It seems as if this generation spends a lot less time in movie theaters and a lot more time on handheld devices. It’s as if there’s a different way to stream just about any television show or film. This means that there simply aren’t as many people going to the movies anymore.
This doesn’t mean that theaters are obsolete. People still like to spend a night out and going to the movies is as good a way as any. You get in line for your tickets and head to the concession stand. You order a soda and some popcorn with butter. What you don’t realize is that the person who ordered before you spilled their hot buttered popcorn all over the floor. They also spilled their soda.
The next thing you know, you slip on the greasy butter, fall and smash your head on the ground. The person behind you doesn’t realize what’s happened and steps on your head. You suffer a traumatic brain injury and are taken to the hospital. You learn that you’re going to need surgery and won’t be able to work again, at least not any time soon. What do you do? Can you sue a movie theater?
Well, for starters, you need to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Augusta, Georgia. At a minimum, you’re going to need to file a claim against the movie theater’s insurance policy. And, if this doesn’t work, you’ll have no choice but to file a personal injury lawsuit. Thankfully, your attorney can help you do this. They’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
Was the Movie Theater Negligent?
Whether or not you can sue a movie theater and recover damages depends on whether or not your lawyer can prove negligence. In order to do this, they have to show the following:
- The movie theater owed you a duty of care
- They breached this duty
- You were hurt
- Your injuries were caused by the defendant’s breach
Generally speaking, it won’t be hard to show that the movie theater owed you a duty of care. Obviously, they owe all of their guests a minimum duty of keeping them safe. If they allow a dangerous condition to remain on their property, they can be held liable for any damages that ensue. For example, in the case described above, the movie theater should have cleaned up the spilled popcorn and soda. However, they will argue that they didn’t have time to do this. Since it happened only a moment or two before you fell, they’ll claim that they couldn’t have been expected to clean it up.
While this makes sense – legally, it doesn’t make sense from a settlement perspective. The movie theater will know that there’s a good chance a jury will be sympathetic to your plight. The last thing they want to do is have a jury decide that they want to make an example of them. More than likely, they’ll be just as eager to settle your case as you are. They’ll likely be held liable for any medical bills, lost wages and pain that you experienced.
Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away
Once you’ve fallen in a movie theater and go to the hospital, the next thing you need to do is call our office. You should talk with a skilled injury lawyer in Augusta right away. The longer you wait, the harder you’ll make it on yourself. Your attorney is going to need to prepare your case. And, it’s better if they help you file your insurance claim rather than you doing it on your own.
The insurance company is going to take you more seriously if you have a lawyer. This may seem unfair, but it’s the truth. If you want to be treated fairly, your best bet is to retain a personal injury law firm right from the start. This way, you have a good chance of getting your insurance claim paid. And, if your claim is denied, your attorney can file suit to sue the movie theater on your behalf. Call today and schedule your free initial consultation. It costs you absolutely nothing but can make all the difference in how your case is resolved.
You can sit down with an experienced attorney who knows what questions to ask. They can also answer any questions you might have. Even more importantly, they’ll let you know what your case may be worth. And, since you pay nothing until you settle your case, you have nothing to lose.
