Hotel accidents in New Jersey can cause serious injuries, astronomical medical bills, and long-term physical limitations. Unfortunately, hotel accidents are more common than you may think, often resulting from unsafe conditions on the property, negligent management, or inadequate security. Hotel accident claims in Middlesex County often involve premises liability claims, hazards, and maintenance failures. Read on and speak with our experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys to learn more about hotel accidents and how we can help you if you’ve been harmed in one.
What Causes New Jersey Hotel Accidents?
Hotels offer a wide range of services and amenities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and more. This is on top of various additional features to make life at the hotel easier, including elevators, escalators, and more. That being said, hotel management and staff in Edison, Piscataway, Middlesex County, and throughout New Jersey are responsible for ensuring everything is regularly maintained and safe for all to use. When they fail to do so, serious accidents and injuries can occur as a result.
Common Causes of Hotel Accidents in New Jersey
- Defective and broken furniture
- Wet floors
- Slip and fall hazards
- Swimming pool and hot tub accidents
- Stairway accidents
- Food poisoning
- Improperly secured fixtures, like lighting and signs
- Inadequate security
- Parking lot accidents
- Gym equipment accidents
How Hotel Negligence Can Lead to Injuries
Hotels may face liability for failure to:
- Inspect the property for unsafe conditions
- Repair known hazards within a reasonable amount of time
- Warn guests of known unsafe conditions
- Provide proper lighting and adequate security
- Properly maintain pools, gyms, spas, and other common areas
- Train staff to identify and respond to dangerous conditions
- Adhere to state health and safety regulations
Common Hotel Accident Injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations and contusions
- Foodborne illness complications
- Sprains and strains
What Should I Do If I am Injured in a New Jersey Hotel?
If you are injured in a hotel accident, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath can have a considerable impact on the outcome of your case. Not only can this impact your physical health and wellbeing, but it can also impact the strength of your claim and subsequent compensation. As such, preserving evidence and documenting unsafe conditions are often critical in a New Jersey premises liability claim.
Immediate Steps to Take After a New Jersey Hotel Accident
- Call emergency services and request medical assistance, even if you feel okay or injuries seem minor
- Notify hotel management and request that an incident report be filed
- Obtain a copy of the report before leaving the scene
- Take photos and videos of the unsafe conditions
- Preserve evidence, including damaged items, medical records, and receipts
- Gather the names and contact information of witnesses
- Contact an experienced Middlesex County personal injury attorney
Mistakes to Avoid After a Hotel Accident
- Do not fail to report the injury
- Do not assume the hotel will retain evidence
- Do not discuss the accident on social media
- Do not delay medical care
- Do not provide recorded statements to insurers without discussing matters with an attorney
Can I Pursue Legal Action After a New Jersey Hotel Accident?
Under New Jersey premises liability law, hotels have a duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for guests and other lawful visitors on the property. As such, if a hotel owner or staff fail to conduct necessary inspections or repairs, injured guests may be eligible to recover compensation.
What Must Be Proven in a Hotel Accident Claim?
In order to successfully pursue compensation, an injured party must generally show:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The hotel knew or should have known about the hazard
- The hazard was neither repaired nor reasonably addressed
- The hazard directly caused your injuries
- You suffered measurable damages as a result of the injuries
How Long Will I Have to Sue a Hotel Owner for an Injury in New Jersey?
After an injury sustained in a hotel accident, you will have to file your personal injury claim within the state’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is two years. You must not file your claim any later than two years from the date of your accident, for if you do, you will most likely be permanently barred from suing.
Contact Our Experienced Middlesex County Personal Injury Firm
If you have suffered an injury in a Middlesex County hotel, you may face expensive medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages as a result of someone else’s negligence. At Stathis & Leonardis, LLC, we are dedicated to helping you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. When you need legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact our firm today.
