Safety on an Evening Out: Premises Liability Involving Bars and Lounges

The people of San Diego have a lot to be thankful for. There's great weather, ample outdoor space and urban fare to enjoy, and a high quality of life. It's one of the finest places in Southern California, though it's not without its issues. Sometimes these issues involve serious harm that occurs die to negligence. In those cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the ideal option.

Injuries and accidents can occur when you least expect them. With that in mind, let's consider premises liability legal issues and how they pertain to bars, clubs, and lounges.

Bars and Clubs Should Protect Patrons

When people go to a bar, club, or lounge or any kind, thee are certain expectations in mind when it comes to safety. At the most basic level, patrons of said establishment should expect to be safe and free from harm, whether they're hanging out in the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego, a tourist spot in Old Town, or one of the many bars and clubs in North Park.

Even though this is the least one can expect, you'd be surprised just how many people can experience harm and injury at a bar because the owners of the establishment do not consider the safety of patrons.

Food Safety and Other Simple Precautions

First and foremost, the bar or lounge needs to abide by all food safety laws in accordance with the state of California. These simple food safety laws will help prevent food poisoning and food borne illnesses by keeping the business sanitary. Even if the bar or club does not have a kitchen, food safety must be made a priority.

Bouncers and Age/ID Checks

Even before someone enters a bar, there are things that people can do to ensure safety. A bouncer or someone hired to check IDs at the entrance to the bar or lounge can help go a long way toward keeping underage drinkers out. This first line of security can also help keep rowdy people or potential sources of trouble out of the bar.

Preventing Fights and Altercations

In addition to making sure the right people are kept out, having some sort of bouncer or security person on-site will help prevent fights or physical altercations from breaking out. If an issue does occur, security can escort the offending parties outside so they cannot do harm to others. A lack of security means the lack of safety, especially at very large and popular venues in the city.

Maintaining a Safe Property Overall

The drinks may be safe and the people may be just there to have a good time, but if the property itself is dangerous, accidents can happen. By this we mean issues with wet floors, loose and dangling light fixtures, exposed wiring, broken floor tiles or floorboards, and ruts in carpeting. These are all potential causes of injuries, and they should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent patrons from being injured.

Have Fun, Stay Safe, But Know We're Here to Help

Whether you're going out on a weeknight or a weekend, we want you to have fun wherever you wind up. Yet be sure to stay safe as well. Don't drink and drive, stay out of trouble, and be sure to go to bars and clubs that are reputable and safe. If you should experience a serious injury, you can count on our legal team to help you with the process of filing a lawsuit.

Learn More About Your Legal Rights and Options

For more information about your legal options following a serious injury sustained at a bar, club, or lounge, be sure to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer today. The team at the Olsen Law Offices will work with you to help ensure that justice is served.