When you are traveling, whether for work or vacation, staying in a hotel can be exciting. Many people relish the opportunity to relax and enjoy the amenities offered. However, if you are staying at a hotel with negligent security, you can suffer serious injuries as a result. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you should know about your legal options, including the importance of working with Baltimore County inadequate security attorneys to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Under Maryland Law, What Does “Negligent Security” at a Hotel Mean?
Negligent security generally refers to the failure of a property owner, in this case, a hotel, to take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable harm to their guests. Common examples of negligent security include broken locks, a lack of security cameras, untrained security guards, inadequate lighting in stairwells or parking lots, and failure to address prior robberies or assaults.
Hotels in Maryland, under the state’s premises liability law, have a legal duty to provide those on their property with reasonably safe conditions. It’s important to understand that hotel guests are considered invitees under Maryland premises liability law and are thus owed the highest level of protection, which often requires property owners to regularly inspect for and repair hazards on the property. Unfortunately, many hotels may cut corners in an effort to save money or protect their reputation, which ultimately compromises the safety of guests.
What Types of Injuries Can I Sustain?
Unfortunately, negligent and inadequate security can lead to a variety of injuries and subsequent damages. Unfortunately, poor security, such as broken locks or unsecured entryways, can result in physical attacks like assault or sexual assault. This can result in a number of injuries, emotional issues, and even injuries sustained when trying to defend or flee from the attack.
Who Can Face Liability?
In general, a hotel can face liability if you can show that three elements are present following your injuries:
- The hotel owed you the duty of care to provide reasonable security measures
- The hotel breached that duty
- That breach directly resulted in the injuries you suffered and subsequent damages
To gather evidence, you can compile police records showing prior incidents on the property, surveillance footage, and even past maintenance records to show that safety issues were present.
Generally, the property owner or management company of the hotel will face liability, as they are the primary party responsible for ensuring safe conditions on the premises. However, the chain as a whole can face liability in the event that corporate policies
In addition, if the hotel works with a third-party security company, it can face liability in the event that a guard is untrained or negligent.
Sustaining an injury due to negligent security while staying at a hotel can be incredibly overwhelming and traumatic. As such, it is imperative to understand your legal options, which is why working with an attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi is in your best interest. Our dedicated legal team understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why we will examine your circumstances to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn more.