When Hotel Security Is To Blame
Florida hotels have a responsibility to keep their guests safe by providing adequate security. When a person is injured or dies in a hotel or in a hotel parking lot, the hotel may be liable if negligent security was a contributing factor. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a hotel accident, contact a personal injury attorney from Englander Peebles to find out if you may have grounds for a claim.
Our lawyers will evaluate your case and investigate the events that led to the attack. Additionally, we will perform research as to the hotel’s history of criminal incidents to find evidence that strengthens your negligent hotel security claim.
Englander Peebles provides representation to clients in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County and throughout South Florida. Call us today at 954-500-4878 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
What May Constitute Inadequate Or Negligent Security At A Florida Hotel?
The answer to this question can vary from one case to the next since there are many different types of hotels. In general, hotels must have adequate security in place to prevent and deter criminal attacks. You may have grounds for a claim if you were injured or lost a family member due to:
- Lack of alarms or security cameras
- Negligent security guards
- Poorly trained security guards
- Poor lighting
- Malfunctioning security systems
- Defective locks or doors
When Does A Person Have Grounds To Make A Claim Against A Florida Hotel?
One of the first steps in determining whether you have grounds for a claim is evaluating whether the hotel owed you a duty of care. If the injured party was a trespasser, for example, it may be more difficult to bring a claim against the hotel owner. As a general rule, hotels have a duty to provide guests with adequate security and take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable criminal attacks.
Once your personal injury lawyer has established that the hotel owed you a duty of care, it must be shown that the hotel breached that duty. Depending on the facts of your case, the following may be considered when determining whether a breach of duty occurred:
- Hotel industry standards
- Crime rate within the community
- Prevalence of criminal or assaultive activity in the area or in similar businesses
- Any security problems inherent in the hotel’s design
- Whether suspicious persons were present
Are Hotel Attacks Common In South Florida?
Florida is the second most popular tourist state in the country, attracting more than 100 million visitors every year. Over recent years, the Sunshine State’s tourism industry has been steadily growing, which has led to the construction of numerous hotels. With more hotels comes a higher probability of hotel attacks, and it certainly doesn’t help that Florida has the 21st highest violent crime rate in the country. These factors have contributed to the rate of hotel attacks in Florida.
Contact Englander Peebles About Your Negligent Hotel Security Case Today
Our lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are dedicated to providing compassionate representation to clients while aggressively helping them fight for the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 954-500-4878 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation, or contact us via our online form.