There are few things more disheartening than getting injured. Especially during a trip when you’re supposed to be enjoying your downtime, an injury can bring everything to a halt.
If you believe your accident at a hotel or motel was not your fault, then it is time to file a personal injury claim against their insurance.
Doing so could result in compensation for all medical bills, lost wages, and suffering experienced due to your injury.
Potential Hazards at a Hotel
Hotels are filled with amenities to keep you satisfied during your stay. From complimentary breakfasts to workout and leisure areas, the hotel provides the best service it can to meet the needs of their visitors.
Unfortunately, each of these areas also carries potential accident-causing hazards:
- In the dining area: Breakfast time brings compact hustle and bustle to the eating area, resulting in cramped, potentially dangerous conditions. Spilled food, drink, and trash can cause burns, slips, trips, and falls that can all result in injury.
- In the common areas: In the lounge and restroom areas, regular cleaning can occasionally leave floors slippery and dangerous, especially if no warning signs are displayed. Pools are also especially large culprits for slips and falls. And, in any area of a the hotel, regularly scheduled maintenance can always result in equipment and supplies being left in potentially hazardous spaces.
If your accident was the fault of the hotel or its employees’ negligence, then it is likely you will be eligible to file a claim.
Starting Your Claim
Every personal injury claim technically begins when you file a demand letter against the opposing party. However, the true beginning of the process starts with gathering evidence for your letter.
The only way you will receive compensation is if you can prove that the hotel or its staff was at fault for the accident. Doing so requires multiple kinds of evidence.
Start by gathering as much physical evidence as you can. This means photographs of the area in the hotel where you were injured and pictures of your injury.
This also refers to any medical test results, doctor evaluations, and hospital visits that followed the accident, among any other documents establishing your injuries. These will help justify why you are asking for your specific compensation amount.
Then, describe everything that happened before and during your accident in great detail. Statements from others that witnessed the event can also help a lot here.
Be as honest and thorough as possible, and you will likely have a solid claim that is most likely to result in compensation.
In the Event of Deposition
Hotels handle various personal injury claims a year. To be sure they are only providing compensation to those who warrant it, they will conduct their own investigation of your accident. If they request a “deposition” from you, don’t worry — this is standard in most PI claims processes.
During a deposition, you will be asked questions in an out-of-court professional setting. You will likely be asked to explain your background, motivations, and experiences during the incident.
Just as you did in your written statement, just try to be as honest and thorough as possible here.
Considering a Personal Injury Attorney
PI attorneys can reduce the stress of the claims process while increasing your chances of getting benefits. They are paid on contingency, meaning they only receive payment if you win your case. They’ve also been statistically shown to strengthen cases, garner higher compensation amounts, and increase the success rate of cases, especially in depositions and in court.
If you are interested in getting professional assistance during your case, schedule a free consultation with a PI attorney in your area.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. You may not be entitled to compensation if you file a claim against Hilton Hotels, or any other party, for your accident.
