Premises Liability and Hotel Accidents in Miami Beach
Spring Break is right around the corner, which means an influx of tourists will soon be flocking to popular destinations like South Beach and Miami, Florida. While this time of year brings a boost to the local economy, it’s also a time where accidents and injuries increase, oftentimes at Miami Beach hotels. In fact, some of the worst accidents can happen to spring break travelers while on hotel property.
Here are some of the most common injuries and accidents at hotels.
- Injuries at swimming pools. Swimming pools can become dangerous due to the slippery surfaces surrounding them. If the hotel does not maintain the surface surrounding the pool or provide lifeguards, and a hotel guest is injured, the hotel can find itself legally responsible.
- Slip and Falls. These injuries can happen when a difference in flooring exists, when floors are uneven or cracked, or when rubber mats are bunched at the entrances to the hotel.
- Railing Falls. Intoxicated guests and balconies do not mix. Falls over railings on balconies have led to numerous serious injuries, as well as deaths, and it is for this reason that Florida law has requirements on public lodging establishments for railing height and inspections.
- Assaults on hotel premises. It is common for assaults, both physical and sexual, to occur on hotel property. Many guests assume that they are safer than they are, and criminals often know that hotel guests, especially young spring break travelers, are vulnerable and easy targets.
- Injuries from broken furniture & poorly maintained appliances in guest rooms and hotel common areas. This can include in the hotel lobbies, hallways, meeting rooms, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants and breakfast areas.
Because hotel guests are considered “invitees,” they are entitled to be protected from all reasonably foreseeable harm. Hotel owners and operators must provide reasonable protection to their guests and visitors.
Hotels must keep their parking lots, lobbies, restaurants, bars, and guest rooms free from slippery substances which can cause a fall.
Hotel accidents frequently occur when a guest is injured getting in and out of the bathtub. Therefore, hotel and motels should always use slip-resistant tubs, showers, flooring, rugs, and grab bars.
In addition to local building codes, Florida’s hotels are also required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA is designed to provide easy and safe access to hotels and public buildings for those living with disabilities.
For example, the ADA requires that all bathrooms be safely utilized by people with disabilities and be equipped with specifically designed shower stalls, bathtubs, and toilet seats.
Florida’s hotels and motels must adhere to specific laws. As a lawyer who sues Miami hotels and resorts I am surprised by the number of calls I receive daily about slip and falls. Most falls occur in South Beach hotel bathrooms both in the guest rooms and in lobbies.
Hotel owners and operators must provide reasonable protection to their guests and visitors. In Florida, every hotel and motel must use reasonable care and keep their property safe, clean, and well maintained. If you have suffered injuries at a Miami Beach hotel or motel while on Spring Break, you have the right to pursue financial compensation. Our Miami hotel injury lawyers have over 30 years of experience representing injured persons and their families in Florida hotel and motel accidents. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 1-866-597-4529 or email [email protected] about your potential claim. Our attorneys and support staff are available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
