Applebee’s Restaurant Accidents

If you were gravely injured while visiting an Applebee’s in Fort Myers, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether it was a slip on a greasy floor, a fall in a poorly lit parking lot, or a burn from hot food or drink, your injuries could be serious - and you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. At Wolfson & Leon, our attorneys have over 60 years of experience fighting for accident victims. Call us at 239-777-9954 for a free consultation.

People go to restaurants like Applebee’s to relax, celebrate birthdays or milestones, or simply enjoy a meal with family and friends. They don’t expect to leave in pain. But with high foot traffic, tight dining areas, and fast-paced food service, restaurants can become dangerous when hazards aren’t addressed.

Applebee’s locations are popular for their casual atmosphere, late-night specials, and neighborhood-style meals. However, this constant activity means spills, crowding, and cleaning issues are common. Add in overworked staff or understaffed shifts, and the chance of injury increases. Some frequent causes of accidents include:

• Slippery or sticky floors from spilled food or drinks
• Worn-out or uneven flooring and rugs
• Poor lighting in walkways and parking areas
• Lack of regular maintenance and safety inspections
• Overcrowded seating or obstructed exits

Here are some Applebee’s locations in the greater Fort Myers and surrounding areas:

• Applebee’s – Fort Myers: 8043 Dani Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33966
• Applebee’s – Cape Coral: 2228 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33990
• Applebee’s – North Fort Myers: 15151 N. Cleveland Avenue, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

• Slips and falls on wet or greasy flooring or spilled food
• Trips and falls on loose mats, damaged flooring, or cluttered walkways
• Burn injuries from hot plates or beverages
• Parking lot injuries due to potholes, poor lighting, or uneven pavement
• Security-related incidents like altercations in the restaurant or parking lot

Accidents at Applebee's in Fort Myers can happen when the restaurant fails to maintain safe conditions for customers. Slips and falls, burns, or parking lot hazards are common causes of injury.

Injuries can range from minor to life-changing. Victims may suffer:

• Sprained or broken wrists, ankles, or hips
• Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Back and neck injuries, like spinal cord damage or herniated discs
• Deep cuts, bruising, or lacerations
• Burn injuries or permanent scarring
• Long-term mobility issues or disability

Restaurants like Applebee's are legally responsible for maintaining a safe premises for their patrons under Florida law. This is known as premises liability law. If the restaurant fails to correct a known hazard, or if they should have known about the danger, and a customer gets hurt as a result, the business can be held responsible.

To pursue a claim under Florida premises liability law, you’ll need to:

• Prove the restaurant was negligent: For example, they didn’t clean up a spill or failed to fix a known tripping hazard.
• Show that the hazard caused your injury: There must be a clear link between the dangerous condition and your accident.
• Document your injury and its impact: Medical records, lost wages, and expert evaluations can help prove the extent of your losses.

Under Florida's modified comparative negligence rule, you could still seek compensation if you were partially at fault—as long as you were under 50% responsible.

Depending on why the accident happened, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (including follow-up care and rehab)
• Lost income or future loss of earning ability
• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
• Permanent injury or disability

Premises liability claims aren’t always straightforward. National restaurant chains like Applebee’s have corporate insurance teams working to limit what they pay. It’s not uncommon for them to deny responsibility, delay claims, or offer low settlements.

A Fort Myers personal injury attorney helps you understand and defend your rights by:

• Investigating the cause of the accident
• Gathering evidence and witness testimony
• Communicating with insurance companies
• Negotiating a fair settlement—or going to court if necessary

At Wolfson & Leon, we've helped Florida injury victims since the 1960s. We can share possible options, guide you through the legal process, and fight to reach the best settlement possible.

Florida law allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit up to two years from the date of the accident.

It may be possible to seek compensation if you were less than 50% responsible until Florida's comparative negligence rules.

You must show that the restaurant owed you a duty of care, the level of care owed to you was breached because the restaurant failed to fix or inform you of a hazardous condition, and you suffered injury because of this breach of care.

Clear documentation, witness testimony, and prompt medical treatment help support your claim.

Yes. If your injuries kept you from working, your claim may include lost wages and diminished earning capacity.

It's highly recommended—especially if your injuries are serious or the restaurant denies responsibility. A slip-and-fall accident lawyer in Fort Myers can protect your rights, gather evidence, and handle negotiations with insurers who may try to avoid or minimize your claim.

If you were seriously hurt at an Applebee's, you may have a valid claim, and the legal team at Wolfson & Leon is here to help. Acting fast is key; you must get medical help, gather evidence, and speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Call Wolfson & Leon at 239-777-9954 for a free consultation. We serve our clients under a contingent fee arrangement, so there is no cost to you for our representation unless we reach a settlement.