Summer is nearly here, and restrictions on travel and social gatherings continue to ease up as vaccination rates climb. After being isolated for over a year, people are eager to take a trip and stay somewhere besides their house.
Whether you stay in a hotel close to home for a staycation or you book a rental property in a tropical destination, a vacation can take an unfortunate turn if you get hurt. Under these circumstances, you should know who may be liable.
Unsafe conditions
No matter how much money you spend to stay somewhere, the hotel or lodging owner should maintain safe premises for guests. They should identify and remedy any unsafe conditions that put visitors at risk. Some common hazards can include:
- Broken elevators
- Uneven flooring
- Wet, slippery walkways
- Poorly lit stairwells
- Unsafe swimming pools or hot tubs
- Broken or defective exercise equipment
- Fires
When lodging operators do not adequately address these hazards, they put their visitors at risk. They also open themselves up to liability for damages resulting from an accident.
Negligent security
If a person suffers injuries caused by a third party at a hotel, the property owner could be liable for these, as well.
For instance, if you are staying at a hotel and are attacked on the way to your car in the parking lot, the hotel operators may be liable for damages if they failed to have adequate security in place.
There is no one definition of what adequate security entails, but generally, it can mean having cameras, security guards and secure entrances in areas known to be dangerous or violent. If the hotel operator does not have these or other security measures to keep visitors safe, they could be liable for resulting injuries.
Protecting yourself from accidents on vacation
Before booking your lodging, it can be wise to check out reviews first to make sure there are no glaring signs of negligence. When you arrive, be mindful of any areas that seem unsafe, broken or suspicious. Bring any concerns to the manager if something seems dangerous.
Taking these steps can be crucial in protecting yourself while staying somewhere on vacation. However, if an accident still happens due to unsafe premises, you may have a legal claim against the property owner.
