Hotel injury claims in Maryland typically require the injured party to prove duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages by utilizing evidence like medical records, incident reports, and documentation of hazardous conditions on the premises. Unfortunately, hotel accidents are not as uncommon as you may believe, which is why it’s critical to connect with Baltimore County hotel accident attorneys to help discuss your circumstances in further detail. The following blog explores what you should know about your matters, including the injuries most commonly sustained at hotels, as well as the steps involved in seeking compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
What Kind of Injuries Can I Sustain at a Maryland Hotel?
Unfortunately, there are quite a few injuries you may sustain while in a hotel due to the number of hazards. Generally, one of the most common accidents in hotels is a slip and fall. Typical hazards that commonly cause someone to slip, trip, or fall in hotels include uneven flooring, unanchored carpeting, unmarked wet spots on the ground, unshoveled snow on walkways, or unsafe stairs. Slips and falls can result in serious harm, like broken bones, neck and back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even internal organ damage.
You may find that you can sustain injuries while using the hotel amenities as well. This includes hotel swimming pool or gym injuries. You can sustain serious harm if you are injured while utilizing broken or defective gym or pool equipment. Unfortunately, if the pool area is not well-maintained, injuries like drowning are a possibility. Gym injuries can include severe strains, sprains, broken bones, and even blunt force trauma from heavy equipment falling.
It’s important to understand that you can also sustain injuries as a result of falling signage, broken or defective elevators, poor security, and a lack of fire safety measures.
Common Causes of Maryland Hotel Accidents
- Slip and fall hazards (wet floors, uneven surfaces)
- Inadequate security, leading to assault, theft, or crowd rush injuries
- Insufficient lighting in parking lots, hallways, and stairwells
- Defective, broken, or worn furniture
- Unsafe fixtures
- Escalator or elevator malfunctions
- Swimming pool accidents
- Unsanitary conditions, like unsafe kitchen preparation or bed bugs
- Loose carpets, broken stairs, or debris left on the ground
- Lack of adequate inspections and subsequent repairs
- Failure to warn about known hazards
How Do I File a Claim for Negligence?
To file an injury claim following a hotel accident in Maryland, you must show that the hotel was negligent. Typically, this means you must demonstrate that the liable party failed to maintain safe premises and that this ultimately caused your injuries.
If you have been injured in a hotel, it’s critical to understand your legal options. In general, you’ll find that to find a hotel negligent for your injuries, four elements must be true. The first element you must be able to show is that the hotel owed you a duty of care, they breached their duty, that negligence is the basis of your injuries, and you sustained direct damages as a result of the injuries sustained.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hotel Injury
- Report the accident to hotel management
- Call 911 if sustained injuries are serious
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor or you feel fine
- Take photos and videos of the scene, including the hazard or conditions that caused the accident, and your visible injuries
- Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses present
- File an incident report with the hotel and request a copy before leaving
Who Can Face Liability for Hotel Accidents in Maryland?
Determining liability for a hotel accident is critical for a Maryland personal injury claim. In most instances, the owner of the hotel will face liability, but other parties may also be partially responsible, depending on the circumstances under which you were injured.
Potentially Liable Parties
- Hotel owners or management companies
- Maintenance contractors who performed negligent or inadequate repairs
- Security companies
- Third-party vendors, like parts distributors, gym equipment manufacturers, or furniture suppliers
In general, liability ultimately depends on who controlled or failed to remedy the hazard. As such, multiple parties can face liability for damages under certain circumstances.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Maryland?
If you have suffered an injury in Towson, Hampton, Randallstown, or any other location in or around Baltimore County, understanding the timeframe you have to pursue a claim against the negligent party is critical. Under Maryland law, those who are injured due to the negligence of another person will have three years from the date on which the accident occurred to pursue a claim. Failure to file within the three-year statute of limitations can result in a permanent bar on your recovery.
Contact an Experienced Baltimore County Personal Injury Attorney
If you are interested in seeking compensation for the damages you’ve sustained, it’s critical to understand the importance of working with an experienced Baltimore County attorney to help you file a claim. Unfortunately, the hotel will likely try to dispute your claims, which can be frustrating to navigate. However, working with an experienced attorney can help you through this process and recover the compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi, our team is dedicated to assisting you through these difficult times. When you have been injured in Maryland and need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.