Florida is the ideal vacation spot for many, as it offers sandy beaches and tropical climates without the need to obtain a passport. While many hotel stays in and around Panama City are uneventful,  there are, unfortunately, there are a number of ways that hotel accidents can occur. If you were hurt due to the negligence of a hotel owner or staff member, you may want to consider your legal options. Reach out to our firm today to speak with one of our Panama City hotel accident attorneys.

Common Causes of Hotel Accidents in Florida

Hotels, regardless of whether they are beach resorts or economy hotels, generally offer services in addition to a room to sleep in. In most cases, hotels have amenities such as gyms, pools, spas, bars, restaurants, and more. While the goal of these amenities is for the entertainment of guests, they can also be hazardous if they are not properly maintained. Some of the most common hotel accidents are a result of:

Slip and Fall Hazards

  • Slippery floors from cleaning residue
  • Poorly maintained walkways or staircases
  • Cords or debris strewn on the floor
  • Lack of adequate signage

Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Accidents

Inadequate Security

  • Failure to address known security issues or criminal activity
  • Broken locks or access control to the hotel or guest rooms
  • Poor lighting across the property

Defective or Unsafe Property

  • Broken or unsafe furniture
  • Defective or unsafe railings and balconies
  • Malfunctioining locks, doors, or windows

Elevator Accidents

  • Sudden stops or drops
  • Mechanical or electrical failures
  • Failure to conduct standard maintenance

Food-Related Illnesses

  • Improper food storage
  • Unsanitary kitchen and food preparation areas
  • Health department violations

Unsanitary Guest Room Conditions

  • Bed bugs
  • Mold
  • Plumbing issues or water leaks

Florida Law and Hotel Owner Responsibilities

In accordance with Florida law, hotel owners and managers must:

  • Regularly inspect the property for hazards
  • Remedy unsafe conditions or hazards within a reasonable amount of time
  • Provide adequate warning to guests in the event that a condition cannot be fixed immediately
  • Adhere to all state and local laws, including health, safety, and building regulations

It’s important to understand that, due to the nature of these properties, there is a heightened duty of care owed to guests.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Hotel Accidents in Florida

Unfortunately, due to the wide array of hazards that can lead to injury while staying at a hotel in Florida, there are a considerable number of injuries that you may suffer after an accident, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord and back injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Illnesses caused by food poisoning or exposure to mold
  • Respiratory conditions caused by pool chemicals
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Soft tissue injuries

What to Do After a Hotel Accident in Florida

If you have suffered an injury as a guest at a hotel in or around Panama City, whether you are a Florida resident looking for a “stay-cation” or an out-of-towner exploring a new city, it’s critical to take the correct steps to best protect yourself. Unfortunately, failure to take the necessary steps can significantly impact the outcome of your claim and your ability to recover the compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered.

Call 911 Immediately

Following an injury in a Panama City hotel, you should immediately call 911 to request a police presence and emergency medical technicians to the scene. Doing so:

  • Ensures you can receive immediate medical care
  • Creates official police documentation of the incident

Notify Hotel Management

You must also notify hotel management of the accident. This ensures that staff can file an internal incident report, which you should request a copy of. Additionally, it allows employees to remedy the issue so that other guests do not suffer injuries.

Document the Scene

Before management or staff remedies the hazard, however, you should take as many photos and videos of the hazard as possible. This helps create documentation of the issue that caused your injuries.

Collect Witness Information

If any other guests witnessed your accident, you should ask for their:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Brief statement

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay or the injuries you have suffered are seemingly minor, ensuring you seek medical attention is critical for both your health and safety as well as any potential claims you may wish to file in the future. As such, you should request copies of your medical records.

Avoid Providing Statements to Insurance Without Legal Advice

If you are contacted by the insurance company for the hotel, they may seek to minimize or deny your claim. As such, you should avoid speaking with adjusters until you have obtained the services of an experienced attorney.

Proving Negligence in a Florida Hotel Accident Case

In order to recover compensation for damages suffered in a Florida hotel accident, you’ll have to show that all elements of negligence are present.

Proving Negligence

Typically, you must show:

  • The hotel owed you a legal duty of care
  • They breached that duty
  • That breach directly resulted in your injuries
  • You suffered damages as a result of the injuries

Evidence That Could Help Prove Evidence

You may find that the following evidence may assist you in proving negligence on behalf of the hotel owner or staff:

  • Surveillance footage
  • Maintenance and inspection records
  • Medical records
  • Expert testimony

Potential Recoverable Compensation

If you have suffered an injury in a hotel accident in Florida, you may be eligible for the following compensation:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Emotional anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Long-term disability
  • Physical therapy

Contact Our Experienced Florida Firm

Here at Manuel & Thompson, P.A., we understand the potentially devastating effect that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family, which is why we are dedicated to helping all those who’ve been injured due to no fault of their own. Our firm also proudly handles insurance disputes, hurricane claims, fire loss claims, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.