Hotels all across the United States accommodate business travelers and tourists visiting different parts of the country. Even though most hotel stays are uneventful, every year thousands of people are injured in hotel accidents. When someone is hurt because of another person’s mistake or negligence, they may have a right to be compensated for their injuries. Hotel accidents are a type of premises liability issue. These can be difficult claims to get paid for. If you have been injured in a hotel accident, you need the help of a tough personal injury lawyer.
Types of Hotel Accidents
The companies that run and operate hotels have a special duty to their guests and others who use their facilities. Guests and their property should be safe from harm. However, sometimes because of the negligence of an employee or the actions of a third-party, guests do get hurt. Here are some of the most common types of hotel accidents:
- Slips and falls due to a wet floor
- Elevator accidents
- Escalator accidents
- Assault or Robbery
- Trip due blocked hallway or pathway
- Gym accidents
- Stairway accident
- Swimming pool accident
Poorly maintained equipment, poorly trained hotel staff, overburdened hotel staff, lack of adequate security, or a simple mistake cause many hotel accidents. Not every hotel accident will result in a successful injury claim. However you should not have to bear the cost of someone else’s mistake.
Types of Hotel Accident Injuries
Because hotels often have a variety of facilities and equipment, there are many different causes of hotel accidents. Some injuries are relatively minor and do not warrant any type of claim. However, some accidents result in serious and even catastrophic injuries. Common types of injuries in hotel accidents include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic head injuries or concussions
- Pulled, strained, or sprained muscles
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Drowning
- Bruises and lacerations
- Fractured bones
- Crush injuries from falling equipment or decor
- Mental and emotional injuries such as PTSD
- Facial scarring or fractures
- Severe eye injuries
Because in many ways a hotel is like a temporary apartment, the owners of hotels often owe their overnight guests a special duty of care. This includes helping hotel guests get appropriate medical treatment. Some hotels even have limited medical staff on hand. If you have been injured in a hotel accident you need to get appropriate medical treatment. This may include emergency care in an ambulance or an emergency room. Even for less serious injuries, you should still seek medical evaluation.
It is difficult to know the severity of an injury until you have had a doctor examine you. If you have an injury that does not require emergency care, you should still seek an evaluation in within approximately 48 hours after the injury. This will help make sure that you get the treatment you need it right away and that you’re not suffering from any hidden conditions of which you’re not aware.
If you later have to make a claim for injuries from the hotel accident, having history of seeking treatment may help you get the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Successful Injury Claim
Personal injury law can be incredibly complicated. In premises liability cases like hotel accidents, the injured person making the claim has the burden of proof and showing they deserve compensation. This means showing that the owners of the hotel owed you a duty, and that they failed to keep that duty. You must also show that the failure caused your injury and that you suffered damages.
Most hotels carry premises liability insurance. This means that when you are making an injury claim your will be dealing with insurance adjustors. These insurance adjustors have years of experience in dealing with claims just like yours. Their job is to pay out as little as possible.
Making a successful claim in a hotel accidents involves not only showing that the hotel’s negligence caused your injury, but also showing how deeply the injury affected you.
One tactic insurance companies often use to avoid paying out compensation Is to try and show the injuries wouldn’t have been as bad if the victim had done a better job following the doctor’s advice about treatment and rehab.
Common Challenges
In personal injury cases involving hotel accidents there are several common challenges. One challenge is demonstrating that the hotel knew or should have known about the condition that caused the accident. Another, challenge is demonstrating that you did not contribute to the accident.
Because most accidents occur far away from home, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with a claim in another state or city. This often requires being able to find a lawyer in a place where you do not have a network of people to refer you to a good personal injury lawyer.
Don’t try and deal with a hotel accident claim all by yourself. No matter where the accident happened we can help you find a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney to handle your hotel accident claim. Make sure you know your rights.
