Slips and Falls at Hotels

When you are away from home, whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, choosing the right hotel or motel to stay in is a big deal. Most of us look for certain amenities on the property such as a pool, workout area or dining facilities. Some are more concerned with the room itself, the size of the bed, the view from windows, and the floor the room is on. For others, their main concern is being centrally located, or near particular destinations. Regardless of your individual criteria for choosing a hotel, the one thing we all have in common is wanting a place that is clean and safe. Even the most luxury hotel can have issues that jeopardize the health and welfare of its guests. Slip and fall injuries can occur anywhere, and pose a particular danger when you are away from home. While most hotels and motels take safety measures to ensure these types of injuries do not occur, knowing potential hazards may help ensure both you and your loved ones return home unharmed.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people are injured in slip and fall accidents each year, and one in five of these accidents result in serious injuries. Injuries caused by slip and fall accidents include:

•         Bruises, cuts, and lacerations;
•         Muscle or ligament strains and sprains;
•         Fractured bones, particularly in the wrists, ankles, and hips;
•         Back injuries, such as slipped discs or ruptured vertebrae; and
•         Head and brain injuries.

Slip and fall injuries can occur in any area of a hotel or motel, such as on a slippery pool deck, uneven walkway, or poorly lit stairwell. Hotel rooms themselves can pose a risk for slip and fall accidents, such as tripping over a cord or a piece of furniture, or falling as the result of slick surfaces in the bathroom or shower. Many of these types of injuries can easily happen to a person at home as well. In a hotel, motel or any public place however, the owners and operators are responsible for taking the necessary steps to prevent these types of accidents from happening.

Safety Precautions Taken By Hotels

Prevention of slip, trip, and fall injuries among guests is a major concern for hotel and motel managers, as well as for the companies that insure these places. According to a resources on safety for hotel and motel managers provided by the Travelers Insurance Group, slip, trip, and fall injuries are one of the most common types of liability claims.  Slippery floors, loose paving stones, poorly lit areas, and worn floor coverings can easily result in a guest injury. Ways hotels can reduce slip and fall injuries include:

•         Making sure exits and walkways are free of debris;
•         Ensuring signage is used to notify guests of wet floors or hazardous conditions;
•         Replacing boards, tiles, or carpets when they are outworn;
•         Keeping stairways and landing cleared;
•         Providing slip resistant flooring material; and
•         Cleaning and mopping in off hours.

In addition to environmental hazards, slip and fall injuries can result if a guest has had too much to drink. Over serving alcohol to guests in hotel bars creates liability for the hotel, and they could be held responsible for any injuries that arise.

Contact Our Portland Slip and Fall Attorney Today

If you or someone you know has suffered a slip or fall injury in a hotel or motel, contact our experienced Portland personal injury attorney immediately. At the Johnston Law Firm, we have the experience you need to ensure you get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by your injury. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Before settling with an insurance company, call an experienced slip and fall attorney today for a free review of your case.