The Most Common Spring Break Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Spring Break is in full swing in South Florida. And despite the CDC’s non-essential travel warning, more than a million people have traveled through U.S. airports daily for the last 11 days in a row. Many of these travelers have headed to the South Florida beaches for Spring Break. After days of mass crowds gathering along Ocean Drive, City officials took action.  A curfew was implemented after a series of tragic incidents occurred in the area: A 27-year-old was shot and killed in South Beach. A woman was found dead in a hotel room, after she was allegedly drugged and raped. Last Friday night, the Miami Beach police chief said gunshots were fired and crowds ran through the streets. In our latest blog, we discuss the most common Spring Break accidents and injuries.

1. Alcohol-related injuries. Alcohol poisoning, alcohol-fueled altercations, and drunk driving accidents are at the top of the list for the most common spring break injuries. Binge drinking is a serious problem that puts students at risk for injury and even death. College students need to know their limits when it comes to drinking and should call 911 or go to an emergency room if they suspect they have alcohol poisoning. Other advice for spring breakers is to drink responsibly, don’t accept drinks from strangers, and never leave your drink unattended.
2. Slip and Fall injuries. Whether grabbing a bite to eat at a restaurant, leaving your hotel room and walking through the hotel lobby, or enjoying a drink at one of the local bars, these establishments have a duty of care to ensure that their premises are safe for all guests and to prevent all ‘reasonably foreseeable’ accidents whenever possible. If you were injured as a result of a property owner’s negligence, you may have a premises liability case. Some of the most common accidents that occur on a hotel premises involve 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. Hotel management is expected to regularly inspect flooring to ensure that all hazards are removed, and water or other liquids are cleaned up as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of a slip and fall accident.  
3. Assaults on Hotel Premises. It is common, as well, for assaults, including physical or sexual, to occur while on the hotel property. Many guests will assume that they are safer than they actually are, and criminals often know that hotel guests, especially young spring break travelers, are vulnerable and easy targets.  Always stay with a group of friends and keep an eye on one another. If the hotel does not provide the proper level of security, they can be held liable for injuries. However, adding alcohol to the situation, sexual assaults can occur, as well, which unfortunately happen more often than they are reported.
4. Injuries and Accidental Drownings at Hotel Swimming Pools. Swimming pools can become extremely dangerous due to the slippery surfaces surrounding them. When combined with excessive alcohol- injuries, accidents, even death can result. 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. Many hotels post notices that the guests are swimming at their own risk, this notice is not always enough to protect the hotel if the hotel does have reason to believe people will be drinking while swimming or that children will be at the pool, the hotel is expected to put appropriate safeguards in place to protect those using the pool.

Other Injuries  These specific incidents are only a select handful of what other injuries can occur on Spring Break. Other incidents can include some of the following:

• Burns from scalding water in the hotel room, such as from the shower or the hotel sink;
• Food poisoning from hotel-supplied food;
• Injuries from broken furniture in the room or hotel common areas; and
• Bed bugs. 

If you or someone you know have been injured while on Spring Break in Florida, and you are concerned about your rights, you are encouraged to contact Miami-based Aronfeld Trial Lawyers. When selecting a lawyer- ask them about their qualifications and experience in claims against hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants.  Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer and our firm, Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has successfully represented people and their families in personal injury claims since 1991.  We offer free consultations at your home, office, hotel, or hospital. Our attorneys and support staff are available to speak with you 24-hours a day, 7-days a week at 1-866-597-4529 or email newcase@aronfeld.com.