A slip and fall inside a Norman restaurant can happen in seconds — a spilled drink, a greasy floor near the kitchen, a loose mat at the entrance, or a melted ice patch by the drink station. But when you’re hurt in a restaurant that’s part of a national franchise, the big question becomes:
Who is actually responsible — the local store, the franchise owner, or the corporation?
At Aldridge Teasdale, we help Norman injury victims understand their options and pursue claims against the right party. Restaurant slip and fall cases often involve more than one layer of liability, and knowing where to aim your claim can make all the difference.
How Slip and Fall Injuries Happen Inside Norman Restaurants
Restaurants are full of potential hazards, especially the high-traffic areas we see in Norman’s busiest dining spots — along Lindsey Street, Main Street, Campus Corner, and Robinson.
Common causes include:
- Wet floors from spills, drink stations, or mopping
- Grease buildup near the kitchen entrance
- Loose or curled floor mats at doorways
- Uneven flooring or broken tiles
- Poor lighting in walkways or restrooms
- Cluttered or obstructed aisles
Even something simple like a dropped ice cube can create a dangerous situation if the restaurant doesn’t act fast.
Who Can You Sue After a Restaurant Slip and Fall?
In franchise-owned restaurants, responsibility can fall on several parties. The key is determining who controlled the unsafe condition and who failed to fix it.
1. The Local Franchise Owner
Most franchise restaurants in Norman — whether fast food or full service — are run by independent owners who are legally responsible for:
- Daily maintenance and cleaning
- Employee training
- Correcting hazards in a timely manner
- Following corporate safety standards
If a dangerous condition caused your fall (e.g., an uncleaned spill), the franchise owner may be liable.
2. The National Corporation
Some claims also extend to the corporate brand when:
- Corporate policies created unsafe conditions
- Required equipment (like mats or flooring) was defective
- Safety protocols were inadequate or improperly enforced
- Corporate inspections failed to catch known hazards
Large corporations have strong legal teams — but they can absolutely be held accountable when their policies contribute to your injury.
3. Third Parties
Other companies may share liability if they were responsible for:
- Cleaning or janitorial services
- Flooring installation or maintenance
- Equipment that failed or leaked
- Construction or repair work that created hazards
Slip and fall cases often involve multiple defendants — which can increase the value of the claim.
What You Must Prove in a Norman Restaurant Slip and Fall
To hold a restaurant or franchise accountable, you must show that:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The restaurant knew or should have known about it
- They failed to fix it or warn you
- You were injured as a result
Examples of property owner negligence include:
- Failing to clean a spill promptly
- Not placing warning signs after mopping
- Letting mats or flooring become worn and unsafe
- Ignoring complaints or prior incidents
- Not following corporate safety procedures
Restaurants have a legal duty to maintain safe floors and walkways — and they can’t avoid responsibility simply because they’re part of a franchise.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Norman Restaurant
- Report the incident immediately to the manager
- Request an incident report and take a photo of it
- Take pictures of the hazard, the floor, and the area around it
- Get names of witnesses or employees who saw the fall
- Seek medical care right away
- Speak to an attorney before giving a recorded statement
The earlier we can investigate, the easier it is to secure evidence like surveillance footage before it’s deleted.
How Aldridge Teasdale Helps Norman Injury Victims
Our team has extensive experience representing slip and fall victims in restaurants throughout Norman, including cases involving:
- Local franchise operators
- Corporate-owned locations
- Fast food chains
- Casual dining restaurants
- Coffee shops and bakeries
We investigate the scene, identify all liable parties, gather evidence, and negotiate aggressively to secure full compensation for your injuries.
Get a Free Case Review Today
If you slipped in a Norman restaurant and aren’t sure who’s responsible, we can help you understand your rights and build a strong case.
Request your Free Case Review or call (405) 447-HURT today. You pay nothing unless we win.
Internal Link: Norman Slip and Fall Lawyer
