Maison Law skillfully represents victims of hotel accidents throughout Visalia and the rest of Tulare County. We understand how traumatic it can be to face a hotel-related accident when you are seeking a night of comfort and relaxation. We also believe in holding responsible parties accountable for the harm that you have suffered after one of these accidents. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a no-obligation case consultation so that we can get started on your claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Visalia Hotel Accident?
When you have suffered from minor injuries and property damage in an accident, you will likely be able to handle your personal injury claim on your own. However, if you are seriously injured and believe that another party is to blame for your accident, it can be wise to speak with a skilled Visalia hotel accident lawyer about your next steps.
Handling medical bills and lost time at work can have a huge impact on your life. On top of this, the insurance company will likely offer you much less than you deserve or try to pin the blame for your accident entirely on you. You should always have your case taken seriously, which is why having an attorney on your side can be beneficial. They can take an aggressive approach to your claim and speak with witnesses, as well as gather useful evidence that will help you maximize the compensation you receive following an accident.
What Types of Hazards Cause Injuries at Visalia Hotels?
A “duty of care” is owed to all hotel owners and operators within Visalia and the rest of California. This means that they are supposed to stay aware of any hazards and repair them as soon as they pop up inside a hotel so that visitors are not harmed.
There are some types of accidents that commonly occur in Visalia that leave owners liable for damages:
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: There are many types of hazards that can lead to slip-and-falls, from food spills to water being tracked across a lobby. Hazards even exist in a parking lot, such as potholes.
- Stair Hazards: Stairways in hotels may not be properly maintained, which can cause a victim to tumble if the stairs crumble or become slippery.
- Pool Hazards: Pools can be inherently dangerous and drowning incidents can occur within seconds. Staff should be trained for pool emergencies to prevent these horrific incidents.
- Bug Hazards: After exposure to bed bugs, people can become sick. Infestations should be eradicated when they are discovered by a hotel.
- Burns: Visitors at hotels can receive burns due to faulty wiring, overheated water, and many other dangers.
- Assaults: There should always be adequate security inside hotels, especially when crime rates are high in an area. An assault can happen within seconds when there is a lack of security.
Who Can I Sue After a Hotel Accident?
As stated previously, owners and operators of Visalia hotels are supposed to show a “duty of care” to anybody who is staying at their property. This includes repairing hazards when they become known and working to prevent certain hazards in the first place. When a hotel has acted in a negligent manner and somebody is injured, they have the right to sue the hotel company so that they can obtain financial recovery.
Aside from owners and operators, there are certain situations where other parties such as staff members or another guest could be liable for the accident. If you are assaulted by another guest, the guest and the hotel could share liability if there was no security present at the hotel. Speaking with a lawyer can help you determine who is liable so that you can successfully move forward with a claim.
What To Do Following a Hotel Accident
Many hotels are large companies and, as such, they are offered protection by big-name insurance companies and attorneys. By taking some important steps, you can ensure that your rights and well-being are protected after a hotel accident. These include the following:
- Call 911 so that you can get checked out for injuries and receive further treatment at a hospital.
- Get photos and videos at the scene of the accident showing any hazards that were present, as well as the injuries you sustained.
- Alert a hotel manager about what caused your accident and fill out an incident report so that it is on file.
- Receive surveillance of the accident if it is available.
- Talk to any witnesses who were present at the scene and ask them what they saw.
- Receive any follow-up care from your doctor.
How Much Compensation is Available After a Visalia Hotel Accident?
Every personal injury claim is different, which means that it is impossible to put a dollar amount on your case. However, an attorney can give you a good idea of what damages may be available for you in the midst of your claim. Here are some of the damages that may be available to you after an accident at a hotel:
- Medical expenses and those you may incur in the future
- Lost wages and future loss of earnings due to missed time at work
- Therapy-related costs
- Pain and suffering
- Travel costs to and from your medical appointments
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages if gross negligence was at play
In Visalia, you have two years from the time of your injury to file a personal injury claim before you are barred from recovery under California’s statute of limitations. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident can ensure that your rights are being protected properly.
Contact a Visalia Hotel Accident Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you love has been hurt in an accident at a Visalia hotel, you may be feeling alone and confused about your options. You may also have a variety of questions that you cannot answer on your own.
Having an experienced Visalia premises liability lawyer on your side can ensure that your rights are being protected after a serious accident at a hotel. We will safeguard your claim and ensure that you receive maximum compensation during these difficult times. We will also ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for the harm you have suffered. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information, as well as a free consultation.
