Hotel and Motel Accidents

People traveling for business and leisure often stay in hotels and motels in Pensacola. Travelers generally expect their accommodations to be safe and comfortable, but not all businesses take the measures required to protect their customers, and many people are injured in hotel and motel accidents each year. People who suffer harm due to the negligence of hotel and motel owners have the right to pursue damages and should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The assertive Pensacola premises liability lawyers of Cardoso Law, PLLC, are well-versed in what it takes to prove negligent property owners should be held accountable for the losses they cause, and if you engage our services, we will advocate zealously on your behalf. We regularly represent people in claims against hotels and motels in Pensacola and other cities throughout Florida.

Many types of accidents can occur at hotels and motels, but some happen more frequently than others. For example, spills, leaks, and water from pools or inclement weather will often create slippery conditions on the floors of lodging establishments, leading to slip and fall incidents. Similarly, if there are uneven areas in the floors or parking lots, decaying pavement or concrete in steps or parking lots, lifted rugs or tiles, or other tripping hazards can cause people to lose their footing and fall. In some cases, a hotel or motel will lack adequate security, and a guest or visitor will fall victim to criminal behavior such as an assault or robbery.

Parties hurt in hotel and motel accidents may be able to recover damages from the parties that own or operate the establishments via premises liability lawsuits. Generally, a plaintiff in a lawsuit arising out of harm suffered on someone else’s property will allege the defendant acted negligently. In Florida, establishing negligence requires a plaintiff to show a duty owed by the defendant and a breach of the duty. Typically, in a premises liability case, the duty owed will be to make sure a property is reasonably safe for all legal entrants. In certain situations, the plaintiff may be required to prove the defendant had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition that caused his or her harm. In other words, that the defendant either knew or should have known of the hazard and removed or repaired it but did not.

In addition to establishing duty and a breach, a plaintiff has to show that the breach caused the actual harm. In other words, the plaintiff must prove that his or her injuries would not have occurred if the defendant had upheld its duty. While the defendant’s breach does not have to be the sole cause of the losses suffered, it must be a substantial factor in bringing them about.

If the judge or jury deems a defendant in a case arising out of hotel or motel accident liable, the plaintiff may be awarded damages for the cost of any medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, out-of-pocket expenses, and if the plaintiff was unable to work, lost wages. In many cases, the plaintiff will also recover compensation for the emotional and mental harm, pain, and trauma caused by the accident.

People should be able to visit hotels and motels without sustaining injuries, but if hotel and motel owners fail to uphold their duties, harmful accidents are likely to occur. If you were hurt in an accident at a hotel or motel, it is smart to meet with an attorney to discuss your potential claims. The experienced Pensacola attorneys of Cardoso Law, PLLC, can assess the circumstances surrounding your accident and gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a successful result. We have an office in Pensacola, and we frequently represent people hurt in accidents in Pensacola, Ferry Pass, Brent, Cantonment, Bellview, Century, Milton, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, West Pensacola, Jay, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville. We help people pursue claims in other cities throughout Florida as well, including several in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. You can reach us via the form online or at (850) 466-2073 to set up a conference.