We typically visit hotels when we’re going somewhere exciting and new, like a vacation or a business trip. They’re a little getaway from our lives, where we can sit back and relax after a long day. For some, a hotel may be quite the opposite. If your hotel fails to take caution for your health and well being, you may end up becoming injured when you should instead be focusing on having a good time.
If you have become injured while staying at a hotel, you need to know what to do next. Find out what to do if you have been the victim of hotel negligence.
How can I become injured at a hotel?
There’s no shortage of ways you could become injured at a hotel. This can include:
- Falling due to ripped floors or carpeting
- Bites from bedbugs
- Slipping on water or other spills
- Falling on snow or ice
- Experiencing an injury due to damaged/broken furniture
- Injuries from broken exercise equipment
- Burns from improperly heated water
Hotels have a duty of care for their visitors, meaning they are required to keep remove or warn of harmful or dangerous conditions on their property.
That being said, they must have had reasonable notice that there was a hazard. If there was a spill that was only there for five minutes, it may be unreasonable to think they could have found it in that time. If they are aware of the threat and make no effort to correct it, though, they are completely liable for any injuries that occur.
What should if I am injured?
As soon as your injury happens, you should contact hotel management and document your injuries. They will fill out an accident report that tracks what happened before, during and after the accident. This will be vital if you choose to pursue legal action, as it will paint a picture of what happened when the injury occurred.
After you fill out the report, check the area for any surveillance cameras. If so, you may be able to subpoena footage for your case that proves the hotel was at fault. If there were any witnesses to your accident, get their contact information. They may be able to help confirm the circumstances surrounding your accident if footage is unavailable.
It’s also important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If you choose to pursue legal action, failing to see a doctor can make it harder to prove that your injuries were the result of that specific accident. During an accident, you may also be in shock and unable to feel the full extent of your injuries. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this case.
After you’ve received proper treatment and documented your accident, contact a personal injury lawyer to assist you with filing for your case. If you have been the victim of a hotel injury, you deserve to get support and assistance as you recover. A personal injury attorney will be able to guide you through the legal process and help you along the way so you get the most out of your personal injury case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if you get hurt at a hotel?
If you’re injured at a hotel, your first step should always be to seek medical attention. Report the incident to hotel management as soon as possible, and make sure it is documented in writing. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and gather contact information for any witnesses. Keeping records of medical bills and communications will also strengthen your case if you decide to pursue compensation.
What should be the hotel’s immediate response to the injured guest?
A hotel has a duty to act quickly when a guest is hurt. Staff should call for medical assistance if needed, document the incident in an official report, and take steps to prevent similar accidents from happening again. If the hotel fails to take your injury seriously, this can be a sign of negligence.
Do hotels owe a duty of care to guests?
Yes. Hotels are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment for their guests. This includes keeping hallways, stairwells, lobbies, and guest rooms free from hazards. If a hotel fails to uphold this duty and you are injured as a result, you may have grounds to hold them liable.
What is the Innkeepers Law?
Innkeepers Law is a legal principle that outlines a hotel’s responsibilities to protect its guests and their belongings. It establishes the hotel’s liability for certain types of harm or negligence. While this law varies by state, it generally reinforces a hotel’s duty to provide a safe environment for guests.
How to get compensation from a hotel?
Compensation typically depends on proving that the hotel was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injury. Damages may cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because every case is unique, it’s best to review your situation with an attorney who can help you determine the value of your claim. Call Tolbert Beadle today to discuss your options.
How to prove hotel negligence?
Proving negligence requires showing that:
- The hotel owed you a duty of care
- They failed to meet that duty (for example, failing to clean up a spill or repair a broken railing).
- That failure caused your injury.
This often requires evidence such as photos, incident reports, medical records, or witness testimony. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, reach out to Tolbert Beadle for a free case evaluation.
Can I sue a hotel if I get hurt?
Yes, you can sue if the hotel’s negligence led to your injury. However, not all accidents automatically result in liability. For example, if you tripped due to your own inattention rather than a dangerous condition, the hotel may not be responsible. Since this can be a gray area, call Tolbert Beadle to find out if your case qualifies.
In which situation would a hotel not be liable for an injury?
Hotels are generally not liable if the injury was caused by a guest’s own negligence or by circumstances outside the hotel’s control. For example, if you were injured while misusing equipment in the fitness center, the hotel may not be held responsible. Each case depends on specific facts, so it’s important to have a lawyer review the details. Contact Tolbert Beadle for guidance.
What are my rights as a hotel guest?
You have the right to expect a reasonably safe environment during your stay. This includes properly maintained rooms, secure premises, and hazard-free common areas. If the hotel fails in its duty of care and you are injured, you have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
What must be shown to prove negligence?
To prove negligence in a hotel injury case, you must show:
- Duty: The hotel had a responsibility to keep you safe.
- Breach: The hotel failed in that responsibility.
- Causation: The failure directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses or lost income.
In Summary
Have you been injured due to the carelessness of a hotel owner?
Contact Tolbert Beadle. We can help you get the compensation you deserve after you’re the victim of hotel negligence.
Tolbert Beadle LLC is Missouri’s leading law firm with three locations in Springfield, Jefferson City, and Columbia. Tolbert Beadle proudly serves families throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
