Vacation is supposed to be a fun time for friends and family. The thought of having an accident or getting injured is something we all worry about before taking a trip, so we take all the necessary precautions to ensure we remain safe while traveling. What we don't normally think about is our personal safety at hotels and resorts. Surprisingly enough, many vacationers are injured before they even have a chance to leave their hotel. Hotel accidents are common causes for personal injuries while traveling, but they can be avoided with the right knowledge. Continue reading to learn the most common hotel accidents and what to do if you are seriously injured at a hotel or vacation resort.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip, trip, and fall accidents are among the most common personal injury claims in the hospitality industry. In fact, they are also one of the most common accidents at airports. There are various causes for slip and fall accidents at hotels, including wet floors, uneven pavement, defective stair rails, ripped carpeting, warped floorboards, obstructions like cords and wire, poor lighting, and much more. Injuries that result from such accidents usually include orthopedic injuries, muscle injuries, and head injuries. Hotels have a duty of care to ensure their premises is safe for guests and employees, which includes staying on top of floor cleaning, maintenance, and safety.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pools are a major liability for a hotel or resort since so many things can go wrong involving guests. Swimming pools are prime targets for accidents, including head injuries, slipping and falling, drowning, and more. It is important to supervise children at all times, and to take heightened precaution when navigating around pool decks. Hotels have a duty of care to ensure their pools are safe and up to code. Pool decks should be textured to prevent slips, pool stairs should be properly lit and marked, liability and lifeguard signs should be in clear view, the water should be properly treated on a routine basis, filters should be changed, the area should be well lit, and so forth.
Defective Furniture
Although it is not something that would be obvious to the average person, defective furniture is a common problem at hotels. Often times, hotels will attempt to cut costs by repairing broken furniture themselves, rather than replacing it with new furniture. Sloppy and inexperienced handy work renders furniture unstable, therefore, unsafe. If a guest is using a piece of furniture, such as a chair, and it has been poorly repaired or assembled by the hotel staff, it can break and cause injuries to the guest. This is especially dangerous for toddlers, young children, and the elderly.
Premise Liability
As mentioned, hotels have a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe for everyone. Failing to do so reasonably can result in a premise liability lawsuit. They are obligated to maintain a safe environment, and prevent accidents wherever hazards may appear. Any accident that was reasonably foreseeable and easily preventable could be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit if a person was seriously injured as a result. Hotel property includes the interior and exterior of the hotel grounds, including the parking lot, parking garage, shuttle bus, and more.
What To Do After Being Injured at a Hotel or Resort
If you are injured at a hotel as a result of the hotel's negligence to maintain a safe premises, you need to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. They can determine if you have a valid case, and discuss your rights to compensation. You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. Just be sure to contact a lawyer soon, before the statutes of limitations runs out on you!
Source by Sarahbeth Kluzinski
