Did Your Hotel Stay Lead to an Injury?
You’d been looking forward to your vacation for as long as you can remember, never imagining that visiting the place of your dreams would result in a serious injury due to unsafe conditions at your hotel? Now, not only is your vacation ruined, but you are also in for a long and painful recovery. And that’s not going to be cheap. Now, more than ever, the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney can help with the financial mess you may be facing.
When Conditions are Unsafe
There are a lot of moving parts in the hospitality industry, and the need for many individuals working together to ensure a safe and pleasant stay. Nonetheless, there are common issues that can lead to guest injuries.
- Slips and/or falls: One of the most common problems in public spaces that result in injury to the public is unsafe walkways. Loose carpeting, unsecured throw rugs, uneven surfaces, wet floors, and areas and can all be hazardous. These issues may exist in hallways, stairwells, dining areas, lobbies, landings, and more. It is the hotel’s obligation to make sure the property is both well-lit and properly maintained in order to minimize the potential for falls.
- Fires: When hotels fail to create and practice effective fire safety protocols, it can be very dangerous to everyone present. Ignoring fire safety regulations or failing to train employees how to respond to an emergency is dangerous. Neglecting to maintain fire alarms and extinguishers can be another serious problem. It is the responsibility of the hotel to ensure fire exits are clear and equipment is in working order and to conduct regular drills with staff.
- Guest Communication: Guests who have no information about the location of fire exits, rules at a swimming pool, and other safety measures may not know what to do in certain situations. Having brochures, clear signage, and other forms of communication can help to protect guests in the case of an emergency.
- Defective equipment: When equipment like elevators, heating and cooling systems, and appliances are not well maintained, it can result in danger to guests. Hotels that fail to adhere to comprehensive maintenance schedules may experience equipment failures and/or malfunctions that are hazardous for guests.
When a Lawsuit May be Your Best Move
If you suffered an injury during a hotel stay, you may be wondering whether or not the hotel is liable for the costs associated with the experience. Essentially, Florida law requires a plaintiff in a personal injury case to prove negligence on the part of the defendant. That means you will have to demonstrate four things:
- The hotel had a duty to provide a safe environment for you;
- That duty was breached by the hotel;
- You experienced injuries;
- The hotel’s actions or lack thereof were the proximate cause of your injuries.
In Florida, the degree, if any, to which you were responsible for the injuries proportionately diminishes the value of any award the court may assign.
Fighting for You
The experienced, passionate Kissimmee and Orlando personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group know that you may be overwhelmed at the thought of taking on a legal action on top of trying to recover from your injuries. But you can leave all the work to us—you just focus on getting better, and we’ll work to get compensation to address medical bills, lost wages, and more. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation today.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
