Were you recently injured after a slip and fall during your hotel stay? Do you believe the hotel could have prevented this accident from happening?
If so, you may be eligible to receive compensation.
Depending on the nature of the accident, you may want to consider filing a personal injury claim against the hotel. Continue below to discover if taking legal action may be right for you.
Personal Injury Claims
“Personal injury” refers to any harm someone has suffered because of the negligence of someone else. “Negligence” is the key word in personal injury cases.
Whether you are rear-ended by a car on the highway, victim of a medical malpractice case, or slip and fall on hotel property, determining who is at fault all comes down to negligence.
If a personal injury case has enough proof of negligence, the injured party may potentially receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages during recovery time.
Sometimes proving negligence can be tricky. Determining fault varies on a case-by-case basis, so it is vital to speak to an experienced legal professional when determining if you have a case.
However, there are some general assessments you can make on your own before this happens.
Analyzing Your Case
In a hotel slip and fall case, there are three major factors that are weighed to help decide who is at fault:
- The hazardous condition that caused the accident.
Hazards such as broken stairs, poor lighting, torn carpeting, slippery floors, or uneven walkways are more likely to show negligence on the part of the hotel. These problems are typically not caused by anyone other than the hotel, which makes for a stronger case.
- The effort (or lack of effort) on part of the hotel and staff to fix the hazard.
If the hazard could have reasonably been fixed prior to the accident (such as a leaky hose leaving dangerous puddles, or a broken ice machine) then it is usually easier to prove the hotel’s negligence. However, if the hazard was recent and could not have reasonably been handled by staff in time (such as a faulty cooler that sprung a sudden leak), then negligence may be more difficult to argue.
- Any actions the injured party may have taken that contributed to the accident.
Contributing to your accident, like failing to follow the regulations of the hotel, texting in the moments before falling, or failing to notice signs warning of the hazard are all events that potentially make it harder to prove the hotel’s negligence.
Considering a Consultation with an Attorney
While it may seem daunting, personal injury cases are fought and won everyday. Even if you are uncertain about whether you qualify, consulting with a personal injury attorney is the best way to know for sure.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Best Value Inn, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
