5 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER GETTING INJURED AT A HOTEL
If you're planning a hotel stay, the last thing you want to think about is getting injured during your stay. But, sadly, there are more than 160,000 injury-related deaths annually in the United States, and accidents or even worse things can happen when you least expect it.
If you happen to be one of those hotel guests who's injured during your stay, here are five key steps to take:
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
If you're injured and seriously hurt, you need to seek medical attention. Ask nearby hotel guests to call 911 if necessary. It's easy to brush off an injury as an accident, but if you're seriously hurt, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
MAKE A REPORT
You may not know that hotels have no legal requirement to make reports after hotel guests are injured. But they are required to have safety procedures in place and they'll make a report once they learn someone's been hurt. So that is why you need to ask to speak to a manager and request a report.
As you make your report, make sure you stick to the facts. The whole point of the report is to have a record of what happened. In the report, you should not admit guilt or make any excuses for what happened because it could be used against you later. If you choose to take legal action later, you can tell your side of the story to your lawyer.
TAKE PHOTOS
These days, everyone seems to have their cell phone on them at all times. If you're in an accident, take photos of any injuries you have or things that may have caused the accident. You never know if photos and videos can be helpful later.
TALK TO EYEWITNESSES
Chances are good there are hotel guests who saw what happened. Their accounts can be helpful if you file a report and if you decide to file a claim later.
CONSULT AN ATTORNEY
If you decide to take legal action, you'll need to find an attorney with experience. They can use that experience to talk to the insurance company as well as hotel representatives. At the end of the day, they'll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.