When it comes to finding a vacation stay that perfectly balances Southern hospitality and historic charm, the hotels in Charleston, South Carolina exceed even the greatest of expectations. Unfortunately, not every vacation goes off without a hitch.
Accidents can happen anywhere, even on vacation. But what happens if a bad case of bed bugs or a faulty light on the hotel stairs leaves you with mental and physical scars?
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit on your own can be overwhelming, but you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Follow along as we aim to help you understand hotel injury risks, who’s held responsible, and how our Charleston personal injury lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm can help you seek compensation after an accident.
Is a Hotel Legally Responsible for My Injuries?
Whether you suffer a slip and fall accident or food poisoning, hotels can be held liable for injuries to guests. Hotels have an obligation to guests to ensure their overall safety and security.
Safety and security responsibilities include:
- Maintaining safe premises: Includes regular maintenance and inspections of rooms, hallways, pools, gym facilities, etc.
- Adequate security: Security measures vary depending on hotel requirements. This can be in the form of surveillance cameras, window/door locks, and well-lit areas frequented by guests.
- Warning of potential hazards: If certain hazards cannot be repaired immediately or are ongoing, the hotel is responsible for making sure guests are warned prior.
- Emergency protocols in place: This will include clearly labeled and accessible fire exits, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers.
- Food and water safety: Most hotels do have food and drink available and, therefore, are required to comply with health and safety regulations.
- Employee background checks: Ensure that employees will not pose a threat to guests through a recognized vetting procedure.
If a hotel fails to comply with the listed basic responsibilities and leads to a guest’s injury, a case could be made for negligence or willful misconduct. If you believe you have been the victim of hotel negligence, contact our local personal injury attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm in Charleston, SC as soon as possible.
Common Hotel-Related Injuries and Hazards
Hotels don’t just provide a luxury escape – they also contain a variety of risks for the everyday guest. Here are some of the most common risk factors and injuries guests may encounter:
Slip and fall accidents
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common types of hotel and workplace incidents. From broken bones to more serious spinal cord injuries, these injuries can be some of the costliest and most debilitating.
Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and unknown obstacles can contribute to falls in a variety of places. Contact one of our slip and fall lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm to learn more about your rights to compensation in a slip and fall case.
Food poisoning
Whether you are heading down to the hotel restaurant or ordering some room service, sometimes the food served may not meet certain health and safety standards. The food that causes an all-night stay in the bathroom could be due to improper food handling, storage, or preparation.
Faulty electrical equipment or systems
Electrical systems and products offered by the hotel should be routinely inspected and updated. Failure to fix a malfunctioning in-room coffee maker or routinely check smoke detectors could result in burns, electrical shocks, or a fire.
Don’t let the bed bugs bite
Routine cleanliness should be commonplace in all hotels – but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Hotels that fail to maintain a certain standard of cleanliness may become infested with bed bugs, leading to bites that can cause more than just a physical reaction–it can also leave you feeling emotionally distressed and overwhelmed.
Broken furniture and equipment
Older or poorly maintained furniture and gym equipment can cause unexpected falls and other injuries. Gym equipment, due to its size and weight, can pose a serious risk to guests if they are broken or malfunctioning.
Unsafe pool conditions
One of the largest areas of risk at hotels is the beloved swimming pool. Hotel swimming pools require adequate signage and chemical maintenance, including checking pH levels and providing adequate signage regarding depth and slippery surfaces.
Improper maintenance could lead to illness and irritation from chemicals or a potentially dangerous slip and fall incident.
If you believe your injury was a result of one of the above incidents or another form of negligence, schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm today.
Proving Negligence with the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You
Many personal injury cases require that the injury must have come as a direct result of someone’s carelessness or negligence. Proving negligence is no easy feat, even for the best personal injury attorney.
However, our knowledge and expertise in personal injury claims and lawsuits give us an upper hand in helping you navigate the key elements to prove negligence, and receive the full compensation you deserve.
The key elements when proving negligence include:
Duty of care
As hotels have a general responsibility to either maintain a safe environment or warn guests of dangerous conditions.
Breach of duty
At this stage, things can get tricky. You must prove that the hotel breached the duty of care owed to you as a guest, such as failing to fix or warn guests about a broken step or elevator.
Causation
Your injury must be a direct result of the hotel’s breach of duty. For example, tripping on the hotel’s broken step led to your broken ankle.
Damages
At the final stage, you must show that you have suffered in some way, whether it be physically, financially, or emotionally. Not all injuries are as obvious as a broken ankle, but that does not mean that you can’t have a chance at compensation.
Emotional distress, lost wages from work, etc. are all possible damages as a result of the incident.
Victim of Hotel Negligence? Contact Hoffman Law Firm Today
Taking a vacation, whether that be in an entirely new city or your own background, should be a relaxing adventure–don’t let the stress of an injury due to hotel negligence stand in the way!
Located in Charleston, SC, we support accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. Our personal injury lawyers here at Hoffman Law Firm have extensive experience handling a wide variety of cases.
Plus, you only pay us if we win your case.
We have established a reputation for success, as well as great service! To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today.
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation right here in the Lowcountry, including these practice areas:
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How Long Does It Take To Settle A Personal Injury Claim in Charleston?
Personal Injury Lawsuit: Definitions of Common Personal Injury Terminology
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Understanding Lost Wages After You Were Injured In an Accident in South Carolina
What is a Contingency Fee When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?
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Reviewed by Board-Certified Personal Injury Attorney
With a combined legal expertise of over 75 years, Hoffman Law Firm has been serving the locals of Charleston with trusted legal advice and representation in the field of personal injury law. Winning cases ranging from thousands to multimillion-dollar settlements, we have earned a reputable reputation for handling auto accidents, workers’ compensation, slip and fall, and other personal injury cases throughout the Lowcountry for over 15 years and counting.