Seattle Hotel Premises Liability Attorneys
Some hotels are nicer than others. But even when you are staying at a basic budget motel, you still have certain reasonable expectations regarding the condition of your room and the surrounding property. Indeed, all hotel operators have a duty under Washington law to keep their premises in reasonably safe condition for paying customers and other persons with a legitimate reason to be on the property.
Nevertheless, accidents can and do happen. And if your injury was the result of some negligent or reckless act by a hotel employee, you may have the right to receive legal compensation for your losses. A qualified lawyer can review your case and advise you of your options. At the Emerald Law Group, we represent many individuals like yourself whose injuries were the result of a hotel operator’s failure to uphold their legal obligations.
Hotels Must Take Reasonable Steps to Protect Guests
No business, not even a hotel, is required to absolutely guarantee the safety of their paying customers at all times. The law only imposes a duty of reasonable care with respect to safety. In broad terms, this means the following:
- The hotel must take proactive steps to identify and remedy any hazard or dangerous situation created by its own staff. For example, if a hotel employee is cleaning a floor, they must ensure there are no unmarked wet spots where a patron could slip and fall.
- When notified of a dangerous condition, the hotel must take steps to correct the problem within a reasonable amount of time. Hotel management must also have some policies in place to inspect the property for problems before they potentially injure someone.
- Hotel staff must make reasonable efforts to keep patrons away from potential dangers. For example, a hotel pool should be locked and kept secure when closed to the public.
- A hotel must take reasonable steps to protect their guests against potential criminal acts. This includes installing and maintaining security systems and restricting access during overnight hours. Similarly, a hotel needs to comply with all relevant building codes with respect to issues like fire suppression and prevention systems.
If you have been injured while on a hotel’s property, do not assume that the hotel will automatically accept responsibility for your damages. In some cases the hotel’s management or insurance company may offer you a quick settlement in exchange for keeping quiet and signing a waiver of your right to sue. But it is always in your best interest to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney first.
Contact Emerald Law Today
A hotel accident can do more than just ruin your vacation or business trip. It can leave you with serious physical and emotional injuries that require extended professional care and rehabilitation. So if your accident was the result of negligence on the part of the hotel or its staff, you should not hesitate to work with a skilled Seattle hotel premises liability lawyer in seeking appropriate compensation. Contact the Emerald Law Group today to schedule an initial consultation.
