Premises Liability Lawsuits in Virginia – Hotel Injuries

Premises Liability Lawsuits in Virginia – Hotel Injuries

Premises Liability Lawsuits in Virginia – Hotel Injuries

Hotels are plentiful, easy to find, and offer numerous amenities to the tired traveler. When you walk through those doors as a guest, you expect your stay to be reasonably safe. Unfortunately, not all hotels take their responsibility to keep guests safe seriously. When a hotel or property owner fails in this responsibility, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. However, holding careless property owners responsible for their actions can be complicated.

At Deering Hedrick, attorneys Mike Deering and Chris Todd Hedrick have dedicated their careers to helping accident victims recover the money they deserve. When a hotel fails to protect the safety of a guest, that guest deserves compensation for their injuries. That guest also deserves justice. Our legal team is ready to hold careless property owners accountable and give you peace of mind knowing you are being taken care of during this challenging and stressful time.

Have you been injured on hotel property? Discuss your case with the legal team at Deering Hedrick today. Contact us today to speak with a hotel accident lawyer in Virginia Beach.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability falls under the umbrella of personal injury cases. Generally, when a careless party causes an accident, that party can be held liable for the resulting injuries. Premises liability cases follow a similar logic. They seek to hold careless property owners responsible when their actions or inactions cause an accident on their premises. 

Property owners are responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe for visiting guests. Neglecting their duty to maintain a safe environment can lead to tragic accidents and life-altering injuries. 

Types of Accidents that Can Happen at a Hotel

When not maintained, hotels can pose several unique safety hazards for guests. Slip-and-fall accidents may be one of the most common types of premises liability accidents at hotels, but they are not the only safety hazard for guests and visitors. Injuries can also happen because of the following:

  • Falls
  • Elevator accidents
  • Escalator accidents
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Drownings
  • Burns from faulty or outdated electric cords or appliances
  • Food poisoning
  • Inadequate security measures
  • Negligent security

Failing to perform basic maintenance and upkeep can lead to a traumatic accident, turning a fun trip away from home into a nightmare.

Common Injuries Caused by Hotel Accidents

Premises liability accidents at hotels can cause a wide range of injuries. A slip-and-fall accident may lead to broken bones, while inadequate security can lead to assaults and other violent crimes. Poorly maintained swimming pools are also a common source of tragic hotel accidents. Without proper signage or maintenance, pool accidents can cause a concussion, broken bones, and even paralysis.

A few of the most common injuries caused by hotel accidents include:

  • Concussion
  • Broken bones
  • Paralysis and spinal injuries
  • Drowning
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Burns
  • Contusions
  • Lacerations

Significant injuries can also lead to the development of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. When inadequate security measures lead to an assault, a victim may also suffer mental trauma and develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Who is Responsible for an Accident at a Hotel?

Hotels provide a service to weary guests and travelers. A hotel may be liable for the resulting injuries when it fails to keep these patrons safe from hazards. As a guest, you have the right to expect the facility keeps you out of harm’s way or alerts you to potential risks.

Hotels have a duty to keep you safe during your stay. Failing to live up to this duty means they may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries. However, the burden of proving your case rests on your shoulders. You need substantial evidence to demonstrate the hotel violated its duty of care and that the owner knew or should reasonably have known about the dangerous conditions present on the property. Evidence that may help strengthen your case includes:

  • Police report
  • Witness statements
  • Photographs or videos of the scene
  • Medical records

An attorney can help you gain access to the evidence you need before it can be lost or destroyed.

You should also keep in mind that Virginia follows the contributory negligence rule in personal injury cases. This rule dictates that if you are in any way responsible for causing an accident, you are barred from recovering compensation in court. That means if you are found to be just 1 percent at fault for a hotel accident, you cannot receive compensation for your injuries. The contributory negligence rule binds court decisions and influences how an insurance adjuster may value a claim. After an accident at a hotel, it is vital you get in touch with an attorney who knows how to disprove any fault on your part.

Compensation from a Premises Liability Case

Every hotel premises liability case is unique. The value of yours depends on numerous factors. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine how much you could be owed. In general, you can seek money for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

There are cases where punitive damages may be appropriate. Punitive damages do not compensate you for actual financial losses. They are a form of civil punishment to discourage wrongdoing for gross negligence or malicious behavior. A knowledgeable premises liability lawyer can help you determine the overall value of your case. 

Injured in a Hotel Accident? Contact Deering Hedrick Today

Were you hurt at a hotel in Virginia Beach? You may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and other related losses. To find out more about your legal rights and how you can hold the negligent hotel accountable, contact Deering Hedrick. Attorneys Mike Deering and Chris Todd Hedrick are committed to helping those in positions like yours seek the money they need to recover from their injuries. 

Set up a consultation with an experienced Virginia Beach hotel accident lawyer today. Contact our office for more information. 

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