Hotel stays are often highly anticipated, particularly for those planning a well-deserved vacation. However, sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and guests fall victim to severe injuries on the premises due to hazardous conditions. Nothing can spoil a much-needed break than getting unexpectedly hurt due to another’s negligence. Whether visiting a hotel for business or pleasure, you entrust your safety to the property owner. You reasonably expect them to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks of accidents. When the appropriate parties fail to maintain a safe environment, they can be held accountable for their negligence. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in a hotel, you should enlist the help of our adept New York City Hotel Accident Attorneys, who can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Please continue reading to learn how to protect your rights following a slip-and-fall accident in a hotel.
What Are Common Causes of Hotel Slip-and-Fall Accidents?
Unfortunately, hotels have several areas that can present risks for their guests. Slip-and-fall accidents can happen virtually anywhere on the hotel premises. It’s crucial to note that hotel premises, aside from private rooms, also account for shuttle services, the lobby, restaurants, fitness areas, parking lots, banquet rooms, and swimming pools. Under premises liability laws, if a guest is injured due to a dangerous property condition, the hotel can be held liable if the hazard was reasonably foreseeable and could have been prevented.
Spilled drinks, water from the pool, and inclement weather conditions can create unsafe surfaces. If parking lots, as well as sidewalks and stairwells, are inadequately lit or poorly maintained, there is an increased chance of a slip-and-fall accident. Uneven surfaces, such as worn carpeting and debris, can also pose a risk of trips and falls. Additionally, hotels are responsible for providing guests with sufficient warning of any hazardous conditions on the premises. Therefore, if there is a wet floor, they must display appropriate signage warning guests of the danger. If they fail to display the proper signage, they can be held liable for their breach of duty.
What Steps Should I Take After a Slip-and-Fall Injury in New York?
If you’ve been injured on hotel premises, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of your accident is vital. The first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. While you may think you can wait to see a doctor because your injuries are minor, receiving medical treatment as soon as possible is essential to ensure your well-being and mitigate your damages. From here, you should notify hotel management of your injuries and file a report. This will document the accident. If you are physically capable, you should try to gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. This includes capturing pictures of the dangerous property conditions and collecting contact information from any witnesses.
Nevertheless, the most crucial step following a slip and fall accident in a hotel is to consult an experienced attorney. At Swerling Law, we are prepared to help you investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to help prove your claim. Contact us today to learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need.
