Checking into any hotel in California, you probably have an expectation of safety and an environment that is free of unnecessary risks. Sadly, this is not always the case, and hotel staff negligence can sometimes lead to harm or injury of guests. This begs the question when involved in an accident within the perimeters of a hotel, is management liable?
The answer, as you might expect, is that it depends on the specific circumstances. For example, slip and fall injuries are some of the most common types of accidents that occur in hotels. If there were unexpected hazards such as broken elevators, bad lighting conditions, and/or the lack of warnings such as a sign denoting a wet floor, then yes, a victim of a slip and fall injury could have grounds to sue the hotel and move forward with a personal injury claim.
What Are the Requirements for a Valid Personal Injury Claim in a Hotel?
To put it another way, there are a few things that need to have “checked off” before you can proceed with a claim. The burden of evidence is going to be on you, which means that you need to be able to prove that the following occurred in order to have a strong case:
- You were a paying guest who was owed a reasonable level of safety and care
- The hotel was unable to meet this level of safety and care via the existence of hazards or negligent actions
- The hotel’s inability to meet their duty can be directly linked as the reason for your accident and its consequences
- The accident clearly led to your suffering and experienced losses
If your circumstances match these requirements, then you likely have grounds to move forward with your claim and seek just compensation. That said, your first step should always be to consult with an experienced California personal injury attorney before anything else. It is always wise to have a qualified professional fully evaluate your case and provide you with his/her expert advice.
Want to learn more? Do not hesitate to reach out to us at Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis. Our experienced Modesto personal injury lawyers are more than happy to lend you their expertise in any matters relating to personal injuries in hotels, or anywhere else for that matter!
