You decide to embark on a relaxing weekend getaway. You imagine the comfort of a cozy hotel in the country, the revitalizing fresh air, and a scenic view of fall foliage or spring cherry blossoms. Unfortunately, your attempt to unwind results in an unanticipated personal injury lawyer in Long Island when you take a fall on a loose stair walking into the hotel. The injury leaves you suffering and shelling out for medical treatment well after your getaway ends. And worse, that injury could have easily been prevented with just a little care and caution on the part of the hotel where you stayed.
If this scenario sounds familiar, pay attention, because that hotel might be responsible for financially compensating you for your injuries.
Hotels Owe Patrons a Duty
Every business open to the public holds a legal duty to keep their property free from hazards that would create the unreasonable risk of an injury to those entering the premises. As a business, hotels must uphold this standard. If a business fails to keep their property free of these unreasonable risks, they can be held accountable for negligence, and must compensate the injured person for his or her injuries.
Any stay at a hotel can present potential risks to a person. Something as simple as wet slippery floors can result in a nasty fall. Swimming pools, elevators and exercise facilities can create many other possible hazards. While not all injuries sustained at hotels are caused by negligence, it is possible that negligence did contribute to an accident. An attorney will be able to better assess the possible liability of a hotel in the event of such an injury.
Hotels Must Make Reasonable Efforts to Keep the Premises Secure
But what if the injury is the result of intentional acts taken by someone unaffiliated with the hotel? This could be the case when a hotel guest is injured during a robbery of his or her hotel room after the perpetrator snuck in through a door with a faulty lock. Here the hotel would likely be found negligent for failing to provide adequate or reasonable security on the premises. This is because hotels are responsible for ensuring that the hotel has reasonable security measures in place to decrease the chances of this type of incident.
What to do in the Event of an Injury Caused by a Hotel Accident
If you have sustained an injury at a hotel, there are steps you should take to ensure the events and conditions that caused your accident are well documented. First, make sure that the hotel creates an official incident report regarding your injury. Meet with the manager on duty, and create a detailed record of everything that happened, including the time of the incident, who if anyone witnessed the accident, and whether you saw any obvious hazards that you believe contributed to your injury. Additionally, be sure to see a physician to treat your injuries, and to create a medical record of what injuries you suffered.
Speak with a Hotel Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
If you have been injured in a hotel accident, you may be able to file a claim. Contact an experienced Long Island premise liability attorney as soon as possible to have your claim reviewed. Be aware that there is a statue of limitations for filing a claim, so it is recommended you act quickly. Contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today for a free consultation at 516-358-6900.
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