How to Navigate an Unfortunate Stay at a Hotel?

A hotel stay should be relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone. But sometimes unfortunately accidents can happen, and they can have some serious impacts. If due to some accident, you got injured in a hotel you need to know how to claim compensation and get the justice you deserve.

Understanding Liability

Hotel management have a duty of care for everyone present in their premises, this means they have a duty to protect everyone in the hotel, either its staff or guest. This duty includes maintains addressing the hazards or potential dangers, taking proper safety measures and maintaining the hotel. If due to the negligence of hotel management any guest or staff suffers any injury, then the hotel is liable.

Steps to Take After an Injury

1. Seek Medical Attendance: The first step you should take after a hotel accident is to seek medical attention. Some people ignore this considering their injuries minor, but even if your injuries are minor, you still should get it checked by a medical professional. This diagnosis can be used as evidence later if needed.
2. Report the Incident: Report the incident to hotel management as soon as possible. Ask for a written report and keep a copy of the written report for yourself. This report must include everything that happened.
3. Document Everything: Document the scene as evidence of the incident. Take photographs and videos of the injury and the location. If possible, then try to get the witness testimonies and their contact information.
4. Keep Records: Maintain the records of everything regarding your claim. This includes keeping the medical records, copy of the record, email records or any communications with the hotel management regarding the incident.

Determining your Course of Action

After taking the initial steps you need to figure out how to proceed with the claim.

1. Negotiate with the Hotel Management: In some cases, to not make a fuss about the incident, the hotel management is willing to talk to you and they offer a settlement for your injuries. This is a quick and less expensive way, but you need to be clear about your demands as the hotel can offer you less than what you deserve.
2. File a Claim with Third Party: Many hotels have a third-party mediator who can help resolve guest’s complaints. This is rather a good option if you’re unsure about filing a claim in court and the negotiations failed with hotel management.
3. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: The best way to deal with any claims is to seek guidance from a professional personal injury lawyer, who specializes in dealing with such claims.

Things to Remember

Other than the above-mentioned steps, there are some things that you should remember, such as:

1. Act Quickly: In legal matters there are lot of time limitations, and you need to act quickly before you miss the deadlines.
2. Be Honest: While reporting the incident, either to your lawyer or to the hotel management, you need to be honest and accurate about everything.
3. Don’t Settle for Less: Don’t settle for less settlement offer and always consult with your lawyer before accepting any offer.

By following these steps and taking prompt actions you can increase your chances of successful claim and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you know need consultation regarding any matter, then call now for a free consultation at (718) 414-6642.