Understanding Slip and Fall Cases in Texas Hotels

Many people traveling for work or pleasure will stay in a hotel. For most, a hotel is a place to sleep, relax, and recharge. No one expects to be injured in a slip and fall in a hotel. But, if you were injured due to a slip and fall in a hotel, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Hotels present unique hazards that can lead to slip and fall injuries. Whether it was a slippery surface at the hotel pool, a slip and fall in a hotel bathroom, or a fall in the hotel lobby, you deserve to be compensated if you were injured and the hotel was to blame. The personal injury attorneys at McKinney Vos are here to help.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall claim arises when a dangerous condition causes a person to slip, trip, and fall on someone else’s property. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including by the hotel pool, in the hotel bathroom, walking through the hotel lobby, or in the hotel parking lot.

A slip and fall can cause a variety of injuries ranging from minor bumps and bruises to severe trauma like fractures and broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries. When someone is injured in a slip and fall accident, identifying the cause and determining who was at fault are critical first steps toward obtaining compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of Slip and Falls in Hotels

Slip and fall accidents in hotels are commonly caused by the presence of water or other liquids. Hotel lobbies, pool decks, and bathrooms often have tile, marble, or other smooth flooring that can become slippery when wet. Water or other liquids may be present on the hotel floor due to spills, recent cleaning, or tracked in water due to a recent storm. Leaks, faulty plumbing, and slippery conditions near the pool also contribute to slip and fall accidents.

Understanding Texas Premises Liability Laws

Slip and fall cases in hotels fall under the broad category of premises liability claims. Premises liability laws are based on the principle that a property owner has a duty of care to ensure the safety of its guests. In the context of a slip and fall injury at a hotel, the hotel operator has a duty to regularly inspect the hotel premises for potential hazards, promptly address any safety concerns, and provide an adequate warning to alert guests to any temporary hazards.

If a hotel fails to meet their duty and someone is injured, the hotel may be liable for any damages that result.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Texas Slip and Fall Claim?

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident at a hotel, you may wonder whether you should hire a personal injury lawyer. The personal injury attorneys at McKinney Vos have years of experience representing people injured in slip and fall accidents. We understand Texas premises liability law, and we know what it takes to get results. We handle most slip and fall accident claims on a contingency fee, which means you do not owe us a fee unless we recover money for you.

Our lawyers can analyze your circumstances, help you determine whether the hotel was negligent, and advise you on the strength of your case and the likelihood of success. While you focus on healing, we can obtain surveillance footage and witness statements and work with medical experts to document the nature and extent of your injuries. We can also handle all communications with the hotel and its insurance company as we negotiate on your behalf.

We can also provide valuable advice and guidance throughout the legal process. We can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions about your case as we fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in a Hotel?

If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident in a Texas hotel, you can take steps to protect yourself, your well-being, and your right to compensation.

1. If you were injured, even if you believe your injuries were minor, you should seek appropriate medical attention. A medical provider can treat obvious injuries and can also identify injuries that can only be detected through a thorough examination, such as brain damage or internal bleeding. By seeking medical treatment, you also create a record of your injuries, which can be helpful if you decide to seek financial compensation.
2. Report the accident to the hotel staff. They should prepare an accident report, which will serve as an official record of the incident. The hotel may investigate the incident and take appropriate responsive action.
3. If possible, take photographs of the area where the accident occurred, including any hazards that may have contributed to your fall. Try to obtain names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident.
4. Keep a record of your injuries and any medical treatment you received because of the fall. You should also track any time you miss from work or other activities because of your injuries.
5. Be cautious what you say to hotel staff or their insurance representatives. Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as downplaying your injuries or admitting fault for causing the accident.
6. Contact our office as quickly as possible to discuss how we can help protect your rights and explain your legal options.

Seeking Compensation for Injuries Suffered in a Slip and Fall in a Texas Hotel

You might be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a slip and fall accident in a Texas hotel. If the hotel was negligent and their negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Out of pocket expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Other non-economic damages

Our lawyers can analyze your circumstances, help you determine whether the hotel was negligent, and advise you on the strength of your case and the likelihood of success.

Contact McKinney Vos Today

The personal injury lawyers at McKinney Vos have years of experience representing people injured in slip and fall accidents in Texas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.