Transate Talk to UsLatest News

Negligent Security Seminar | March 2015

Florida personal injury lawyers

×

NO FEES or COSTS UNLESS YOU GET PAID

    How much is :

    Injured at a Hotel? Here’s What to Do

    Whether traveling for business or leisure, guests expect a safe, clean, and comfortable experience when staying at a hotel. Unfortunately, however, hazardous conditions on the premises can sometimes result in injuries. At hotels and resorts in Florida, the most common incidents causing guest injuries range from slip-and-falls and water-related accidents around the swimming pool to assaults committed by other guests or third parties on the property. When these situations occur, the injured victims may sometimes be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the hotel.

      If you have been injured while staying at a hotel, here are a few important steps to take:

      • Take photographs and/or video of the scene. If you believe than an unsafe condition contributed to your injury, take photos or videos of it as soon as possible. The hotel will likely move swiftly to rectify the condition when they become aware of your accident—and they might even erase surveillance footage—so your own photos may become very valuable evidence if you choose to pursue a lawsuit.
      • Notify hotel management. Most insurance companies require hotels to file a report whenever they become aware of an accident or incident on the premises. If your injuries do not require immediate medical attention, ask to speak to a hotel manager. Tell them about your condition and the circumstances that led to it, being careful to stick to the facts and avoid making any admissions or accusations.
      • Visit the emergency room or a local doctor to seek medical attention. If your injuries are potentially life-threatening, call 911 immediately. However, even if your injuries do not seem serious at first, it’s important to seek medical attention and gather documentation of the incident from a healthcare professional.
      • Contact a personal injury attorney. If the hotel was negligent in failing to fix or warn of the unsafe condition that led to your injuries, they could potentially be held liable. A qualified attorney with experience handling “resort torts”—or personal injury cases that arise from a resort, vacation, travel, or recreational setting—will be able to assess your situation, advise you on the proper steps to take, and advocate on your behalf if you decide to pursue legal action.

    At Leighton Panoff Law, we have represented numerous clients who have been injured at hotels and resorts across Florida, and our team offers in-depth expertise with resort torts—which is necessary to stand up to the state’s powerful resort and vacation lobby. Visit https://leightonlaw.com/resort-torts/ to learn more, or call us at 888.988.1774 to schedule a consultation!

    What should I do immediately after getting injured at a hotel in Florida?

    If you’re injured at a hotel, take prompt action to protect your legal rights. First, photograph or video the accident scene before the hotel can alter it or erase surveillance footage. Then, notify hotel management and request that they file an official incident report. Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor, as symptoms can worsen later. Finally, contact a personal injury attorney experienced in “resort torts” to evaluate your case and determine if the hotel can be held liable for negligence.

    Can I sue a hotel for injuries caused by unsafe conditions?

    Yes, you may be able to sue a hotel if your injury resulted from hazardous conditions that the hotel failed to fix or properly warn about. Common causes include slippery surfaces, poorly maintained pool areas, inadequate lighting, or lack of security that leads to assaults. A personal injury attorney specializing in resort torts can assess whether the hotel breached its duty of care and help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

    Why is it important to take photos after a hotel accident?

    Taking photos or video immediately after a hotel accident is crucial because the unsafe condition may be corrected quickly after the incident. Visual evidence, such as a wet floor with no warning sign or broken stair railing, can support your claim. Hotels may also erase security footage or deny the condition existed, so your documentation could serve as key evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.

    Should I speak with hotel staff after getting injured?

    Yes, but proceed with caution. Inform hotel management about the incident so they can file a report, which most insurance companies require. However, when speaking with staff, stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admissions of fault. This official report can be an important part of your claim later on, especially when reviewed alongside your own documentation and medical records.

    What if I don’t feel seriously injured after a hotel accident?

    Even if your injuries appear minor, you should seek medical attention after a hotel accident. Some conditions, such as concussions, internal injuries, or musculoskeletal damage, may not present symptoms immediately. Visiting a local doctor or emergency room creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the incident, which is essential if you later decide to pursue legal action against the hotel for negligence.

    What is a “resort tort” and how does it relate to hotel injuries?

    A “resort tort” is a term used to describe personal injury cases that occur in resort, travel, or recreational settings—such as hotels or vacation properties. These cases often involve premises liability issues like unsafe conditions, negligent security, or poor maintenance. Resort torts require legal expertise in navigating Florida’s complex hospitality laws and standing up to powerful resort industry interests. An attorney experienced in resort torts can help injured guests build a strong case for compensation.

    How can Leighton Panoff Law help if I’m injured at a Florida hotel?

    Leighton Panoff Law has deep expertise in handling resort torts and has successfully represented numerous clients injured at hotels and resorts throughout Florida. With a strong understanding of the legal responsibilities of hospitality businesses, their attorneys know how to build compelling cases and challenge even the most powerful resort operators. If you’ve been injured due to a hotel’s negligence, call 888.988.1774 to schedule a consultation and let their experienced team advocate for your rights.

    Article by:

    John Leighton

    A nationally-recognized trial lawyer who handles catastrophic injury and death cases. He manages Leighton Law, P.A. trial lawyers, with offices in Miami and Orlando, Florida. He is President of The National Crime Victim Bar Association, author of the 2-volume textbook,Litigating Premises Security Cases, and past Chairman of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s Motor Vehicle, Highway & Premises Liability Section. Having won some of the largest verdicts in Florida history, Mr. Leighton is listed inThe Best Lawyers in America (14 years), “Top Lawyers” in the South Florida Legal Guide (15 years), Top 100 Florida SuperLawyer™ and Florida SuperLawyers (14 years), “Orlando Legal Elite” by Orlando Style magazine, and FloridaTrend magazine “Florida Legal Elite

    LET’S GET STARTED

      How much is :