costs: Coverage for ongoing medical treatments or therapy required due to your injuries.

In exceptional cases involving severe negligence, you might also be able to seek punitive damages to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Restaurant injury cases can be challenging, especially when facing large corporate entities like Subway. These companies typically have strong legal teams and insurance providers determined to minimize or deny claims. A skilled Fort Lauderdale injury attorney can:

• Immediately investigate your accident and preserve critical evidence
• Gather necessary documentation, such as video footage, eyewitness testimony, and medical records
• Clearly establish liability by documenting unsafe conditions
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and legal teams
• File your claim promptly and represent your interests in court if necessary

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability or personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of your accident. It’s crucial to act swiftly—missing this deadline can eliminate your ability to recover compensation. A lawyer can ensure your claim is filed correctly and timely.

If your visit to a Subway restaurant in Fort Lauderdale resulted in unexpected injuries, you deserve compassionate legal support to secure the compensation you need. The team at Wolfson & Leon stands ready to help you navigate the complexities of premises liability claims effectively and efficiently.

Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. and the team at Wolfson & Leon have proudly served accident victims across Florida:

Miami
Orlando
Tampa
Jacksonville
Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach
Fort Myers
Cape Coral
Sarasota
Clearwater
Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.