Fast food restaurants are some of the busiest businesses in Texas, serving thousands of customers every day. While these businesses are designed for convenience and speed, they still have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for customers both inside the restaurant and in adjacent areas like parking lots or drive-thru lanes.
Unfortunately, injuries at fast food locations happen more often than people realize — and not just from slip-and-falls. In some cases, customers are injured due to violent crime, unsafe property conditions, or negligent employees. When that happens, Texas law may allow victims to hold the restaurant legally responsible through a premises liability claim.
The Legal Duty of Fast Food Restaurants in Texas
Under Texas premises liability law, fast food restaurants owe their customers — legally known as “invitees” — the highest duty of care. This means restaurant owners and operators must:
- Regularly inspect the property for hazards
- Promptly repair dangerous conditions
- Warn customers about any known dangers
- Take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal activity
Failing to meet these obligations can result in liability if a customer is injured.
Common Types of Injuries at Fast Food Restaurants
Fast food restaurants can give rise to a wide range of injury claims, including:
Slip and Fall Accidents
- Wet floors from cleaning or spills
- Uneven flooring or damaged sidewalks
- Slippery entrances during rain
Parking Lot Injuries
- Poor lighting leading to assaults or attacks
- Trip hazards from broken pavement
- Vehicle-pedestrian accidents in poorly designed drive-thru areas
Assaults or Robberies
- Attacks in or near the restaurant due to negligent security
- Robberies during late-night hours without adequate protection
- Fights breaking out on the premises
Drive-Thru and Vehicle Accidents
- Poor visibility causing collisions
- Unsafe traffic flow or lack of barriers between pedestrians and cars
Negligent Security at Fast Food Locations
Many fast food restaurants operate late at night or 24 hours a day. Locations in high-crime areas should anticipate the risk of criminal activity and provide reasonable security measures, including:
- Adequate lighting in parking lots
- Security cameras in and around the building
- Trained staff prepared to handle emergencies
- Doors and locks in good working condition
- Hiring security personnel when necessary
When restaurants fail to take these steps — especially if crimes have occurred in the area before — they may be held liable for injuries or wrongful death.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
If you’ve been injured due to a dangerous condition or crime at a fast food restaurant, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
What To Do If You Are Injured at a Fast Food Restaurant
If you’ve been hurt, take these steps to protect your legal rights:
- Report the injury to the manager immediately.
- Request that an incident report be created.
- Take photos of the hazardous condition or location.
- Obtain contact information for any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention promptly.
- Contact a Texas premises liability attorney.
Spagnoletti Law Firm Represents Injury Victims Across Texas
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our Houston injury lawyers have experience handling premises liability and negligent security claims — including injuries at fast food restaurants.
These businesses are required to provide safe conditions for customers. If they fail to meet that responsibility, we will fight to hold them accountable and recover full compensation for your injuries.
📞 Call us today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we win your case.
We are ready to help you protect your rights and seek justice after an injury in a fast food restaurant.