What if I Slip and Fall at a Hotel or Resort?

There is nothing quite like a vacation at a luxury hotel or resort — and there is nothing quite like an accident to ruin the entire thing. Unfortunately, accidents happen more than anyone would like, and those involving on-premises slips and falls are some of the most common. In the best-case scenario, no one gets seriously hurt — but if you or a loved one slipped and fell at a hotel, resort, or other vacation getaway and suffered a serious injury, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to claim the compensation you deserve.

Who is Responsible for a Slip and Fall at a Hotel or Resort?

To claim compensation for any injury, you first need to figure out who to claim compensation from. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not always clear, as you will need to answer several questions to determine liability for your slip and fall.

For instance, did hotel management and staff neglect their duty to maintain hazard-free and safe conditions for their guests? Did they conduct regular inspections and promptly address any potential dangers, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly lit areas?

If you slipped on a wet floor that lacked any warning signs, tripped over the loose carpet, or fell down a broken set of stairs, the hotel could bear the responsibility for any of your injuries.

How Do You Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you decide to pursue a claim for compensation against another party, you will generally need to demonstrate four elements:

• Duty of Care: You need to demonstrate that the property owner or manager owed you a “duty of care,” which means they had an obligation to maintain the property to keep you safe.
• Breach of Duty: Next, you need to show that the property owner or manager breached this duty by failing to address the hazard that led to your injury. This could mean that the owner knew or should have known about the danger and refused to fix it.
• Causation: You must demonstrate a direct link between the breach of duty and your injury, meaning that the hazard directly caused your slip, fall, and injury.
• Damages: Lastly, you need to prove that you suffered actual damages because of your accident.

What Steps Should You Take After a Slip and Fall Accident?

To prove that you suffered actual damages, you will need evidence from the scene and after the accident to corroborate your story. If you suffer a slip and fall accident at a hotel or resort, taking immediate action can strengthen your case.

As soon as possible after your accident, call 911 to seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, some internal damage, like concussions and nerve damage, can take a while to show symptoms. Additionally, calling 911 will generate a medical report, which can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries.

In addition to calling 911, make sure to notify the hotel management about your accident as soon as possible, make sure that they generate an incident report, and request a copy.

Lastly, on your end, take photos of the accident scene as well as the hazard that made you slip. Also, try to preserve the clothing and shoes you were wearing, as you could use them as evidence during a claim.

How Can Hartford Personal Injury Lawyers Help?

Unfortunately, the process of pursuing just compensation for your injury can feel overwhelming. We recommend consulting with an experienced slip and fall attorney to help you. Not only will they guide you through everything you need to know for your specific situation, but they will also help you gather evidence, negotiate with the hotel/resort and insurance companies, and advocate for you in court if necessary.

Claim What You Are Owed With the Hartford County Slip and Fall Lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC

The Hartford County slip and fall lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC have years of experience helping our clients pursue compensation for their slip and fall injuries — and we can help you, too. Call us today at 860-872-7741 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation. Our Vernon, New Haven, and Waterbury, Connecticut offices serve clients in Tolland County, New Haven County, and Hartford County.