If you are staying in a hotel, you are probably expecting a night of rest and relaxation. However, accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. If you are involved in an accident and get injured in a hotel, you may wonder what your legal options are and how liability will work in a personal injury case. It is important that you understand premises liability and how it applies to hotels if you are involved in an accident. Keep reading and speak with an experienced Monmouth County premises liability lawyer for more information and skilled representation today.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions or negligence. While this concept applies to homeowners, it also requires that businesses, like hotels, provide a reasonably safe environment for guests and visitors.
Hotels have a duty to inspect and maintain the premises to ensure that hazards are identified and fixed before harm can fall on any customers. If the hotel’s owner or workers fail to uphold this expectation, they can be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur as a result.
What Happens if I’m Injured in a Hotel?
If you are injured in a hotel, you may have several legal options available to you, depending on the details of the situation. The first thing you should do, however, is report the incident to the hotel’s management. This ensures that a record of your accident is created, which can be important later on.
You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, issues can be hidden or worsen over time, so prioritizing your health should be top of your list. Having proof of your medical evaluation can also be beneficial during any future legal action.
When pursuing legal action you can generally file either a premises liability claim or lawsuit against the hotel. If the hotel’s employees or management were negligent and their behavior led to your accident and injury, you can typically hold them responsible for your damages. Through a claim or lawsuit, you can recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages associated with the incident.
How Can I Prove Negligence After My Hotel Injury?
In your premises liability case, you must be able to prove that the hotel was negligent in some way. This is generally done by providing evidence that the hotel knew or reasonably should have known about the dangerous condition that caused your accident and that they failed to take steps to resolve the issue.
To prove negligence, you must establish that:
- The hotel owed you a duty of care as a guest
- The hotel breached its duty by failing to maintain safe conditions
- The breach of duty caused your injury
- You suffered damages as a result of the injury
It is highly recommended that you obtain legal representation during your case to increase your chances of success. Reach out to an experienced injury lawyer at Falcon Law Firm today.
