When you’re a guest at a hotel, regardless of whether your stay is for business or pleasure, you reasonably expect to have a fun and relaxing time during your getaway. However, your plans can quickly foil if you fall victim to a slip-and-fall accident. Hotels, like any other commercial property, owe a duty of care to their patrons. This means they have an obligation to maintain a safe environment for their guests to prevent accidents and injuries. If they breach their duty, and you are injured as a result, the hotel can be held liable for your damages. Please continue reading to learn the steps you should take following a slip-and-fall accident in a hotel to safeguard your rights and how a determined Bronx Premises Liability Lawyer can help you attain the justice you deserve.
How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen at a Hotel?
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents can happen virtually anywhere. While slipping and falling in a public place, such as a hotel, can be an embarrassing experience, you shouldn’t be too quick to blame it on your “clumsiness.” Often, these accidents occur as a result of inadequate maintenance. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may suffer serious injuries, ranging from broken bones and contusions to brain and spinal cord injuries that negatively impact your life and livelihood.
Under New York’s premises liability laws, hotels are legally responsible for ensuring their premises are kept in a reasonably safe condition. This includes warning guests of any known hazards. If the hotel breaches its duty and a guest becomes injured. As a result, the hotel can be held liable for negligence. The following include, but are not limited to, some of the common causes behind slip and fall injuries at hotels:
- Spills or debris
- Uneven surfaces
- Torn carpet or broken tiles
- Loose mats
- Excessive floor wax
- Inadequate lighting
- Missing or broken handrails
- Broken stairs
- Inclement weather conditions (icy walkways and wet floors)
What Should I Do if I slip and Fall in a Hotel?
If you have fallen victim to a slip-and-fall accident while staying at a hotel in New York, it’s crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your rights. The first step you should take is seeking immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get medical treatment as soon as possible to ensure your well-being. From here, you must notify the hotel of the incident and file a report. This will document the accident and ensure they attend to the hazardous condition on the premises to prevent another accidentt.
If you are physically capable, you should gather as much evidence as you can from the scene. This includes capturing pictures and videos of the hazardous conditions, as well as collecting contact information from any witnesses that may be able to corroborate your claim. However, the most important step you can take following a slip and fall accident at a hotel is retaining the legal services of an experienced lawyer.
At James Newman, P.C., we are prepared to help you investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to help you prove your case. Contact us today to learn how we can help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
