Hotel Accident Lawyers | Slip, Trip, and Falls

The Best Premises Liability Accident Law Firm

Tourists from all over the world frequently visit the luxurious hotels on Michigan Avenue and other popular areas. Many different types of hotels, from inexpensive motels to luxurious, well-appointed establishments, are available to visitors in Colorado Springs.

Any visitor to Colorado Springs has the risk of being injured due to a slip and fall or another mishap, regardless of the type of lodging they book.

When owners, hotel personnel, maintenance crews, and engineers fail to take reasonable procedures to ensure the safety of visitors and tourists, a pleasant trip can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Hotel staff negligence can quickly ruin a work trip or vacation. If a tourist gets hurt while on vacation, he or she should contact a lawyer immediately. Contacting a personal injury attorney may be inconvenient, but it could save you thousands of dollars.

Even if you have to return to your home nation or state within a few weeks after your vacation, the Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers at Warrior Personal Injury Lawyers will fight for your rights. Our Colorado Springs, CO, personal injury lawyers are familiar with the area’s hotels and their policies regarding guest safety.

Because of our in-depth familiarity with the local court system, we can assist you in pursuing justice for injuries or the wrongful loss of a loved one caused by a hazardous environment.

CLAIMS AGAINST HOTELS IN COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, AND THEIR PROPERTIES

Injuries are significantly more likely to occur at a hotel than in any other setting. Injuries from slips and falls are more common at hotels than in other public places frequented by tourists, such as stores, restaurants, and supermarkets.

The hotel staff should always take the same precautions and perform maintenance tasks. However, issues may develop if there is a lack of personnel or funds to make necessary repairs to the facility.

The most typical hotel-related mishaps that might occur because of carelessness:

• Accidents caused by spills, such as slipping and falling
• Poor hygiene standards at breakfast buffets
• An illness caused by contaminated food
• Accidents in Swimming Pools
• The mechanics of the elevators and escalators are in poor working order.

Assaults on women and men caused by lax security in the building or parking lot

Electrical outlets that are left open and can electrocute or otherwise seriously hurt a kid or member of the family

If you were injured in a hotel accident in Colorado Springs, you should speak with a lawyer specializing in accident cases. Hotel managers see accidents like these frequently and are trained to mitigate the impression of wrongdoing or guilt.

A hotel’s failure to adequately light a hallway is a subtle aspect that could contribute to an accident. If you were hurt in a Colorado Springs hotel accident and believe it was not your fault, you may wish to speak with an attorney.

INVESTIGATING THE LIABILITY OF THE PARTIES IN A HOTEL ACCIDENT IN COLORADO SPRINGS

One hotel premises liability case could involve multiple negligent parties. A victim may file a claim against the hotel, its management, or the security firm hired to protect its guests.

If the victim was hurt by a piece of hotel equipment, like a hairdryer or other appliance, it is possible that they could seek compensation from the maker of the item. Due to the complexities involved, it is best to hire a premises liability attorney in Colorado Springs, CO.

In a typical year, approximately 8,000 people are assaulted in hotel and motel rooms, as the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported. Horrific acts of violence, including sexual assault, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and murder, were not committed by these aggressive customers.

Intentional acts (violence), ignorance (such as stumbling on ice sidewalks), and predators gaining access to a visitor’s room with a key can affect nearly everyone as young as one year old.

INCIDENTS AT HOTELS AND MOTELS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Many families who have lost a loved one due to injuries sustained in a hotel stay have questions that our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys can answer. Some of your questions have been addressed below by our legal firm.

Please call us at 719-300-1100 right away to set up a free consultation during which we can address any concerns you may have about filing a compensation claim.

IN CASE OF HOTEL INJURY, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Did anything happen to you at the hotel that required medical attention? You can seek financial restitution by filing a claim for damages.

Reimbursement procedures consist of the following:

If there has been an accident or injury, please inform the hotel immediately.

Get checked out as soon as possible, even if you don’t think your injuries are too severe. To determine the full degree of your injuries, you need to see a doctor who is both qualified and equipped with modern diagnostic technology.

Gather visual and audio evidence at the accident site using video and still cameras.

In civil litigation against the hotel, you can seek compensation for your injuries and losses, including those incurred in the form of money (hospitalization, medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and therapy fees) and intangibles (pain, suffering, mental anguish).

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you secure fair compensation from the insurance company following a traumatic accident.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RIGHTS TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM A HOTEL IN THE EVENT OF A PERSONAL INJURY?

Any guest who suffers an accident, harm, or preventable death while staying in a motel or hotel has the right to pursue a civil lawsuit or personal injury claim against the establishment’s management. The lawsuit may center on premises liability grounds, specifically, negligent security or failing to keep the premises reasonably safe.

An attorney can help you collect the compensation you need after an accident, whether for medical expenditures, lost wages, lost future earnings, therapy, rehabilitation costs, or pain and suffering.

TO WHAT EXTENT DO INJURIES OCCUR IN HOTELS?

According to the National Safety Council, slipping, stumbling, and falling are the leading causes of hospitalizations among hotel guests. Walkways, sidewalks, stairways, and other high-traffic areas are common places for accidents.

Other types of accidents include cars in a parking structure or lot, deaths that may have been avoided owing to lax security, valet car accidents at hotels, trips and falls caused by inadequate lighting, and acts of violence.

A hotel’s liability for slip-and-fall accidents entails what, exactly?

The hotel and its owners may be held legally responsible if a hotel guest is hurt or killed while staying there. In addition, under premises liability regulations, guests have the right to launch a civil complaint against the property owner if their property is taken while there.

The law guarantees that anyone who suffers significant harm can submit a claim for damages and seek compensation. These claims are typically settled out of court, with the hotel’s insurance company footing the bill.

SHOULD WE MAKE A DEAL OR GO TO COURT?

As a result of the hassle and expense of going to trial, many plaintiffs (those who bring civil lawsuits) prefer to settle their cases out of court. Taking a case to court also typically results in far higher costs for legal representation.

However, without lawyers, plaintiffs often settle for less than they deserve after receiving offers from the defendant’s insurance. The alternative is to hire a personal injury attorney with experience with hotel liability issues and skilled at negotiation to guarantee that their client receives full compensation for their injuries.

WOULD IT BE WISE TO ACCEPT THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OFFER?

The initial settlement offer from an insurance claims adjuster is typically much lower than the true value of a case, as evidenced by statistics. Many victims, especially those in financial need, may accept a settlement offer even if it’s for a far lower amount than the true nature of their injuries warrants.

A lawyer representing the aggrieved party will advise gathering material that could be used at trial to strengthen the case during negotiations.

In addition to material losses like medical and hospital bills, you may also be entitled to compensation for non-economic losses like emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering resulting from the adverse occurrence.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO LAWYERS WHO HAVE REPRESENTED CLIENTS WHO WERE INJURED AT HOTELS OR MOTELS

Warrior Personal Injury Lawyers will help you get started on your claim for compensation for your injuries from the hotel accident in Colorado Springs right away. Our legal team has handled numerous hotel accident cases. Our hotel accident law office is here to help you today with legal representation for your claim.

Get in touch with us at 719-300-1100 to set up a no-cost initial appointment to discuss your potential premises liability claim.

Our lawyers can help you get the money you need for your injuries, even if you don’t live in the Chicago region. When we travel to Colorado Springs for court, we try to keep the number of times we have to go there to a minimum. Contact us to get assistance with your premises liability claim against the inconsiderate hotel.

As a result of the attorney-client privilege, any communications with our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys are held in the strictest confidence. Do not leave confidential information on our voicemail, email, or text message.

Our Colorado Springs, CO law office comes highly rated. It handles premises liability, auto accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, defective products (product liability), hazardous pharmaceuticals, and wrongful deaths, among other things.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET HURT WHILE STAYING AT A HOTEL AND NEED COMPENSATION

Is the hotel accountable for your wounds? Get the information you need to file a hotel injury claim and collect the compensation you deserve.

The hotels are like a haven. Hotels are where most of us lay our heads during extended trips, weekend getaways, and stays with friends and family.

There are more than 5 million available hotel rooms in more than 52,000 establishments across the United States for tourists to choose from.

¹ The majority of hotels and their employees make an effort to provide customers with a pleasant stay.

Though most visitors have a pleasant stay at their preferred hotel, mishaps occur.

If you were wounded while staying at a hotel and it was due to the hotel’s fault, the hotel would have to pay for your medical bills and other damages. After an accident, you should get reasonable medical care and financial compensation from the hotel or its insurer.

FREQUENT INJURIES AND ACCIDENTS IN HOTELS

If you’re going to charge people to stay in your hotel, you should provide them with a safe and hygienic space. Sadly, it’s not always the case. Injuries at hotels typically stem from a few main sources:

Hotel guests frequently sustain serious injuries from slip-and-fall incidents, including broken bones, concussions, and severe sprains. The risk of a guest tripping and falling increases when conditions are less than ideal, such as when the carpet is worn, the floor is uneven, the slippery walkway, or a drink has been spilled.

Overused furniture breaks down, yet many hotels avoid replacing it with a new piece by repairing the old one. There is certain furniture that is just too old. A guest may be injured because their weight causes a chair to topple.

Most hotels with swimming pools are not obligated to staff them with lifeguards. The hotel is responsible for maintaining a clean and safe environment in the pool, locker room, and jacuzzi and posting any necessary warnings or rules. Maintaining a safe pool or spa requires careful attention to details like water temperature and chemical composition.

Hotels should adhere to strict hygiene guidelines for their kitchens and dining areas to prevent food poisoning. Serious foodborne diseases can result from several factors, including incorrect food handling, the presence of filthy hands in the kitchen, and unclean hands among workers.

In hotels, bed bugs are a common problem, infesting everything from bedding to electrical outlets. They are tough to spot and even harder to get rid of. Bed bugs cause various health problems, including severe allergic reactions, itching, and infections. They can be hidden in the guest’s luggage or clothing and taken home without their knowledge.

Guests may suffer burns if the water in the shower or sink is left on for an extended period. Room equipment like irons, coffee machines, and hair dryers can cause serious burns if they break.

Crime situations require the hotel to take all necessary precautions to safeguard its guests. In the event of an assault, robbery, or theft, the hotel may be held liable if it was negligent in providing enough security or lighting, maintaining door locks and windows to prevent unauthorized entrance, or any other way.

Visitors who sustain injuries during their stay may also be able to receive assistance from local Crime Victim’s Services.

THE HOTEL GUEST’S BILL OF RIGHTS

Your hotel room isn’t the only place you have a right to feel safe and secure. The hotel is responsible for its visitors’ safety in both guest rooms and public places.

• Transportation:
• Shuttle
• Facilities: Parking;
• Conference and Banquet Halls;
• Swimming Pools;
• Changing Rooms;
• Eating and Recreation Facilities; Gyms

Hotels must take reasonable measures to make their premises safe and prevent foreseeable accidents, regardless of the laws in the state in which they are located, if you have a personal injury while overseas, the applicable laws may differ from those at home.

As a noun, “reasonable” refers to a sense of logic or reason. In other words, wiping up a spill is an example of a reasonable step because any sane adult would do it.

An accident is considered to be foreseeable if it is something that a reasonable hotel manager would know or should know is possible, given the current state of affairs. The hotel manager anticipates slick hotel walkways after an overnight ice storm and plans to leave them untreated.

You should know the following words used by insurance companies and lawyers when determining whether or not the hotel is responsible for your injury:

The term “Duty of Care” refers to the responsibility one has to use due caution to prevent injury to others.

If the hotel’s management or staff members don’t do their jobs appropriately or act in a way that a normal person wouldn’t, they’ve committed negligence.

Responsible action is what we mean when we talk about liability. In most cases, an injured hotel visitor can seek compensation from the property owner who was responsible.

Personal injury damages include medical bills, out-of-pocket medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Costs to replace damaged or lost personal belongings might be considered property damages.

Hotels have a duty of care to keep their guests safe, but this does not cover everything. The responsibility is to keep you safe from any danger that might occur.

The potential for people to slip and get hurt on icy sidewalks is obvious. The hotel’s duty of care will be breached if the manager does not have the pathways treated as soon as possible. The hotel will be held liable for any injuries sustained by guests due to ice.

However, suppose the hotel has made reasonable efforts to clear the paths and an inebriated visitor falls and cracks his skull on the way to the entrance. In that case, the establishment is unlikely to be held accountable. Unfortunately, the hotel has no way of knowing whether or not a visitor would arrive drunk.

The hotel staff must safeguard their customers from any damage that could be expected. An unreasonable expectation is to prevent harm to an actively imbibing guest.

A GUIDE TO PROVING YOUR INJURY CLAIM

If you get hurt while staying at the hotel and the staff fails to take reasonable precautions, what recourse do you have? You shouldn’t expect settlement money to magically appear in your mailbox from the insurance company. You’ll need to show that the hotel is at fault for your injuries if you want to file a personal injury claim against it.

The burden of proof lies with you, to use legal terminology. You or your lawyer will need to collect evidence to prove:

1. The hotel was responsible for ensuring your safety.
2. The hotel failed in its obligation to you by allowing you to be hurt.
3. You suffered quantifiable losses as a direct consequence of your injury.

As soon as you have an injury, start amassing evidence that will help your case:

Call upper management and ask for: The phrase “time is of the essence” is familiar to you. This is especially accurate when discussing injuries sustained while staying at a hotel. Connecting the dots between the incident and the injury is a priority. The longer you wait to disclose your injuries, the more difficult it will be to construct a credible claim.

If you find a nail sticking out of your bed and get cut, you should notify the manager before leaving the room. Don’t leave your room until the manager checks on you unless you’re gravely hurt.

Remember to record the manager’s name, position, and contact details. Make sure you have the contact information for the hotel’s insurance provider and a copy of the incident report detailing your injuries from the management.

You might be told that someone from the hotel’s corporate office would contact you instead of being given the insurance company’s contact details.

Immediate care from a doctor: If your wounds are severe, have someone dial 911 for you. Even if an ambulance doesn’t take you straight to the ER, you should get checked out as soon as possible if you need medical attention. At the same time, away from your regular doctors, have the hotel staff assist you in getting to the nearest hospital or urgent care facility.

If you refuse or postpone medical treatment, it can be detrimental to your injury claim. Tell the medical staff the time, location, and circumstances surrounding your injury wherever you go for treatment.

Confront the evidence: Your injury claim relies heavily on the testimony of witnesses. Your case will strengthen with more evidence. While remarks from loved ones and friends can be helpful, statements from strangers are always the most reliable. The insurance company is more likely to believe the testimony of objective witnesses who have no vested interest in the outcome of your claim.

Example: A Eyewitness to the Pool Accident

Suppose you were enjoying the day by the hotel pool. You entered the shallow part of the pool when your heel caught on something, causing you to fall and hit your head on the pool’s edge. A second visitor was lounging in the sunshine not far away. She saw you fall in and immediately got out of her chair to rescue you.

You and the witness both looked down to see what had caused your fall and saw a step in the water, but because it was unmarked and lacked tread, it was nearly impossible to discern.

You should have the witness put everything that transpired down on paper, including that she spotted the “invisible step.” If she observed you fall and strike your head on the poolside, she should explain that to the authorities. Ensure that she puts pen to paper by having her date and sign the statement.

Record footage and snap photos: Take pictures or videos with your phone showing how you were hurt and how it happened. The audio can document the accounts of witnesses, the confessions of employees, and your account of the circumstances that led to your injuries.

As an Illustration, Let’s Say We Want to Record Some Video Evidence

The chair beneath you gave way as you sat at the desk in your hotel room. You trip and hurt your back on the floor. Take a picture of the damaged seat using your phone once you’ve called the manager to report it. The chair should be filmed entirely as it lies shattered on the floor using the video feature.

Have a housekeeper come in as a witness if you can find one nearby. Inquire of her if she usually cleans your room. Inquire whether she noticed the chair was unstable and if anybody has fixed it recently.

The housekeeper could reply, “Yes, I reported the chair to my supervisor. A statement like “I informed her the chair’s leg was loose and a customer could fall” is an admission against interest, implying that the statement is not in the hotel’s favor.

In court, admissions against interest are considered very trustworthy evidence.

Proof of damages: Damages must be proved with some kind of proof. Damages must be shown to meet your burden of proof in a hotel injury claim. You do not have a claim if you have no out-of-pocket costs associated with your injuries. You must keep all prescriptions, bandages, travel receipts, and copies of your medical bills and documents.

Having proof of your missed wages in writing might be helpful as well. Get an official record from your company detailing the money you’ve lost in pay, bonuses, and vacation/sick days.

HOW TO GET PAID THE MOST MONEY POSSIBLE

You can usually negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company on your own, without employing an attorney, if your injuries were very mild, such as scratches, bruises, small cuts, or sprained muscles, and you have fully healed.

Compensatory damages are calculated by adding the costs of medical care, travel, missed wages, and other expenses. To account for psychological trauma, multiply by 1.5–2 times the original quantity.

Send a formal written demand backed up by copies of relevant documents (such as medical records and bills) and supporting documentation (such as receipts).

A Hotel Injury Demand Letter Sample has been provided for your convenience.

A competent personal injury lawyer is essential if you have sustained severe or traumatic injuries due to a hotel’s negligence. If the hotel’s carelessness was extreme, your lawyer might ask for punitive damages in addition to the hotel’s insurance payout.

Suppose you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or permanent scars resulting from a rape, assault, or wrongful death. In that case, you have the right to be represented by an experienced attorney.

You shouldn’t go it alone against the insurance company. An initial consultation with a competent personal injury lawyer will not set you back.

HOSPITALIZATIONS DUE TO HOTEL ACCIDENTS

In the fall, many people take a long weekend to get away from work, spend time with loved ones, and maybe even visit a destination known for its spectacular autumn foliage. You should not have to deal with the aftereffects of an easily avoidable injury when you return from a few days of rest at a hotel because of a failure to ensure that the hotel’s facilities are free from unreasonable dangers. Each year, some unlucky fall vacationers had this happen to them.

Good news: you may be eligible for financial compensation if you’ve been harmed in a hotel-related mishap. Call our Colorado Springs office and speak with one of our injury attorneys for free to find out whether you have a case.

HOTELS ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THEIR VISITORS.

Any establishment that welcomes the public has a responsibility to eliminate any reasonably foreseeable risks of harm to its customers, and hotels are no exception to this rule. When a company (or its employees) breaches this responsibility, those harmed due to unsafe conditions that the company or its workers created through their negligence1 have the right to seek financial restitution from the company or its personnel.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE GET HURT IN HOTELS

Anywhere you turn in a contemporary hotel, you are potentially exposed to a hazardous situation, with all the moving parts (elevators, escalators, pools, kitchens, exercise equipment, etc.). Reasons, why guests are hurt while staying at hotels include the following.

Accidents at hotels can also happen for various reasons that may or may not result from worker negligence. Having your case assessed by an expert attorney is crucial because it may not always be obvious that an injury was caused by negligence to a person without legal knowledge.

HOTELS IT’S POSSIBLE TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MALICIOUS ACTIONS OF OTHERS.

Hotel liability for accidents may seem straightforward, but what about when someone is hurt on hotel property due to another guest’s deliberate actions? Victims may seek compensation through a negligent security claim in such situations. Hotels are aware that their customers will likely carry expensive and sentimental belongings with them on their journeys. Thus, they must ensure the safety of their visitors by providing adequate security measures.

Here is a hypothetical case involving irresponsible security that you can use as an example. Someone returns to the hotel late at night, parks in the parking lot, and is attacked by an intruder while strolling under a smoldering streetlight. If the hypothetical hotel visitor was injured, he or she might file a claim for damages.

I WAS INJURED AT MY HOTEL; NOW WHAT?

If you or a loved one has an injury while staying at a hotel, your first order of business should be to request a formal incident report. The first step is to notify the hotel’s front desk manager. The next step is to keep track of pertinent details about your accident, such as the time of day it happened.

• Could you tell me if anyone saw what happened to you?
• Have you determined whether or not there was any clear danger that led to your accident?

If you answer these questions honestly, you may be able to get compensation.

See a doctor immediately so you can get checked out and get started on any necessary treatment, and your injuries may be recorded formally. Finally, pick up the phone and make an appointment with a lawyer.

Get in Touch with a Colorado Springs Accident Attorney Right Away

Getting in touch with a lawyer quickly is essential if you’ve been hurt at a hotel since you could be entitled to a large settlement. Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, diminished quality of life, and mental and physical anguish are some of the losses that may be compensable in a personal injury lawsuit. Call the Warrior Personal Injury Lawyers at 719-300-1100 or send us a message through our website to set up a no-cost initial consultation.