Like other commercial properties, New York hotels must exercise reasonable care in ensuring their guests are protected from slip and fall hazards. Under premises liability law, they must alert patrons of freshly mopped or waxed areas and take measures to keep common areas and guest rooms safe.
For over 50 years, the New York slip and fall lawyers at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green have protected the rights of those injured on vacation properties, including resorts, motels, and hotels. In addition, we provide skilled legal representation to residents and visitors who were hurt in a hotel slip and fall accident.
Falls, especially for older adults, can result in serious injuries and long-term disability, not to mention significant medical expenses. If unsure of your rights, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with a New York hotel slip and fall accident lawyer at our firm.
Causes of slip and fall at hotelaccidents
Hotels in New York City, Long Island, and other boroughs must be inspected regularly for potential hazards. Property owners and managers can often prevent slip and fall injuries with routine maintenance. In hotels, the majority of slip and fall accidents are caused by:
- Spills in corridors or the lobby
- Slippery surfaces around the pool
- Lack of shower mats
- Plumbing leaks in rooms and common areas
- Loose carpet
- Missing handrails
- Uneven flooring
- Pooled liquids around ice machines
- Uneven steps
- Debris in walkways
- Dim lighting
- Accumulated ice or snow in entryways
Serious accidents can occur in hotel lobbies, pool areas, fitness centers, corridors, spa areas, stairwells, elevators, restaurants, gift shops, and guest rooms. You might be eligible for legal compensation if you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a slip and fall at a hotel.
Injuries resulting from hotel slip and falls
Hotel bathrooms, swimming pools, and lobbies are some of the most common sites of accidents, although stairwell slip and falls are also prevalent. Changes in flooring elevation, slick surfaces, and clutter can pose serious risks for the following injuries:
- Bone fractures of the wrist, hand, or hip
- Dislocated joints
- Concussions
- Severe brain injuries
- Ruptured and herniated discs
- Spinal cord injury
- Deep lacerations
- Torn and ruptured ligaments
- Sprains and strains
- Neck injuries
After falling at a hotel, report the incident immediately to management, seek medical attention, and call our attorneys for legal guidance.
Proving liability after a hotel slip and fall accident
To recover compensation for your injuries, our attorneys must prove that the hotel establishment was negligent and breached its duty to guests and patrons. A slip and fall in a hotel bathtub by itself does not mean you can automatically sue for damages. Evidence must be collected that demonstrates the hotel failed to remedy an unsafe condition in a timely manner or warn guests about a potential risk.
When building your claim, we may use surveillance footage of the hazard, eyewitness testimony, photos from the accident scene, and hotel maintenance records to prove liability.
Hotel slip and fall settlements
One of the first questions our clients ask is, “How much is my slip and fall case worth?” The answer depends on a variety of factors, the primary being the severity of your injuries. If your injuries required surgery and rehabilitation and racked up substantial medical expenses, the settlement amount will reflect this. Our attorneys will prepare a claim that demands fair compensation for your lost income, hospital bills, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket expenses, and any future loss of earning capacity.
Hiring a hotel slip and fall attorney in New York City
A slip and fall accident on a hotel property can have unexpected consequences that undermine your health and quality of life. When you have been injured, you need an experienced legal team to prove liability and protect your rights. For a free, no-obligation case review, reach out to us at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green in New York.
