Slip and Fall Accidents at Baltimore Hotels: Who Is Responsible for Guest Safety?
A hotel stay in Baltimore should be a comfortable, worry-free experience. Whether you are visiting for an Orioles game, a conference, or a weekend getaway, the last thing you expect is to be seriously injured on the property.
Unfortunately, slip-and-fall injuries at Baltimore hotels happen more often than most people realize, and when they do, determining who is responsible is not always easy. Our experienced Maryland slip and fall accident lawyers explain how they often occur, who may be liable, and ways to protect your rights in a claim.
Why Slip and Fall Injuries Happen at Baltimore Hotels
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls are a leading cause of injuries in Maryland and throughout the United States, accounting for more than one million hospital visits each year. Hotel guests are particularly vulnerable because they are navigating unfamiliar environments, often while carrying luggage or distracted by the novelty of the surroundings.
Baltimore hotels are busy places that see a lot of foot traffic. Hazards that can result in serious slip and fall injuries include:
- Wet, slippery floors in hotel lobbies and a lack of adequate warning signs.
- Lack of floor mats at hotel entrances and exits.
- Excess clutter in hallways, fitness facilities, and other places.
- Slick, uneven surfaces in pool areas.
- Uneven carpeting, loose flooring, or damaged thresholds in guest rooms.
- Inadequate lighting in parking garages and exterior walkways.
These and other hazards can leave Baltimore hotel guests suffering sprained muscles, broken bones, herniated discs, and other serious personal injuries.
Filing a Claim For Baltimore Hotel Slip and Fall Injuries
When slip and fall injuries happen at Baltimore hotels, they are often due to the negligence of the hotel owner, property manager, cleaning company, or maintenance staff. You have the right to seek compensation, but it’s important to take these steps to protect yourself in a claim:
- Report the accident to hotel management immediately, request that they complete an incident report, and get a copy before you leave.
- Gather evidence at the scene, such as photos of hazards and the names of any witnesses.
- Seek medical care right away, avoid downplaying your injuries, and follow all doctor instructions.
- Get legal help before making any statements to insurers or accepting a settlement offer.
Keep in mind that Maryland’s contributory negligence rule applies in hotel slip and fall cases. Those at fault can dispute liability by claiming your own actions were partly to blame.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Baltimore Slip and Fall Lawyers
A slip and fall injury at a Baltimore hotel can leave you dealing with painful injuries and financial costs for a long time afterward. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we identify those responsible and help you get the compensation you need to recover in a claim.
If you were hurt while visiting a Baltimore hotel or other attractions in the area, don’t wait to seek legal help. Request a consultation with our experienced Maryland slip and fall lawyers today.
Sources:
nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls/slips-trips-and-falls-home?srsltid=AfmBOor2oqe0NDehb8Z_Cdn0JIvW7DQ2nrZ0rQgtr4MsY9HseBcHO4L3
dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf
