Slip and Falls at Resorts

Arriving at a resort should mark the beginning of rest and relaxation for most travelers. Hotel guests do not plan on visiting an emergency room as part of their trip. Unfortunately, for some individuals, slipping and falling at a hotel can lead to serious physical injuries ruining their vacation and leading to an unexpected hospital trip.

Common Slip and Fall Accidents

Many hotels have pools or other outdoor entertaining areas, which can become the site of a slip and fall accident. Specialty resorts often have ski-lifts or other sports areas that must be properly maintained. And, retail shopping spaces, such as gift shops or small food markets, are other locations where slips and falls regularly take place. Some of the most common slip and fall accidents at hotels are caused by:

• Poorly maintained pool decks or diving boards
• Icy ski lifts or poorly maintained ski trails
• Icy walkways and parking lots
• Uneven flooring or worn carpeting
• Wet floors from plumbing leaks
• Improperly lit hallways
• Poorly maintained stairways, including stairs without handrails
• Spills in restaurants, gift shops, and food markets

Any failure of a resort to warn guests of dangerous conditions or to keep their premises safe can be a potential cause of a slip and fall accident.

Resulting Injuries

Slip and falls can cause a wide range of injuries. Many individuals suffer serious sprains, bruising, and broken bones following a slip and fall. Others experience internal bleeding, concussions, and other types of traumatic brain injuries. Devastating spinal cord injuries, including paralysis, can result in lifelong disabilities and require years of expensive medical treatment. In some cases, an individual’s injuries may not be apparent right away. Individuals should closely monitor their physical condition for any delayed pain resulting from a slip and fall.

Potential Liability

Resorts and hotels have a duty to safely maintain their premises. If they fail to address a slippery or wet condition leading to an accident, these entities can face legal liability for their negligence. To prove negligence, the injured person must demonstrate that the hotel knew or should have known about the potentially hazardous condition and failed to correct the situation. Courts often look at whether it was reasonably foreseeable to the resort that its actions could cause the accident to occur.

Preserving Claims

Under Pennsylvania law, slip and fall claims must be brought within two years of the accident. Individuals injured in a slip and fall accident at a resort should contact an experienced premises liability lawyer who can protect their legal rights. Taking photographs of the area where the accident occurred, gathering contact information for any witnesses to the accident, and immediately reporting the injury to the resort are important steps in preserving legal claims. Always keep copies of any accident or medical reports related to the accident and resulting injuries.

Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Help Individuals Injured in Resort Slip and Fall Accidents

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident at a hotel or resort, contact the experienced Philadelphia premises liability lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP.  Located in Philadelphia, Reading, Bethlehem, and Lancaster, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Allentown and Harrisburg. To schedule a free consultation today, call us at 800-222-8792 or submit an online inquiry form.