If you or someone you love was severely hurt in an accident at an IHOP in Fort Myers, you might be compensated for the damage you've suffered. Accidents that happen at restaurants or other places of business can lead to serious, even life-altering injuries. Whether you slipped on a greasy floor, tripped on uneven pavement, or were assaulted in a poorly lit parking lot, Florida law may entitle you to compensation under premises liability laws. But you'll need to act fast, collect relevant evidence, and work with a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer, especially when corporate insurance teams try to avoid paying.
At Wolfson & Leon, our Fort Myers restaurant accident attorneys have spent decades helping people hurt in restaurant accidents recover what they’re owed. Call us today at 239-777-9954 to discuss your options.
Why Restaurant Accidents Happen—And Why IHOPs Aren’t ImmuneRestaurants like IHOP attract a constant flow of customers - mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Whether you're grabbing pancakes with your kids or working a late shift and looking for a bite, these locations stay busy. That high foot traffic, food and beverage spills, slippery restrooms, and fast-moving staff make accidents surprisingly common. Poor maintenance, greasy floors, or wet entryways are all conditions that can easily appear in restaurants like IHOP, especially during high-volume hours.
Several IHOP locations in and around Fort Myers serve hundreds of guests every day. A few notable spots include:
With a layout that includes kitchens, restrooms, carpeted and tiled floors, and parking lots, IHOPs are standard settings for these types of accidents:
Injuries from restaurant accidents can range from minor bruises to catastrophic harm. A simple fall can lead to fractured wrists or ankles, dislocated shoulders, or deep lacerations. More severe cases may involve head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or even internal bleeding—especially for elderly patrons. Victims may require hospitalization, surgery, or long-term physical therapy.
Why Immediate Medical Attention Is CriticalIf you're badly hurt, getting medical help right away is not just smart; it's essential. Prompt medical attention can reduce the severity of your injuries, prevent complications, and ensure that dangerous conditions (like internal injuries or concussions) aren't missed.
From a legal standpoint, delaying treatment can damage your case. Insurance companies may argue the position that since you waited to seek care, your injuries weren't that serious. Or, they weren't caused by the accident. Medical records are key evidence linking your injury directly to the restaurant incident. If you're in doubt, get checked out.
Who’s Responsible? Understanding Liability Under Florida LawUnder Florida premises liability law, IHOP must keep its premises reasonably safe for customers. That means:
If a restaurant fails to meet this standard, and you’re injured as a result, the business (or sometimes a third party, like a property management company or contractor) may be held liable for the damage you’ve suffered.
What to Do After an IHOP Accident in Fort MyersIf you're hurt at an IHOP or any restaurant in Fort Myers, follow these key steps:
Depending on your case, compensation may include:
Payouts range based on the extent of the injury, the degree of negligence involved, and how long recovery will take. At Wolfson & Leon, we fight to make sure you receive every dollar you're entitled to—not just what the insurance company wants to offer.
Why Legal Help Matters—Especially When You're Seriously HurtRestaurant chains like IHOP are often backed by insurance companies and corporate legal teams. These companies are trained to minimize or deny payouts. When multiple parties may be at fault—like IHOP, property managers, or third-party contractors, you need an experienced attorney who can navigate the complexity.
Wolfson & Leon has represented injury victims across Florida for over 60 years. We handle every step of the case, from investigating liability to negotiating aggressively with insurers. If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial.
FAQ – Fort Myers IHOP Restaurant Accidents How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Restaurant Injury in Florida?Florida law lets you file a personal injury lawsuit for up to two years after the accident date. However, acting quickly improves your chances of recovering full compensation.
Can I Sue IHOP for a Slip and Fall?Yes, they may be liable if the fall was caused by IHOP's negligence, like a wet floor with no warning sign or uneven surfaces.
What Should I Do Right After Getting Hurt at a Restaurant?Get medical help, report the injury to a manager, document the scene, and call an attorney. Do not sign anything or speak to insurance adjusters alone.
What if I Was Partly at Fault? Can I Still Recover the Money?Under Florida's modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you're less than 50% at fault. Any compensation awarded gets reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Restaurant Accidents?Broken bones, sprains, head injuries, spinal injuries, burns, and deep cuts are all common. Severe cases may involve permanent disability.
Talk to a Fort Myers Restaurant Injury Attorney TodayRestaurant accidents at IHOP or anywhere else in Fort Myers can leave you with more than just a meal gone wrong; they can change your life. Don’t deal with corporate legal departments and aggressive insurers alone.
The attorneys at Wolfson & Leon have been defending accident victims since 1963, and we’re ready to help you today. Speak with a Fort Myers personal injury accident attorney today by calling 239-777-9954 for your free consultation.