I Slipped on Vacation and Hurt Myself. What Are My Next Steps?
What to Do If You Are Injured on Vacation
Whether you just returned from a summer vacation or are planning a holiday getaway, it can be difficult to know what you should do if you get injured while away. Nobody expects to end up in the hospital while at a resort or hotel, but unfortunately, slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere.
If you slipped on vacation and suffered a serious injury, contact Denlea & Carton at (914) 368-7168 for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys have recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. For over 35 years, we have been helping injury victims get the maximum recovery on their case. Call today to get your case started.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents While on Vacation
Resorts and hotels have a duty to provide a safe premises free from hazards. If you are injured while on a vacation property, the operator or owner may be held liable. In order to determine whether you have a valid claim for damages, you should always consult an attorney.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents at resorts or hotels include:
- Slippery decks around the pool area
- Loose cords
- Obstructed walkways
- Uneven flooring
- Poorly lit stairs
- Bathroom flooring that is not slip-resistant
- Lack of guardrails
What Should I Do First If I Was Injured on Vacation?
Depending on where you vacation, you may be out of the state or far away from your normal doctors and medical providers. It is important that if you are seriously injured, you do not wait to be treated. Seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries.
As noted by the National Floor Safety Institute (NSFI), floors are the leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States. This means that a large portion of slips, trips, or falls result in severe injury.
Should I Accept a Settlement if I Was Injured at a Hotel or Rental?
If a fall occurs while you are a guest at a resort, hotel, or another rental, make sure that you file a report. Making a record of the accident, along with your injuries, may be important to your recovery. Present any medical records regarding your treatment to your attorney.
Soon after your accident, you may be contacted by a representative for the liable party or their insurance company. It is in your best interest to have your case reviewed by an attorney before accepting a settlement. Initial settlement offers will generally be very low, failing to consider the full extent of your injuries.
What Can I Do to Help My Case Be Successful?
If you are able, take pictures of the floor or area where the slip and fall occurred. It is important to document as much information as possible immediately after the accident. Pictures and videos provide convincing evidence of a dangerous condition.
A property manager or owner may try to cover up the condition that caused your accident and injury. In some cases, there may be security footage or eyewitnesses that can verify what happened. Premises liability cases often require an independent investigation to determine who is at fault and what caused the accident.
Can a Hotel Be Liable for My Injury?
In many cases, there may be evidence that the hotel or resort knew about the dangerous condition and failed to make the property safe for guests. If it can be shown that the property owner or operator was aware of the condition and failed to correct it, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries.
A resort or hotel may be held liable for injuries related to a slip and fall if:
- Previous guests had complained in reviews about a slippery pool deck, and the hotel failed to put in slip-resistant decking.
- Despite guests leaving negative comments regarding poor lighting, the hotel did not install new bulbs or fixtures.
- Management was informed of loose cords or wires and failed to remove them or secure them to the floor.
Contact Denlea & Carton for a Free Consultation
Contact our office at (914) 368-7168 for a free consultation. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized representation for injury victims and their families. If you were injured on vacation, you need an attorney you can trust. Don’t settle; get more with Denlea & Carton.
