When you browse the vacation brochures and plan your visit to the Sunshine State, you don’t read anything about serious or life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, these accidents occur much more often than people realize.
What’s even more shocking is that it is not just slips, trips, and falls that lead to issues. Some visitors are injured by unchecked carbon monoxide leaks, malfunctioning fire alarms, and similar issues. Regardless of the cause, you have rights if you are injured while staying at a Florida hotel or resort.
In many situations, it is possible to file a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner or manager. However, the laws surrounding this can be complex, so it is recommended that you talk to an experienced personal injury attorney at Fetterman Law.
We understand how quickly an accident and injury can derail what is supposed to be a fun and relaxing vacation. Contact us to learn more about your legal rights and have your questions answered.
Here, you can learn more about the most common hotel and resort injuries, why they occur, and how to protect yourself.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries are among the most frequent personal injury accidents in hotels and resorts. In Florida, these incidents often occur due to wet floors from spilled liquids or recent cleaning and uneven surfaces like cracked tiles or loose carpeting. The climate, with its frequent rain showers, also contributes to slippery conditions.
Legal Implications in Florida
If you’ve been a victim of a slip and fall injury in a Florida hotel or resort, consulting premises liability lawyers is crucial. Florida law mandates that property owners must maintain a safe environment for guests. Hazardous conditions like wet floors or uneven surfaces should be addressed promptly. Failure to do so could make the hotel or resort liable for your injuries.
Preventive Measures for Slip and Fall Injuries
Prevention is critical in reducing the risk of slip and fall injuries. Hotels and resorts should implement rigorous safety checks and maintenance routines to identify and fix any hazards like wet floors and uneven surfaces. Warning signs should be placed around areas that are temporarily hazardous. As a guest, you should exercise caution and report any unsafe conditions to hotel management.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents are especially concerning in Florida, a state known for its warm climate and abundance of pools. Two leading causes include:
- No or limited supervision
- Physical pool defects (i.e., broken tiles, inadequate fencing, etc.)
These issues can lead to slips, falls, and even drowning incidents.
Legal Implications in Florida
Swimming pools are inherently risky. While true, there are steps hotels and resorts can take to improve safety and keep guests from harm. If you are injured while enjoying the pool at your hotel or resort, contact Fetterman Law. The property owner or manager may be liable if proper supervision is not provided or the pool area is not maintained.
Preventive Measures for Swimming Pool Accidents
Hotels and resorts can mitigate the risks of swimming pool accidents by employing certified lifeguards and conducting regular safety inspections. Safety equipment like life rings and pool alarms should be readily available. As a guest, always follow posted pool rules and ensure children are supervised.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is an unfortunate but common issue that guests may encounter at hotels and resorts. In Florida, the leading causes are often improper food storage and contaminated water. Whether it’s buffet items left out for too long or tainted ice, these oversights can lead to serious health consequences for guests.
Legal Implications in Florida
Food poisoning is typically not serious and something you can overcome; however, you may need medical care in some situations. If you incur medical bills or lost wages due to food poisoning from a hotel or resort, it may be possible to file a lawsuit.
Preventive Measures for Food Poisoning
To minimize the risk of food poisoning, hotels and resorts should adhere to food safety protocols, including proper food storage temperatures and regular water testing. As a guest, exercise caution when consuming buffet items or tap water, and report any suspected food safety issues to management immediately.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries in hotels and resorts are often caused by faulty wiring and excessively hot water. From malfunctioning hairdryers to scalding water from faucets, these situations can result in painful and sometimes severe burns.
Legal Implications in Florida
If you’ve suffered a burn injury at a Florida hotel or resort, you may have options for legal recourse. All systems, including the electrical system, should be safe for guests. If you are injured, this is a clear breach of safety standards, which gives you the right to file a lawsuit.
Preventive Measures for Burn Injuries
Regular inspections of electrical systems and water heaters are crucial for preventing burn injuries. Hotels and resorts should also provide clear warnings about hot water in bathrooms.
Test the water temperature before using a tap where you are staying, and beware of outlets or appliances that seem hot or have scorch marks present.
Guests should test water temperatures before use and report any electrical issues to the hotel staff.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevator and escalator accidents are scary. Unfortunately, these are not uncommon and usually occur because the moving components are not checked and maintained. Abrupt stops, malfunctioning doors, and broken buttons may lead to guest injuries.
Legal Implications in Florida
You deserve safe methods to get from place to place in the hotel or resort where you are staying. If an accident and injury occur, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Preventive Measures for Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Hotel and resort operators should adhere to a regular maintenance schedule for elevators and escalators, including professional inspections and immediate repairs of any faults. As a guest, always use caution when entering and exiting these devices, and report any issues to the staff.
Protecting Yourself and Knowing Your Rights in Florida Hotels and Resorts
Planning a trip to Florida is exciting. However, to ensure you enjoy every second of your visit, know the most common injuries that may occur at a hotel or resort. This knowledge may help you keep yourself safe.
If you are injured while staying at a hotel or resort, our legal team is here to help. At Fetterman Law, our attorneys will help you file a claim and recover the compensation you deserve. The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
