Wendy’s Injury Lawyer: Injured at a Wendy’s in Nevada?

Wendy’s is one of the most recognized fast food chains in America, with over 7,000 locations worldwide. Dave Thomas founded Wendy’s in Columbus, Ohio in 1969, and the company has grown into a global corporation with a significant presence in Nevada. With 48 Wendy’s restaurants operating throughout the state—including locations in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, Sparks, Elko, and Carson City—thousands of Nevadans visit these establishments every day.

When you walk into a Wendy’s for a burger or Frosty, you expect a safe environment. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Wet floors, poorly maintained parking lots, contaminated food, and other hazardous conditions can lead to serious injuries. If you were hurt at a Wendy’s in Nevada due to the restaurant’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The premises liability laws of Nevada require property owners and operators to maintain safe conditions for their guests. When Wendy’s or its franchise operators fail to meet this duty, they can be held liable for injuries that occur on their property. Richard Harris Law Firm has been helping injured Nevadans since 1980, and we understand how to navigate claims against large corporations and franchise operations.

Common Injuries at Wendy’s Restaurants

Fast food restaurants like Wendy’s see a constant flow of customers, which creates numerous opportunities for accidents. The combination of food preparation, high foot traffic, and time pressure can lead to hazardous conditions that put guests at risk. Our attorneys have handled various types of restaurant injury claims and understand the evidence needed to prove negligence.

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents: These are among the most common injuries at Wendy’s. Spilled drinks, greasy floors near the kitchen, freshly mopped surfaces without warning signs, and wet conditions from rain tracked in by customers can all create dangerous situations. Loose floor mats, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways also contribute to fall injuries. These accidents can result in broken bones, sprains, and even traumatic brain injuries if a person hits their head.
• Food poisoning: When food is not prepared, stored, or handled correctly, contaminated products can cause serious illness. Food poisoning is particularly dangerous for young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe illness requiring hospitalization.
• Burns and scalds: Hot beverages, freshly cooked food, and heated surfaces can cause painful burn injuries. While some burns heal quickly, severe burns may require extensive medical treatment and can result in permanent scarring.
• Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, sharp edges on furniture or fixtures, and improperly maintained equipment can cause cuts that range from minor to severe. Deep lacerations may require stitches and can become infected if not properly treated.
• Inadequate lighting injuries: Poorly lit parking lots, hallways, and restrooms create conditions where guests cannot see hazards. Wendy’s has a duty to maintain adequate lighting throughout their premises, and failure to do so can make them liable for resulting injuries.

How Wendy’s Franchise Liability Works

One factor that makes Wendy’s injury claims more complex than typical premises liability cases is the franchise business model. The vast majority of Wendy’s restaurants—approximately 94%—are owned and operated by independent franchisees rather than Wendy’s corporate. This structure raises important questions about who is responsible when an injury occurs.

In many cases, the franchise owner who operates the specific location where you were injured bears primary responsibility for maintaining safe conditions. However, Wendy’s corporate sets standards for operations, training, and safety protocols that franchisees must follow. If your injury resulted from a failure to follow corporate standards, or if corporate-mandated policies contributed to unsafe conditions, Wendy’s corporate may share liability.

Under Nevada law, employers can be held responsible for the negligent acts of their employees through a doctrine called respondeat superior. This means that whether you’re dealing with a franchise owner or corporate entity, the business can be liable for injuries caused by employee negligence—such as a worker failing to clean up a spill or ignoring a known hazard.

Determining the right parties to include in your claim requires careful investigation. An experienced attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties and build a case that maximizes your chances of full compensation.

What to Do After a Wendy’s Injury in Nevada

The steps you take immediately after an injury at Wendy’s can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Get medical attention: Your health comes first. If your injury is serious, call 911. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records also serve as crucial evidence connecting your injuries to the accident.
2. Report the accident to management: Ask to speak with a manager and report exactly what happened. Request that they create an incident report and ask for a copy. This documentation proves the injury occurred on Wendy’s property and creates an official record of the event.
3. Document the scene: If you’re able, use your phone to take photos and videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injury, the surrounding area, and your visible injuries. Capture the scene before anyone cleans it up or fixes the problem.
4. Collect witness information: If anyone saw what happened, get their names and contact information. Witness statements can play a major role in proving your case.
5. Keep all records and receipts: Save everything related to your injury—medical bills, pharmacy receipts, documentation of missed work, and any other expenses. Also keep your receipt from Wendy’s if you have it, as it proves you were at the location.
6. Avoid giving recorded statements: The restaurant’s insurance company may contact you quickly. Be cautious about providing recorded statements before speaking with an attorney, as insurers often try to minimize claims.
7. Contact an attorney: An experienced slip and fall lawyer can evaluate your case, preserve evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.

Compensation You May Recover After a Wendy’s Injury

If Wendy’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to recover damages for your losses. The severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life will determine the value of your claim. Common types of compensation in premises liability cases include:

• Medical expenses: This covers all costs related to treating your injury, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, doctor appointments, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care you may need.
• Lost wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the income you lost during your recovery. For serious injuries that affect your ability to work long-term, you may also recover damages for reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury have value beyond your economic losses. Nevada law allows injury victims to recover compensation for the overall impact the accident has had on their quality of life.
• Disability-related costs: Severe injuries may require modifications to your home, ongoing nursing care, or assistive devices. These costs can be included in your claim.

Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your accident, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50%. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Hurt at a Wendy’s in Nevada? Our Firm Can Help

If you were injured at a Wendy’s restaurant in Nevada, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. Richard Harris Law Firm has been fighting for injured Nevadans since 1980, recovering billions of dollars for our clients. We understand how to build strong cases against large corporations and their insurance companies.

You have a limited time to take legal action after an injury. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Our team is available around the clock to answer your questions and evaluate your case at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions