The Top 5 Most Common Hotel and Resort Guest Accidents
When you think of hotels in Florida, relaxation and luxury come to mind. However, like most establishments, accidents do occur.
After proving that your hotel injury is the fault of the hotel, you could benefit from a successful personal injury claim. With your personal injury attorney, you could be reimbursed for the medical costs that you paid for treatment after a hotel injury.
Hotel injuries can happen to both guests and staff. Whichever group you belong to, knowing the most common injuries in hotels can help you steer clear of danger.
Read on to learn the top five most common incidents that can lead to a hotel injury in Florida.
1. Slips and Falls
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall incidents are among the most common accidents. The CDC records nearly eight million emergency room visits as a result of slip and fall accidents. Most of these lead to the following injuries:
- Brain trauma
- Fractures
- Bruises
- Dislocated hips and knees
Slips and falls occur everywhere, including hotels. While carpeted areas provide some traction for the feet, slips and falls occur as a result of obstructions. For example, furniture that is in the way can cause a person to lose footing and fall.
2. Burns
Burns can occur in various situations. The most common burns that guests and hotel staff experience are first-degree burns. However, second and third-degree burns can be infectious and even life-threatening depending on the affected area.
Burns can happen to guests whenever they try to use a hotel iron. It can even take place at a buffet table if a guest touches a seemingly cold surface that happens to be hot.
For staff, burns can occur when using an iron or steam press. Hotel chefs could potentially burn themselves while cooking. Electrocution or mild shocks are also a source of burns for both guests and staff.
3. Falls Downstairs
Stairways are ubiquitous in hotels. For this reason, it is no surprise that these areas are also the sites of many injuries. Other than slippery surfaces, stairways also contribute to the total number of fall incidents. In fact, according to the CDC, the number of fall accidents due to uneven surfaces like stairs has risen by 30%.
Unlike simple slip and fall injuries, the injuries from falling down the stairs are more likely to be fatal or debilitating. Usually, falling down the stairs leads to more serious injuries like multiple fractures, spinal cord injury, and even brain trauma.
4. Slips Near Pools
The swimming pool is an attraction of most hotels in Florida and other parts of the country. Often, it is an area where a lot of recreational time is spent. Nonetheless, areas near the swimming pool are often either damp or inundated. The water makes the surface slippery, creating a potentially hazardous environment for children and adults.
Anyone who slips can sustain bruises, fractures, and other injuries involving bones. For children, there is a chance of slipping and falling into a pool, which can lead to drowning.
5. Falls from Defective Furniture
Lastly, falls can be the result of using broken furniture like couches and chairs. When a piece of furniture has damage, its structural integrity may not support the weight of a person. When used, furniture like a chair or a couch can give in, causing the user to fall.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer After Sustaining a Hotel Injury in Florida
Regardless of the type of hotel injury, you need to seek compensation following the accident.
However, Florida is an at-fault state, meaning the burden of proving liability still rests on you. You need an attorney in your corner who specializes in personal injury in the state.
Zimmet and Zimmet have been representing personal injury cases for more than 40 years. Get experienced legal counsel and representation for your personal injury claim. Call us now at Zimmet and Zimmet — for personal injury lawyers you can rely on.
Sources:
- https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/
- https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
