New York is one of the nation’s most popular states. Because of this, it attractions millions of people from around the world a year. In order to accommodate tourists, there are many hotels throughout the state for guests to come and stay while they enjoy their visit. When people stay at a hotel, they trust that its owners, as well as the staff, will provide a safe premises for their guests during their stay. However, accidents can happen in a hotel if a certain standard of care is not provided. Hotel owners and their staff are required to conduct routine inspections and proper safety protocol to ensure the safety of their visitors. If they fail to do so, people can become seriously injured as a result. If an individual is injured due to the negligence of a hotel owner or the staff, it is important to seek legal representation for your case.
Types of Hotel Accidents
Hotels can become very busy in popular place such as New York. In order to please their guests and keep them happy, hotels offer many amenities. If hotel owners and their staff do not keep up with the proper maintenance that is required to care for these amenities, accidents can happen. There are several ways an accident can happen in a hotel. This may include:
- Stairwell accidents
- Elevator/escalator accidents
- Defective gym equipment
- Unsafe buildings and walkways
- Swimming pool accidents
- Food poisoning
- Inadequate security on the premises
Negligence
All property owners are responsible for taking care of their premises so that it is safe for guests. The same standard is true for hotel owners and the staff they hire to maintain proper conditions. This requires that they repair or remove any hazards. It also requires them to notify guests of any unfixed hazards, train the hotel staff for all emergency/safety procedures, and hire proper security for the grounds. If this standard of care is not met, they may be held liable for any injuries that may occur as a result.
When an injured person wishes to hold a hotel responsible for their injuries, they must prove that the owner was negligent in providing the proper care for their guests. To do this, they must satisfy what is known as the “burden of proof.” This requires the individual to collect evidence that proves the owner knew, or should have known about, the hazardous conditions and did nothing to fix it. Evidence may consist of medical documentation of the injury, security footage from inside the hotel, pictures of the hazard, or any witnesses.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know was injured due to hotel negligence and wish to seek legal representation, contact the Law Offices of Hausman & Pendzick today.
Hausman & Pendzick effectively represents victims of neglect in Westchester County and across the state of New York. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.