Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC represents Louisville accident victims that have been hurt at one of the city’s many Holiday Inn hotels. While these chains are plentiful, they also frequently put their profits over your safety. When you or a loved one are injured at a hotel in Louisville, you can count on our experience and dedication. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your case.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
One of the first questions you probably have is whether or not you need a lawyer. There’s no law in Kentucky that says you have to have one represent you in an injury claim, but in cases where the accident happens at a Holiday Inn or other hotel, it can get fairly complicated. Hopefully, your injuries are only minor, but if not, our team can help you. Here’s how we approach these cases:
- Investigation – We’ll look into what happened during your accident, gathering evidence like security footage and witness statements. We’ll also help you figure out who is responsible.
- Communication – We’ll handle all talks with the hotel, insurance, and others involved so you can focus on getting better.
- Negotiation – We’ll push for a fair deal covering your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain.
- Litigation – If we can’t agree on a fair deal through an insurance claim, we’re ready to go to court and fight for your rights.
- Support – We’ll guide you through the legal process, keeping you updated and making things easier for you.
Our aim is to simplify the legal process for you and your family. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost for you. However, as you may know, legal matters can be tricky, so the details of your accident and what actually happened are crucial for your case.
Liability in a Hotel Accident
The main reason the circumstances of what happened are so important is because it helps establish “liability.” In legal terms, this sets up legal responsibility for paying for your injuires and other damages. A hotel accident falls under “premises liability”, which is a claim you bring against a business or some other place that didn’t keep you safe when they had a legal duty to do so.
This is known as “negligence”, and it can lead to a variety of accidents and injuries. Specifically, though, it involves:
- Duty of care – Property owners are obligated to maintain a reasonably safe environment and promptly address any known hazards.
- Hazardous conditions – Hotel management must identify and address hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting.
- Foreseeability – It’s essential to prove that the hotel was aware of the danger or should have been aware through regular inspections.
While the management at the Holiday Inn and the company itself usually bear primary liability in such incidents, other parties may also share responsibility, including:
- Other hotel guests
- Staff members
- Security personnel
- Maintenance workers
- Product manufacturers
Additionally, in Kentucky, comparative negligence is applied, meaning that if you’re partially at fault, your damages could be reduced.
What Are Some Typical Injuries in a Hotel Accident?
Because there’s such a wide variety of things that can happen to you at a Holiday Inn, there’s also unfortunately a wide range of injuries you could experience. Like any other accident, there’s varying degrees of severity and impact. However, you’re usually looking at the following:
- Cuts and bruises from falls or items dropping on you
- Drowning or near-drowning incidents at pools
- Illnesses or allergic reactions to food
- Broken bones or ligament tears from slipping and falling on torn carpets or flooring
- Being injured by malfunctioning elevators or escalators
- Burns from water or steam
Damages
Being injured at a hotel is doubly frustrating, because more often than not, the incident could have been avoided. However, the injuries you experience can lead to lasting difficulties. Therefore, Kentucky law provides you with the opportunity to file an injury claim for certain “damages” through either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. These allow you to potentially recover:
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages incurred due to the accident.
- Decreased earning capacity if your injuries result in lasting disability.
- Property damage, covering the costs of repairing or replacing items lost during the incident.
- Loss of companionship and enjoyment of life.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life.
These damages are crucial for your recovery from your injuries. But equally as crucial is filing from the date of the accident to file your claim. Miss this deadline, and you won’t be able to take legal action to get this support.
What You Need to Do After an Accident
Acting quickly is very important to protecting your legal rights after an accident at a Holiday Inn. However, it’s the things you do in the immediate aftermath that’s also going to play a big role in how your case plays out. With an insurance company involved, they’re going to take any opportunity they can to devalue your claim. So, it’s very important to take the following steps:
- Medical care – Seek immediate medical attention, whether onsite or at a hospital or urgent care. Report the accident to the hotel staff and ensure they create an official report.
- Document the scene – Take photographs or videos of the accident site, including any hazards and your injuries. Document anything that caused or contributed to the accident.
- Preserve evidence – Refrain from repairing or altering anything related to the accident scene. Keep any physical evidence, such as damaged items or clothing.
- Obtain information – Collect insurance and contact details from the hotel management. Also, gather information from any other parties involved in the incident, such as witnesses or other guests.
Obviously, the things you do–or don’t do–is very important for your claim. But remember, your health is always the top priority. Taking care of your health and safety should always be foremost in your mind, and everything else should take care of itself. To make sure your claim is as strong as possible, you should talk to our experienced hotel injury lawyers.
Choose Kaufman & Stigger for Help After a Hotel Accident in Louisville
Accidents can happen anywhere, including hotels like Holiday Inn. In Louisville, many people get injured in hotel incidents every day. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we focus on holding hotels accountable for their mistakes. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to start the recovery process.
