What Do I Do If I Get Hurt at a Hotel on Vacation?

By Matthew Philbrook | August 8, 2023

Hurt at a HotelIt’s no secret that our beautiful town of Vancouver, WA has plenty to offer to both its residents and to those who come to visit from other states and cities. From boating on the Columbia River to restaurants that offer farm-to-table dining experiences, to wineries and art galleries, our growing city is becoming a year-round destination for many. Whether you’re from out of town, or just looking to get away from the kids for a weekend, you should be aware that staying at a hotel – while convenient and relaxing – can present some risks. If you are injured at a hotel, it is important to know your rights, who can be held liable, and how a Vancouver, WA attorney can help you to secure the compensation you deserve for any injuries you suffered.

Vancouver, Washington is officially a tourist town

An article released by The Columbian, reveals that the city of Vancouver has recently unveiled a 25-page tourism plan aimed at attracting visitors and enhancing the tourism experience in the area. Created by Visit Vancouver WA, the city, and a steering committee, the master destination plan provides guidance for businesses and organizations to make Vancouver more tourist-friendly. The plan focuses on engaging local businesses, improving mobility and public access, strengthening outdoor recreation opportunities, and solidifying Vancouver’s tourism identity.

Vancouver, WA has seen a significant increase in tourism in recent years, with more visitors choosing to spend time in the city. In 2021 alone, over 4.1 million people visited Clark County, generating a daily economic impact of $1.42 million. The plan aims to support small businesses, restaurants, stores, and hotels, which have experienced growth as a result of increased tourism. Clark County is projected to have over 3,600 hotel rooms by the end of the year, representing a 44 percent increase over the past decade.

While the waterfront and downtown areas are popular among tourists, the plan seeks to benefit the entire city by promoting other areas such as Fort Vancouver and the Fourth Plain International District. Visit Vancouver WA has also recommended the adoption of a tourism improvement district, which would provide additional funding to attract more tourists and enhance the tourism industry in Vancouver. The plan reflects the city’s recognition of the economic benefits that tourism brings and the commitment to create a collaborative environment to boost tourism for the benefit of all.

Of course, increased visitors and hotels can also bring new incidents of injuries and liability.

What kinds of injuries can I sustain while staying at a hotel?

If you have been injured in a hotel in Vancouver or elsewhere in Washington state, there are various accidents that can occur:

To pursue a successful claim against a hotel, it is crucial to have an experienced premises liability attorney in Vancouver. WA who can provide guidance and support. Additionally, you will need compelling evidence that demonstrates the hotel’s negligence, improper inspection or maintenance of its premises, inadequate security measures, or negligent actions by hotel staff.

How do I prove liability for my hotel accident?

To seek compensation for injuries sustained at a hotel, your case must satisfy certain elements of a premises liability claim. According to Washington premises liability law, the following factors need to be established to hold the negligent hotel accountable:

  • Duty of care. The hotel had a responsibility to ensure your safety and prevent reasonably foreseeable hazards.
  • Breach of duty. The hotel failed to fulfill its duty of care due to negligence or carelessness.
  • Causation. The hotel’s breach of duty directly caused or contributed to your injury.
  • Damages. You suffered injuries and incurred losses as a result of the hotel’s negligence.

It is crucial to promptly notify the hotel manager of your injury to preserve your right to hold the hotel accountable. Delaying the reporting of your accident can weaken your claim. Obtain a written report from the manager and gather statements from witnesses who observed the incident. Taking photographs and videos documenting the hazardous condition that led to your injury will also support your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can help you with this, but only if you contact us immediately.

By promptly reporting the incident, obtaining evidence, and seeking legal guidance, you can strengthen your position when pursuing damages for your injuries sustained at the hotel.

How can a Vancouver, WA premises liability attorney help me?

Having a skilled attorney by your side is essential in navigating the complexities of a hotel accident claim. We will help gather the necessary evidence, establish liability on the part of the hotel, and advocate for your rights and compensation. Demonstrating negligence or carelessness on the part of the hotel is crucial to establishing a strong case. Whether it involves a slip and fall, inadequate security leading to an assault, or any other type of hotel accident, a knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

With two decades of experience advocating for injury victims and their families, the premises liability lawyers at Philbrook Law Office are dedicated to seeking justice for those affected by negligence. Our track record includes numerous successful settlements and verdicts, often reaching the limits of insurance policies. If you would like to discuss your claim, we offer free consultations at our offices in Vancouver and Battle Ground, WA. To schedule an appointment, please call us or fill out our contact form. We handle these claims on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that you only pay if we secure a favorable outcome. We proudly serve clients in Portland and throughout Oregon as well.

Posted in Premises Liability