Hurt in a Hotel in Tennessee?

Nashville Premises Liability Attorney Explains Hotel Negligence Claims

We expect hotels to provide us with a “home away from home” by offering numerous amenities and a comfortable place to stay. Most importantly, however, hotels have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to provide safety and security for guests. This means they are responsible for preventing and/or repairing potential hazards, such as unstable stairs or railings, poorly maintained elevators and unfenced swimming pools. Unfortunately, some hotels are more concerned with turning a profit than providing a safe environment. Negligent hotels may fail to maintain properties or they can be negligent during the hiring process, putting vacationers and other guests at risk for serious hotel accidents. For this reason, guests may be able to file premises liability lawsuits if they suffer injuries due to accidents in hotels.

It can be difficult to determine who is responsible for causing hotel accidents and injuries. The hotel owner, management company and/or negligent staff may all be to blame. Contractors or other businesses hired by hotels may also contribute to injuries or deaths. Nashville premises liability attorney Stanley A. Davis can investigate the circumstances of your accident, whether you live in Tennessee or were injured while visiting from out of town. If hotel negligence caused or contributed to your injuries, then he can represent your interests in a premises liability claim so that you get the compensation you deserve.

What are the Most Common Causes of Hotel Accidents?

There are multiple ways hotel negligence can lead to serious injuries or deaths. Hotels have amenities like gyms, spas, swimming pools and restaurants. Negligent security or staff can make these amenities dangerous for guests. Elevators, escalators, furniture, spills and staircases may also create hazards. Some of the most common causes of hotel accidents include:

• Slipping hazards: Several types of hazards may lead to slip and fall accidents in hotels. For example, if a hotel staff member does not clean up a spill or neglects to put up warning signs for other hazards. Uneven flooring or unsafe staircases may also cause slip and falls.
• Negligent staff: There are many ways negligent staff can cause injuries. For example, if staff fail to maintain gym equipment, stairs or elevators, then a serious fall or other accident may result. Negligent security hired by hotels may also put guests at risk for assault when they fail to do their jobs.
• Faulty equipment: Certain types of equipment found in hotels may cause injuries or even death if there are defects. For example, faulty wiring may create electrocution or fire hazards for guests. Hotels may neglect to fix or replace broken furniture, putting guests at risk for falls.
• Swimming pool negligence: Hotel swimming pools and spas may contain multiple hazards. Slippery surfaces around the edges of pools may cause slip and fall accidents. A lack of drain covers or gates can put small children at risk for dangerous and potentially fatal swimming pool accidents. Hotels that fail to put up “no diving” signs may put guests at risk for spinal cord injuries.

Evidence is crucial for showing the hotel or other parties are responsible for your injuries. Maintenance logs, employee records, video footage and statements from witnesses may help determine fault.

What Happens If I was Hurt in a Tennessee Hotel While Vacationing from a Different State?

If you or loved ones were harmed while staying at a Tennessee hotel from out of state, you may have legal options. However, it is essential to hire an attorney who works in the state your accident occurred, rather than a local lawyer near your home. The advantages of hiring a Tennessee premises liability attorney for your hotel injury claim are:

• Familiarity with Tennessee premises liability laws and other local statutes relevant to your case.
• License to practice law within the state of Tennessee. While it is possible for an out-of-state lawyer to petition the Tennessee courts for permission to represent your claim, this is inadvisable, and there is no guarantee the court will grant the request.
• Ability to gather evidence to support your case. A Tennessee attorney can easily visit the hotel where your accident occurred to gather crucial evidence. Having a lawyer near the accident site also helps cuts down on time and discovery expenses.
• Reputation in the legal community. Having an experienced Tennessee attorney on your side can often help you avoid a lengthy trial. This is especially true if the opposition knows that your lawyer has a reputation for success in the courtroom. For example, Stanley A. Davis has been named one of the most prolific trial lawyers in the state by the Tennessee Jury Verdict Reporter.
• Saves you money. A Tennessee premises liability attorney will not have travel expenses and other costs that an out-of-state lawyer might charge. This allows you to keep more of your verdict or settlement.

In the end, it is far easier for a Tennessee attorney to keep in touch with you, wherever you live, than it is for an out-of-state lawyer to coordinate and represent a Tennessee premises liability claim.

Can I File a Claim as a Hotel Employee?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a premises liability claim if you sustain injuries as a hotel employee. However, usually workers compensation covers injuries and damages due to workplace accidents. For hotel employees, this may include injuries sustained due to assault by a guest or fellow worker. Lack of security at a hotel can create an unsafe work environment, leading to employee injuries.

Attorney Stanley Davis handles workers compensation matters as well as hotel injury lawsuits. If you were hurt as a hotel employee, then he can advise you of all your legal options for compensation.

Hotel Injuries? Call Our Nashville Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Review

If you suffered injuries or lost loved ones due to hotel negligence, you may be able to secure damages through a verdict or settlement. These damages can help pay for lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other short and long-term expenses associated with your accident. However, premises liability claims against hotels are complex. Therefore, it is essential to hire an experienced attorney who understands Tennessee personal injury claims.

Premises liability attorney Stanley A. Davis has dedicated his career to helping others. In a free initial consultation, he can help determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages.

You may contact him by filling out our online form or by calling our Nashville office for a free consultation.