Injured in a Hotel? You May Be Entitled to Compensation

Were you injured in a hotel in Las Vegas? You may be able to make a claim, but obtaining the compensation you deserve requires knowledgeable legal support and guidance.

Hotels and motels have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their guests. When a hotel fails in this duty and a guest gets injured, the guest can seek damages. This is the basis of premises liability, a legal principle that holds property owners accountable for dangerous conditions that cause harm to lawful visitors.

If you were injured in a hotel, do not hesitate to speak to a Las Vegas premises liability lawyer at Burg Simpson. Call 702-668-2070 today for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Hotels?

Las Vegas is home to a number of world-class hotels and casinos. Beneath the glitz and glamor, however, are businesses with duties to their guests and visitors. One of the most important duties is ensuring the safety of guests in their rooms and on the premises.

Negligence on the part of the hotel can result in a number of incidents that lead to injury—some of them catastrophic or even fatal. Common types of injuries suffered by guests in hotels and motels include:

Slip and Falls

Wet and slippery floors are an accident waiting to happen. Hotels are responsible for cleaning up spills promptly and warning guests of the potential danger. Tripping hazards—such as loose carpet and floor tiles, uneven steps, etc.—can also lead to falls, potentially resulting in head and brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and more.

Negligent Security

Injuries sustained due to negligent security usually come in two different forms. The first is when a hotel has inadequate security measures (e.g., deficient door locks, poor lighting in common areas, etc.) and a guest is injured by someone who accesses the premises unlawfully.

The second occurs when the hotel is negligent in hiring, training, and supervising security staff. This can lead to aggressive or abusive behavior that may cause harm to patrons of the hotel’s bars, restaurants, casinos, clubs, etc.

Swimming Pool Accidents

From falls on a slippery pool deck to accidental drownings, hotel swimming pools can pose a significant danger to guests if they are not properly maintained and supervised. A lawyer can investigate to determine if a hazardous condition made the pool unsafe and establish the hotel’s liability for your injuries.

Hotel Room Accidents

Most travelers consider the hotel room a place of safety. Unfortunately, issues such as damaged or defective furniture, worn carpeting, and negligent security (to name a few) can lead to serious injuries.

Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Elevators and escalators need to be regularly inspected and maintained. If there is a problem, the elevator or escalator should be taken out of service. Hotels and other parties may be held liable if a guest is injured by a malfunctioning elevator or escalator.

Food Poisoning

Multiple hotels in Las Vegas are home to award-winning restaurants. Unfortunately, procedures for storing and handling food are not always followed. This can lead to serious foodborne illnesses that may require hospitalization.

Transportation Accidents

A number of hotels offer guests shuttles, buses, and other transportation options for traveling around the Strip and other areas of Las Vegas. Negligence behind the wheel, inadequate maintenance, and other issues can lead to motor vehicle accidents for which the hotel may be held liable.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Hotel

Being injured in a hotel is often a frightening and traumatic experience. Many people in this situation are traveling to Las Vegas from out of town, which can make it difficult to know where to turn for legal counsel.

A local personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights in the aftermath of an incident at a hotel, motel, or casino. There are also important steps you should take for your health and safety and for the viability of your claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention

If you are seriously injured, immediately call for medical assistance. Dial 911 or, if it is safe to do so, transport yourself to a nearby hospital or urgent care facility. As a general rule, you should not assume that the injury is minor. Complete diagnosis by a medical professional can establish the nature and extent of the injury.

2. Notify Hotel Staff

Report the incident to the hotel staff or management as soon as possible. The hotel should have procedures in place to handle accidents and injuries on their premises. Provide them with details of the incident and any injuries sustained.

3. Report the Incident to the Police (If Applicable)

Depending on the nature of the incident, you may need to notify the police. This is particularly important if criminal activity or negligence caused the injury.

4. Document the Incident

Photographs can provide compelling documentation of the premises. Take pictures of any hazards that led to your injuries.

5. Speak to Witnesses

Eyewitness testimony can also support your claim if you are injured in a hotel. Talk to anyone who saw you get hurt and get their contact information.

6. Obtain a Copy of the Accident Report

Ask the hotel to provide you with a copy of the incident report detailing the accident. Make sure to review it for accuracy before signing.

7. Preserve Evidence

Preserve any evidence related to the incident, such as torn clothing, damaged belongings, and/or medical receipts. This evidence may be crucial for proving that you are entitled to compensation.

8. Contact Your Insurance Company

Inform your health insurance provider about the incident and your injuries. They can guide you on the coverage and procedures for making a claim.

9. Seek Legal Advice

If your injury is significant and you believe the hotel’s negligence was a factor, you should talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The lawyer you consult should be well-versed in premises liability matters and have the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle your case effectively.

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10. Contact Your Embassy or Consulate (If Applicable)

If you are a foreign visitor and you are injured in a hotel in Las Vegas, it may be in your best interest to contact your embassy or consulate for support and guidance.

What Compensation Is Available?

Not all injuries sustained in a hotel or on the property represent a viable premises liability claim. It must be shown that the negligence of the hotel (as well as any additional parties) caused you harm. Strong evidence is needed to establish fault and prove that you are entitled to damages.

Damages that may be recovered in a claim against the hotel include:

• All medical expenses to-date
• Lost wages
• Damage to personal property
• Any future medical expenses
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Inconvenience

A knowledgeable premises liability lawyer can assess your case and determine what rights you have if you suffered injury at a hotel in Las Vegas. Claims may be resolved via settlement negotiations with the defendant(s), or it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to recover the maximum compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can represent you throughout the process and fight for the optimal outcome.

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Contact Burg Simpson If You Were Injured in a Hotel

Hotels should be held accountable when their negligence causes injury to guests. Bringing a claim against a hotel or motel can be difficult. Seeking knowledgeable legal counsel can make an enormous difference in your ability to recover maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Burg Simpson serves clients in Las Vegas, all of Nevada, and nationwide. Contact us for FREE if you were injured in a hotel.