IHOP Restaurant Accident in West Palm Beach

If you’ve suffered an injury in a restaurant accident, such as a slip- or trip- and-fall at an IHOP in West Palm Beach, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the restaurant, property owner, or other responsible parties. Key steps include seeking prompt medical care, documenting the hazard, preserving evidence, and contacting an experienced Florida personal injury attorney.

At Wolfson & Leon, we offer free consultations for people badly hurt in accidents and work on a contingency basis. So, you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Call 561-997-7558 to learn more.

Dining out should be safe. Yet every year, Floridians are injured in restaurants due to wet floors, unsafe parking lots, or poorly maintained premises. The Florida Department of Health has reported that falls are one of the top causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries statewide for adults over 65.

When these incidents occur in a commercial setting like IHOP, victims face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering. Understanding how restaurant accidents happen, what Florida law requires, and how to protect your claim is critical.

West Palm Beach and its surrounding areas are home to multiple IHOP restaurants, often situated near busy roadways and in high-traffic shopping plazas. These factors increase the likelihood of accidents:

• Heavy foot traffic: More patrons mean greater risk of spills, debris, and crowded conditions.
• Late-night business hours: Some IHOPs stay open 24/7, increasing exposure to dim lighting and alcohol-related disturbances.
• Shared parking lots: Strip malls and plazas often have cracked pavement, poor lighting, or inadequate security.

Even routine visits for breakfast or late-night pancakes can lead to unexpected injuries when safety is compromised. You can find several IHOP locations in the greater West Palm Beach area, including:

• 516 North State Road 7, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
• 1503 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33406
• 6708 Forrest Hill Blvd, Greenacres, FL 33415
• 312 US Hwy 1, N Palm Beach, FL 33408
• 4562 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL 33463

Restaurant accidents in Palm Beach County typically fall into a few categories:

1. Slip and fall incidents
   • Spills from drinks, syrup, or mop water left unmarked.
   • Recently mopped floors without proper signage.
   • Slippery entryways during rainy weather.
2. Trip and fall hazards
   • Uneven flooring or loose tiles.
   • Exposed electrical cords or poorly placed mats.
   • Transitions between tile, carpet, or concrete.
3. Parking lot accidents
   • Potholes, cracked sidewalks, or pooling water.
   • Insufficient lighting leading to falls or assaults.
   • Oil slicks or debris left unattended.
4. Other safety hazards
   • Broken chairs or booth seating.
   • Falling objects from shelves or décor.
   • Negligent security if disturbances escalate.

Florida law (Statute § 768.0755) says a business may be responsible if a customer slips on something like spilled syrup, grease, or another temporary hazard. To succeed with a claim, the injured person must show that the business either knew about the danger or should have known because it was there long enough for staff to notice and fix it.

To succeed under Florida premises liability law, an injured person must typically prove:

1. The restaurant had a responsibility to keep the premises were properly maintained and free from avoidable hazards.
2. That duty was breached (failure to clean, repair, or warn).
3. The breach directly caused the injury.
4. The victim suffered damages, including medical bills and lost wages.

Florida also follows a modified comparative negligence rule under § 768.81. If you are found partly at fault, the compensation you've been awarded may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if damages are valued at $100,000 and you are deemed 20% responsible, your award could be reduced to $80,000.

Even minor slip or fall accidents in restaurants can result in serious harm. Common injuries include:

• Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
• Fractures in wrists, ankles, or hips
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Back and spinal injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage

Medical evaluation should be sought immediately after any incident — not only for health reasons but also to strengthen your legal case. Delayed treatment can weaken credibility with insurers and defense attorneys.

If negligence is established, compensation may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In exceptional cases, punitive damages may apply if the restaurant’s conduct was especially reckless.

1. Florida law sets a two-year deadline from the date you were hurt to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this window, you may be prevented from recovering damages.Missing the deadline can bar recovery.
2. Evidence preservation: Surveillance video, maintenance logs, and witness accounts can disappear quickly. Acting fast allows your attorney to send preservation letters and secure proof.
3. Insurance company tactics: Restaurant chains and insurers often move quickly to limit exposure. Having a lawyer early helps level the playing field.

Being injured at an IHOP or any other restaurant in West Palm Beach can leave you with painful injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty. Just remember that you have the right to pursue compensation under Florida law. Just remember that timing and strategy are critical.

At Wolfson & Leon, we have decades of experience helping injury victims across Florida, including Palm Beach County. We understand the tactics used by large chains and their insurers, and we fight to secure fair results for our clients.

Call us today at 561-997-7558 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover for you. But don’t wait! Evidence fades and deadlines pass. Your future deserves protection.