The Most Common Causes of Falls and Injuries at Hotels

Slipping and falling in public can be embarrassing, and many people may be quick to blame their own “clumsiness”—but when the fall occurs at a commercial property, such as a hotel or resort, it is often the result of inadequate maintenance. Unfortunately, these incidents may cause the victim to suffer serious injuries, ranging from broken bones and lacerations to brain or spinal cord injuries.

Under Florida’s premises liability laws, hotels have a duty to maintain their properties in a reasonably safe condition or to warn guests and others who visit the property of any known hazards. If these duties are not met and a guest becomes injured as a result, the hotel may be held liable for negligence. Here are a few of the most common causes behind falls and injuries at hotels:

• Uneven ground or flooring. Hazards such as warped floorboards, loose or torn carpeting, potholes in the parking lot, or uneven sidewalks may cause guests to trip.
• Slippery or sandy surfaces. It’s particularly common for hotels in Florida to offer swimming pools or beach access. Unfortunately, these amenities can lead to a heightened risk of slippery or sandy surfaces, particularly if the hotel has not taken precautions such as installing a slip-resistant pool deck or promptly cleaning sand from walkways. Slippery surfaces may also be caused by spills or leaks, including in guest bathrooms.
• Objects or debris left in the walkways – for example, cords or cables crossing a walkway can create a significant tripping hazard.
• Inadequate lighting. If stairways or outdoor walkways are not properly lit, there is an increased risk of tripping. Additionally, inadequate lighting could potentially expose the hotel to liability for negligent security if a guest becomes the victim of criminal activity.
• Lack of sturdy railings. Often, having something sturdy to grab onto can prevent a person from falling if they start to lose their balance. Therefore, hotels should have proper railings installed in stairways and walkways where appropriate, and may also consider grab bars in guest room showers.

If you have been the victim of a slip-and-fall accident while staying at a hotel in Florida, one of the most important steps you can take is to consult a personal injury attorney with experience handling “resort torts.” At Leighton Panoff Law, we have extensive expertise in this area—which is necessary to stand up to the state’s powerful resort and vacation lobby. Visit https://leightonlaw.com/resort-torts/ to learn more about resort tort litigation, or call us at 888.988.1774 to schedule a consultation!