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Dairy Queen (DQ) quick-service restaurants (QSR) have been part of the American fast-food landscape since the first store opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois. In addition to frozen treats like soft-serve ice cream and the Blizzard dessert, DQ serves lunch and dinner fare including burgers and sandwiches.
According to the company’s mission statement, Dairy Queen strives to “create positive memories for all who touch DQ.” In spite of efforts to make customers a top priority, lapses in maintenance or safety protocols can create a dangerous environment for diners.
If you slip and fall in one of DQ’s 210 Georgia locations, you could leave the store with:
- A wrist injury
- A sprained ankle
- Neck pain
- Broken bones
- Blood loss
- Bruised ribs
- A shoulder dislocation
- Back pain
- A head or spinal cord injury
These injuries can be financially and emotionally taxing, especially if you are unable to return to your normal line of work. Contact John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 to see if your case qualifies for financial compensation from DQ. You may be eligible for reimbursement to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional damage.
DQ Duty of Care
DQ, like all businesses, has a “duty of care” to ensure safe conditions for customers who enter the premises of their restaurants. If DQ or its employees neglect this duty, hazards inside or outside the restaurant could contribute to a slip and fall accident.
Potential hazards that might be found in a DQ store include:
- Ice cream and/or condiments dropped and not promptly cleaned up
- Freshly mopped floors with no accompanying safety sign alerting you to watch your step
- Standing water due to plumbing issues or a leaky roof
- Tripping hazards like cracks or potholes in the parking lot or sidewalk
- Dim lighting from burned-out light bulbs
- Napkins, cups, and other trash from overflowing garbage cans
- Chairs, dropped trays, or other objects blocking the walkway
Premises Liability
If you trip and fall due to one of these unaddressed hazards, DQ could be held liable in court for your injuries. This is called premises liability.
A valid premises liability claim must successfully demonstrate the following conditions:
- DQ or its employees knew there was a hazard on the property.
- Nothing was done to rectify the situation or warn customers about the potential danger.
- You did not notice the hazard before it caused your fall.
- You suffered injuries when you fell.
Once you file your premises liability claim, DQ may offer you money to settle out of court. If your case goes to court, a judge and jury will decide if and how much DQ has to pay you as compensation for your injuries.
What to Do When You Slip and Fall at DQ
Go to a nearby emergency room or make sure an ambulance is called if your injuries require immediate attention. Your health should be your number one priority.
If you can remain on the scene, there are important steps to take following your DQ slip and fall accident. The following will help you document the accident scene while evidence is fresh:
- Take photographs of your injuries — Take photographs of any visible injuries. Some injuries may not immediately appear, and others may only be seen through medical scans or X-rays; therefore, make sure you are checked out by your doctor.
- Look for security cameras — Many stores and restaurants have security cameras that run constantly. If you see any that may have recorded your fall, ask for a copy of the video.
- Gather witness statements — Other customers in the store may have seen your fall. Ask them to record or sign a written statement to document their observations. You may need to reach out to them while building your case, so be sure to also take down their names and contact information.
- Take pictures of the location where you fell — Take photos of the entire area around where you fell. If there are obvious hazards or other signs of negligence, take photos quickly before these conditions are rectified.
- Talk to the manager on duty — Report the hazard and your slip and fall accident. Ask for a copy of the incident report once it is drawn up. Do not sign anything offered by DQ until you or an attorney have had a chance to review it thoroughly.
Consider consulting with a slip and fall lawyer in the days following your DQ accident. If you choose to move forward with a lawsuit, your attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with DQ for the highest possible settlement, and ensure that you meet all legal requirements and deadlines.
Reach Out to John Foy & Associates
Georgia residents who were injured because of negligence at a DQ restaurant have an advocate at John Foy & Associates. Our slip and fall attorneys are ready to work for you. We charge no upfront fees. We get paid when we win your case, so there is no risk to you. Call the John Foy & Associates Strong Arm at (404) 400-4000 to set up your risk-free consultation.
