What Happens If I Get Hurt at a Hotel During the Holidays?
Many people will be traveling this holiday season. Whether you are going home to visit family or you are taking a family vacation during the holiday season, you expect to have a great time, especially if you are staying at a resort, hotel, bed & breakfast, or inn. It is great to stay at a hotel or resort because you do not need to worry about the cooking or the cleaning — you can just sit back and relax during the holidays.
However, if the owner does not maintain the property, accidents can happen. Accidents at hotels can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, sprains, lacerations, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. If you are injured in a hotel while traveling during the Christmas holidays, it is important that you know what to do to protect your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
What Causes Hotel Slip and Fall Accidents?
Most falls at hotels are caused by a lack of proper maintenance. In fact, many of the accidents in hotels are preventable if the owner simply took time to maintain the property and correct issues as they arise. A property owner has a duty to keep the property free from hazards and dangerous conditions that can cause falls or other injuries. This includes guest rooms and all public areas, such as banquet rooms, meeting rooms, swimming pools, restaurants, and other recreational areas.
Examples of steps that hotels and resorts should take to prevent accidents include:
- Maintain adequate lighting inside and outside of the buildings
- Repair defects and damages to furniture, floors, and bathrooms
- Keep floors and steps dry and free of debris or clutter
- Provide routine maintenance and repairs to the elevators
- Provide adequate training for hotel staff in maintaining the property and preventing accidents
- Exercise reasonable care when hiring employees
- Maintain locks on all guest room doors
- Provide adequate security to avoid theft and assaults
When the hotel does not take reasonable and adequate steps to provide safe premises for guests, the hotel’s owner can be held liable for any injuries that result from the hazardous or dangerous conditions. A hotel guest that is injured in a hotel slip and fall or other hotel accident might receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other damages.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured at a Hotel?
If you are injured in a hotel slip and fall accident while traveling during the holidays, it is important that you report the accident to the hotel manager immediately. For serious injuries, request emergency medical services. If you do not go to the hospital, you need to be seen by a physician as soon as possible to document your injuries.
If possible, take pictures of the area to show the condition of the property at the time of your fall. You should also get the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses.
We encourage you to contact our office for a free consultation with a Fresno hotel slip and fall attorney. The attorneys of Torem & Associates can help you obtain the evidence you need to prove that the hotel is responsible for your damages. We will deal with insurance adjusters and insurance attorneys for you.
Call (888) 500-5000to schedule your free consultation with a Fresno personal injury lawyer.
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