What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Hotel Slip and Fall?
It can happen in an instant. You are on a business trip, honeymoon, or a family vacation when you fall in your hotel and you are injured. It is important you understand what to do after a hotel slip and fall accident to protect you right to recover compensation for your injuries.
The hotel has a duty to its guests to provide a safe environment free from hazards that can cause an injury. If the hotel fails in its duty of care, it can be held liable for any damages arising from an accident. Below are steps you need to take if you are injured in a fall at a hotel.
Steps to Take After a Hotel Slip and Fall Accidents
- Report the Accident Immediately: You need to report the accident to hotel management immediately. To file a claim, you must have a record of the accident. Furthermore, failing to report a slip and fall may result in your claim being denied.
- Seek Medical Attention: You need to go to the doctor right away. If you are not transported to the emergency room from the hotel, see your physician the next day. Any delay in seeking medical care can be used against you to argue you are not as severely injured as you claim. Furthermore, immediate medical attention is best for your health and well-being. Never assume you are not injured — some injuries may take a few hours to a few days to present symptoms. It is always in your best interest to see a doctor immediately after a fall.
- Document the Accident Scene: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene before being transported to the emergency room. It is important to document the accident scene just how it appeared at the time of your fall. Because surveillance video can also be important, contact a slip and fall attorney immediately so he can send a formal notice to the hotel to preserve and provide a copy of the video. In addition, preserve the clothing and shoes you were wearing in case your attorney needs them as evidence.
- Eyewitnesses: Eyewitness testimony is extremely valuable in a hotel slip and fall case. Make a note of the names and contact information for anyone who witnessed what happened when you fell.
Call a Fresno Slip and Fall Attorney
A hotel slip and fall case can be complex. You are going up against a large corporation, its attorneys, and its insurance carrier. Each party wants to pay you as little as possible to settle your claim. You need a legal team on your side who will fight for your right to recover full compensation for your injuries.
A hotel slip and fall injury can result in permanent disabilities that alter your life forever. Your injuries can also result in thousands of dollars in damages, including medical bills, long-term personal care, and lost wages. You need an experienced legal team to present a compelling case on your behalf.