The state of Maryland borders the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Because of this, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. To accommodate these tourists, the state has many hotels for guests to come and stay while they visit. When people come to stay at a hotel, they trust that their safety is in the best interest of the hotel owners as well as the staff they employ. However, accidents can happen anywhere, even in a hotel. While sometimes, they are simply accidents, other times they may occur if the hotel does not provide a secure environment for their guests. Hotel owners and their staff are required to conduct routine inspections and proper safety procedures to ensure they are running a safe hotel. If they fail to do so, people can become seriously injured. It is important to seek legal representation if you become injured due to a hotel’s negligence.

Types of Hotel Accidents

In such a popular state such as Maryland and the capital, Washington D.C., hotels can become very busy. To keep these guests happy and entertained, hotels offer several different amenities. If hotels fail to keep up with the proper maintenance to care for these amenities, guests can be put at risk for accidents and injuries. There are several ways an accident can happen in a hotel. This may include:

  • Stairwell accidents
  • Elevator/escalator accidents
  • Defective gym equipment
  • Unsafe buildings and walkways
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Food poisoning
  • Inadequate security on the premises

Negligence

Property owners have an obligation to take care of their grounds so that it is safe for visitors. This is also required for hotels, as they are required to meet a certain standard of care to ensure the safety of their guests. This requires that owners and their staff repair or remove any hazards on their grounds. They must also notify guests of any unfixed hazards, train the hotel staff for all emergency and safety procedures, as well as hire proper security for the grounds. If this standard is not met, the hotel may be held accountable for any injuries that occur as a result of their negligence.

When a person wants to hold a hotel responsible for their injuries, they must prove the establishment was negligent in providing a safe environment. In order to do this, they must satisfy the “burden of proof.” This requires the injured to gather evidence that proves the hotel was aware of, or should have been aware of, the conditions that caused the injury and did not fix it. Evidence for a case may include medical documentation of the injury, security footage from the hotel, pictures of the hazard, or any witnesses.

Contact our Firm

If you or someone you know was injured due to hotel negligence and wish to seek legal representation, contact the Law Offices of Timian & Fawcett, LLC. today.

If you are in this situation, it is important to discuss this situation with an attorney. The attorneys at Timian & Fawcett, LLC provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.