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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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