Vacations are fun, relaxing and enjoyable, a time to get away from everything, visit new and exciting attractions or just lounge by the pool at a resort. You expect to be safe when you are in a resort or hotel, whether you are traveling for business or pleasure. However, a slip and fall can happen anywhere, including hotels or resorts. When you suffer a serious injury after falling, you may wonder who is responsible for your medical bills as well as wages you may lose when you are unable to work after an injury. That may depend on the circumstances of the injury.
Responsibility after a Fall at a Hotel or Resort
In order for a resort or hotel to be liable for your injury, you must be able to prove negligence or unreasonable carelessness. The first thing slip and fall attorneys want to determine is whether employees were aware of a hazardous condition and had the opportunity to correct it prior to your injury. If you slipped on a tile floor that was slippery immediately after a rainstorm, the resort may not be liable as they did not have time to wipe up the water after the storm. However, if the tile was slipper hours after the storm, the resort may be liable due to negligence. Attorneys also want to know how much control the hotel or resort had over the situation. Suntan lotion spilled by another guest may mean that the resort is not liable unless the suntan lotion had been on the floor for a significant amount of time.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries at Hotels
Some of the most common causes of falls at hotels and resorts involve equipment, such as a fall from a ski lift or on a pool deck where water has been splashed. Icy walkways or paths can also lead to a fall. Even in the rooms, falls are common as guests can slip on wet bathroom tiles after a leak that they were unaware existed. Falls occur in restaurants, gift shops and almost every other area of hotels and resorts. At some resorts, the activities offered can lead to accident, such as while skiing or diving.
After an Accident
After you have been injured in an accident at a resort, it is important to document exactly what happened. Take photos of what caused the fall and the area around it. Speak to people who witnessed the fall, getting their contact information. Be sure to note the names of any employee who assisted you and keep documentation of any medical attention you received from staff members. Look for warning signs in the area and note if none were present, making sure to take photos of the missing signs as well. Ask to complete an official accident report with the hotel as well, even if you think your injuries are minor. Injuries may be more severe than you think as adrenaline can mask the pain of an injury. You may not realize until hours or even days later that you suffered a significant injury.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident at a resort or hotel, contact the slip and fall attorneys at Lundy Law to see if you are eligible for a premises liability claim. You can arrange for an initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the easy form on our website.
