Hotels and resorts are meant to be places of comfort, luxury, and rest. Whether you’re vacationing with your family, attending a business conference, or taking a quick weekend escape, you expect the property to be safe and well-maintained. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen, even in high-end accommodations as a premises liability lawyer can attest.
While many hotel-related injuries are preventable, they often occur because of negligence, poor maintenance, or a lack of proper safety protocols. The more travelers understand about potential hazards, the better they can protect themselves and others. In this article, we’ll explore ten of the most common safety hazards guests encounter at hotels and resorts, along with practical tips and legal insight on what to do if you get injured during your stay.
1. Wet Or Slippery Floors
Slippery surfaces are among the most common causes of hotel injuries. Water tracked in from pools, freshly mopped floors in lobbies, or spilled beverages in restaurants can all lead to falls. If hotels fail to use wet floor signs or don’t clean up spills quickly, guests are at serious risk for broken bones, concussions, or back injuries.
2. Uneven Walkways Or Carpets
Cracked pavement, loose tiles, torn carpeting, and sudden changes in flooring elevation can all pose tripping hazards. Guests unfamiliar with the property may not notice these dangers—especially in dimly lit areas. Hotels are responsible for maintaining walkways and ensuring carpets and flooring are free of defects.
3. Poor Lighting In Stairwells Or Parking Lots
Inadequate lighting is a subtle yet dangerous issue. In stairwells, it can make it difficult to see steps clearly, while in parking areas, poor lighting increases the risk of falls, auto accidents, and even criminal activity. Proper lighting is essential for visibility and safety, especially after dark.
4. Broken Furniture Or Fixtures
Hotels frequently use heavy, commercial-grade furniture. When beds collapse, chairs tip over, or wall-mounted shelves fall, guests can suffer cuts, bruises, or more serious harm. If an item was damaged or poorly installed, the hotel may be found negligent for failing to repair or replace it.
5. Elevator Or Escalator Malfunctions
While rare, mechanical malfunctions in elevators or escalators can cause devastating injuries. Sudden drops, abrupt stops, or faulty doors have all led to serious accidents. These machines require regular inspections and maintenance to meet safety regulations.
6. Pool And Hot Tub Dangers
Pools and hot tubs are often highlights of a resort—but they come with risks. Drowning incidents, slip-and-falls on wet surfaces, or injuries from faulty ladders or pumps can turn a relaxing day into a medical emergency. Missing safety signs or failure to post depth warnings also increase liability risks for hotels.
7. Foodborne Illness
From buffets to room service, hotel kitchens must follow strict health and safety codes. Improper food handling, expired ingredients, or poor hygiene among kitchen staff can result in food poisoning. Illness caused by hotel dining may be grounds for a personal injury or negligence claim.
8. Inadequate Security
Guests expect hotels to provide a safe environment. That includes functional door locks, trained staff, and adequate surveillance in public areas. Inadequate security can contribute to theft, assault, or unauthorized access to guest rooms—especially in high-traffic tourist destinations.
9. Faulty Electrical Outlets Or Appliances
Frayed cords, sparking outlets, or malfunctioning in-room coffee makers and mini-fridges can cause burns, shocks, or fires. Guests should not be exposed to electrical hazards in rooms that are supposed to be inspected between stays.
10. Lack Of Accessibility Features
Guests with disabilities are entitled to safe and accessible accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When hotels lack ramps, grab bars, or accessible restrooms—or if features are broken or improperly installed—they not only violate federal law, but also put guests at risk.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured?
Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to document everything from the moment the incident happens. Here’s a step-by-step guide provided by our friends at Mickey Keenan P.A.:
- Get Medical Attention – Some injuries worsen over time. Visiting urgent care or a hospital ensures you get proper care and creates medical records.
- Report The Incident – Notify hotel staff and request a written report. Be clear and specific about where and how the injury occurred.
- Take Photos – Document the scene, including the hazard, lighting conditions, any missing signs, and your injuries.
- Collect Witness Information – If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and contact info in case you need a statement later.
- Keep Evidence – Save receipts, medical bills, or correspondence with the hotel. If you needed to cut your trip short, that may factor into your claim.
- Speak To An Attorney – Hotel injury cases often involve corporate insurers or franchise owners. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process.
Can A Hotel Be Held Liable?
Yes. Hotels and resorts are considered public accommodations and are held to a high standard of care. They must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their guests. If management knew — or should have known — about a hazardous condition and failed to fix it or provide a warning, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
In legal terms, this falls under premises liability, which covers incidents caused by unsafe or defective property conditions. In some cases, hotels may also be liable under negligent security, product liability (for appliances or food), or ADA noncompliance.
Accidents at hotels and resorts can happen when you least expect them. From slips by the pool to serious elevator malfunctions, the risks are real and often preventable. If you’re hurt while staying at a hotel, the most important thing is to prioritize your health, document the conditions, and consider speaking with a legal professional.
Being informed about the most common hotel hazards can help prevent accidents but when they do occur, knowing your rights matters. For those needing guidance, contact a law office near you.