Injured at a Restaurant or Bar? You May Be Entitled to Compensation.
Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for patrons. From slip and fall hazards to violent altercations, Texas law holds business owners accountable when their negligence leads to preventable harm.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent individuals in Texas who have suffered serious injuries at dining or drinking establishments. Whether you were hurt in a fall, attacked due to negligent security, or burned by hot food or drinks, we are here to help you pursue justice.
When Is a Restaurant or Bar Liable for an Injury?
Under Texas premises liability law, restaurants and bars may be held responsible if:
- They failed to maintain safe premises
- They ignored prior safety complaints or known dangers
- They did not respond appropriately to fights, threats, or criminal behavior
- They served food or drinks in an unreasonably dangerous condition
- They overserved alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who later caused harm
You may have a claim for compensation if the injury was foreseeable and preventable under reasonable safety practices.
Common Types of Restaurant and Bar Injuries
| Type of Injury | Common Causes |
| Slip and fall injuries | Negligent driving, lack of lighting, or surveillance |
| Assault injuries | Wet floors, greasy tiles, spilled drinks, and poor lighting |
| Burn injuries | Scalding coffee, hot plates, flaming dishes |
| Food-related injuries | Fights due to a lack of trained security or bouncer misconduct |
| Trip and fall accidents | Contamination, allergic reactions, and foreign objects |
| Parking lot or valet incidents | Negligent driving, lack of lighting or surveillance |
| Alcohol-related harm | Intoxicated patrons causing fights or DUI crashes |
Our team evaluates every angle of the incident—including staff conduct, maintenance logs, and security footage—to identify all liable parties.
Dram Shop Liability: Overserving Alcohol
Texas’s Dram Shop Act (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) allows injured parties to sue bars or restaurants that:
- Knowingly overserved a visibly intoxicated person
- Served alcohol to a minor under 18
- Contributed to injuries or death caused by the intoxicated person
These cases often arise after fights, falls, or drunk driving accidents that could have been avoided with responsible alcohol service.
Third-Party and Negligent Security Claims
In addition to premises liability, we also pursue third-party and negligent security claims, especially when injuries occur due to:
- Inadequate bouncer training or violent staff behavior
- Failure to remove aggressive or threatening patrons
- Lack of cameras, lighting, or trained personnel
- Fights or attacks that were foreseeable and preventable
You may be entitled to significant compensation if the bar or restaurant failed to implement basic safety protocols in a high-risk environment.
What to Do If You’re Injured at a Restaurant or Bar
- Report the incident to a manager immediately.
- Request a written incident report and retain a copy.
- Take photographs of the scene, injuries, and any hazardous conditions.
- Get the names of witnesses or employees present.
- Seek medical treatment and follow through on all care.
- Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance representatives.
Businesses move quickly to limit liability—so should you.
Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death (for family members of fatal victims)
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
We build every case to reflect the full scope of physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Why Choose Williford Law?
At Williford Law, PLLC, we don’t let restaurants, nightclubs, or insurance companies shift the blame. We act fast, gather evidence, and build strong legal claims from day one.
We offer:
- Strategic litigation against bars, chains, and venue owners
- Coordination with expert witnesses (security, food safety, etc.)
- Clear, responsive communication
- No fees unless we win
