Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC represents injury victims from hotel accidents across Louisville. One of the foremost hotel chains in the city is Country Inn & Suites, which is owned by Radisson. There’s a number of potential hazards at these places, despite them being designed for your comfort and convenience. So, when you get hurt at a Country Inn & Suites, it’s important to think about your legal options. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Being in an accident at a Country Inn & Suites can mean many things, but most urgently, it could leave you with injuries and other problems you have to deal with. With that said, whether you need a lawyer depends on how serious the accident is. Small accidents might not need legal help, but if it’s serious, our experienced team can assist you. Our approach to these cases includes the following:
- Conducting thorough investigations
- Guiding you through the legal procedures and exploring your options
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Assisting in collecting pertinent evidence
- Reducing stress for you and your loved ones
What you should do after an accident
Before you start thinking about your legal options, you’ll need to take steps to protect your safety and address your injuries. So, when you’re in an accident, here’s what you should do:
- Get medical help right away and keep detailed records of your care and expenses.
- Report the accident to hotel staff or management promptly and involve local authorities if needed. Make sure to create a thorough report.
- Take photos or videos of the scene, noting any hazards, and get contact info from witnesses.
- Save evidence like damaged items, as it could be important for your case.
- Stay in touch with the hotel’s management, expressing how the incident affected you and any safety concerns. Keep copies of all communications.
Following these steps is crucial for protecting your rights and preparing for potential legal action after an accident at a Country Inn & Suites or any other hotel.
Legal Process After an Accident
When considering your legal options, there are two main ones: filing an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. The first crucial step is determining who is liable, which can vary depending on the circumstances.
Typically, Country Inn & Suites’ management bears most of the liability as they are responsible for guest safety. However, others may also share responsibility depending on the specifics of what happened:
- Other guests or visitors
- Hotel staff
- Product manufacturers
Security and maintenance contractors
In terms of procedure, both the insurance claim and lawsuit have similarities. The key difference is that an insurance claim is less formal and occurs outside the court system. Usually, the insurance carrier investigates the incident and offers a settlement. While you can accept an insurance settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover damages more in line with your losses. This can include:
- Medical expenses, which cover healthcare costs, doctor visits, medications, and treatments. It can also cover ongoing care needs.
- Property damage, covering the repair or replacement costs of damaged belongings or property.
- Pain and suffering, covering the physical discomfort and mental anguish caused by the injury.
- Emotional distress, which includes anxiety or fear stemming from the incident’s emotional impact.
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship, covering for any limitations in your ability to enjoy life or spend time with loved ones.
It’s important to understand that each case is unique, and the outcome depends on various factors, including the accident’s circumstances and the strength of your claim. Patience is crucial, but it’s essential to file your claim within Kentucky’s statute of limitations, which is typically one year from the accident date. Failing to meet this deadline means losing your ability to file a claim and recover damages.
What Are Some Typical Injuries in These Accidents?
After an accident at a Country Inn & Suites, you could face a variety of injuries. These places are made for your comfort, providing many conveniences for a pleasant stay. But these amenities can also cause accidents and injuries.
- Slip and falls – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles in hallways can result in slips and falls.
- Burns – Guests may sustain burns from hot water, steam, or malfunctioning appliances.
- Cuts and bruises – Accidents involving broken glass, sharp furniture edges, or collisions with objects can cause cuts and bruises.
- Strains and sprains – Lifting heavy objects or slipping on uneven surfaces can lead to muscle strains and sprains.
- Electrical shocks – Faulty wiring or malfunctioning appliances can cause electrical shocks.
- Head trauma or brain injuries – Falling objects or slipping on wet surfaces can result in head injuries, ranging from minor bumps to concussions.
- Broken bones – Falls from heights or accidents involving heavy objects can cause fractures and broken bones.
- Torn ligaments – Impact with objects or surfaces can result in injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Lung or throat injuries – Exposure to harmful chemicals during cleaning or maintenance activities can lead to respiratory problems.
- Food poisoning or allergic reactions – Poor food handling practices or contamination can result in food poisoning or gastrointestinal issues, while improper planning can trigger allergic reactions.
Obviously, these injuries can vary from incident to incident. You could be facing multiple injuries, each requiring their own unique recovery period. But what’s important to remember is that, under Kentucky law, when the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the hotel, you have a right to take legal action.
Trust Kaufman & Stigger for Louisville Hotel Injury Cases
When you stay at a Country Inn and Suites in Louisville, your focus should be on relaxation, not worrying about injuries. However, accidents occur more frequently than expected at these hotels. For preparedness, rely on our team of hotel accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC. With our expertise and commitment, we safeguard your rights and ensure you receive the necessary financial assistance for recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
