Hotel Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries

Whether you are traveling for business or taking a break from the cold weather in the next couple of months, many of us will be staying in hotels while we are away from home. National hotel chains devote tremendous resources to ensuring that their rooms and surrounding facilities are clean and safe for their guests, but accidents still happen despite their efforts. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are avoidable and are the result of negligence. If you have been injured while staying at a hotel, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options. 

Common Hazards That Can Lead to Hotel Accidents and Injuries

As soon as you step onto the property, the hotel owes you a duty to ensure that the premises are safe. This means that management must routinely inspect the premises for hazards, promptly address any potential hazards, and warn guests of potential accidents and injuries. Here are some of the most common hazards that result in hotel accidents:

• Falling hazards. This includes anything that could cause a guest to trip, slip, or fall. Wet floors, torn carpeting, broken concrete, or loose handrails are common falling hazards that frequently result in injuries. Slip and fall accidents can easily result in concussions, broken bones, facial injuries, and dental injuries. 
• Swimming pools and spas. The hotel may not be required to have lifeguards on duty, but they still have an obligation to ensure that these areas are properly maintained. This can include posting the appropriate warnings and enforcing pool rules that are focused on keeping guests safe. Hotels should also make sure that there is life-saving equipment on hand and accessible in the event of an emergency. 
• Fitness facilities and equipment. Cable machines, treadmills, and elliptical machines are complex pieces of equipment. Hotels should routinely inspect any fitness equipment for use by guests to ensure that they are safe and in good working order. Any malfunctioning equipment should be promptly repaired, blocked off, or removed from use. Guests can be seriously injured when mechanical failures occur.  
• Negligent security. Hotels also have a responsibility to protect their guests from assault, theft, or other criminal activity. They should be secure with only one entrance where hotel staff can see people entering the building. Doors and windows should have functioning and secure locks. Parking lots, garages, and other areas should have adequate security lighting. 
• Broken furniture. Hotel furniture is subjected to a great deal of wear and tear. Worn or broken chairs, beds, tables, and other furniture can unexpectedly collapse or otherwise cause sudden injuries. Hotels should routinely inspect the furniture in their rooms and common areas to make sure that it is safe for use. 

Whatever the cause or however it happened, you may be entitled to compensation if you were injured while on hotel property. A personal injury lawyer who has handled hotel accident cases can review your case and determine whether you may have a claim. 

What to Do if You Are Injured at a Hotel

The moments following your accident can be critical to the success of your claim if you have been injured while staying at a hotel. Here are some steps you can take to protect your rights: 

• Inform the hotel staff. You should inform the hotel manager as soon as possible following your accident. You need to make sure that they are aware that it happened. Make sure you get their name and direct contact information. Ask them to provide you with a copy of the accident report. 
• Gather whatever evidence you can. The camera on your smartphone can be invaluable when it comes to documenting your case. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, for example, take pictures of what caused your fall. You can also use your camera to take pictures of your injuries. 
• Identify potential witnesses. If anyone saw your accident, ask them for their contact information. You may need them to provide an independent account of what happened. 
• Seek immediate medical treatment. Even if you don’t need an ambulance, you should seek treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. One reason is that getting treatment will result in documentation of your injuries. Another reason is that delaying treatment can give rise to the argument that you were not as injured as you are now claiming. 

Injured at a Hotel? Contact Personal Injury Lawyer Thomas E. Pyles  

If you have been injured, we can help you get fair compensation for your injuries and other losses. Contact The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles at 301-705-5006 to schedule a free consultation.