Maryland has many different and exciting places to offer those who come to the state. It is because of this that there are numerous hotels available to guests to stay and enjoy their visit. When people stay at a hotel, they trust that the staff will provide them with a safe environment. If they fail to do so, guests can be involved in accidents that cause life-impacting injuries. When this happens, injured parties should consider their legal options.
Types of Hotel Accidents
In order to accommodate guests and keep them entertained, hotels often offer different amenities. These may include pools, spas, gyms, bars, restaurants and more. They also generally have stairwells and elevators to get from floor to floor. The staff of a hotel is required to keep up to date with the maintenance of these amenities to ensure that guests are safe. If they fail to do so, accidents can occur that cause devastating injuries. Accidents can occur in the following ways at a hotel:
- Stairwell accidents
- Elevator/escalator accidents
- Defective gym equipment
- Unsafe buildings and walkways
- Swimming pool accidents
- Food poisoning
- Inadequate security on the premises
Negligence
Because hotel owners are property owners, they must meet a certain standard of care for their guests. This requires them to repair or remove any hazardous conditions that can cause harm. If it is not yet fixed, they must notify guests of its existence so that no harm will occur. In addition to this, the staff must be trained for all safety, emergency, and security procedures. If they fail to meet these standards, they can be held liable for any accidents and injuries that occur as a result of their negligence.
People who are injured at the expense of another party often want to hold them responsible for their behavior. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit in which the injured party is required to prove negligence. To do so, they must satisfy the burden of proof with evidence that shows the hotel was aware, or should have been aware, of the hazard and did not fix it. Evidence that can be used to build a case can include:
- Medical documentation of the injuries
- Security footage from the hotel
- Pictures of the hazard
- Witnesses
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Howard County, Maryland who have been charged with a crime. If you are facing criminal charges, let our firm explore all possible defenses and fight to protect your future. We also represent individuals who have been injured by the negligence of another party. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
