One doesn’t usually think of a hotel as a potentially dangerous place to be. Just the opposite – it’s where people go to relax, enjoy themselves, and have a good time. But take a drive around a tourism hub like Las Vegas for example, and billboards galore advertise attorneys ready to defend hotel guests who have been injured in hotels.

Some of the most common causes of hotel injuries include these issues.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips and falls in hotels can result from a combination of factors, most commonly wet or slippery floors in common areas, bathrooms, or around the pool but may also be caused by uneven or damaged flooring, carpets, or sidewalks. Additionally cluttered walkways and poorly lit areas are causes as well as weather conditions such as when guests come in from the snow tromping residue from their footwear in the lobby.

Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Mechanical failures or malfunctions and issues with elevators can lead to injuries such as trips, falls, or even more serious accidents. Some of these problems are created due to inadequate maintenance.

Bed-related Injuries

Guests might suffer injuries from collapsing or malfunctioning beds, faulty frames, or improperly maintained furniture in hotel rooms. Injuries can also occur from bed frames or headboards with sharp edges.

Pool and Gym Accidents

Injuries can occur in hotel gyms due to faulty and malfunctioning equipment, lack of proper maintenance, or inadequate instructions for use. Slippery pool decks are often a concern as well along with the lack of proper supervision in swimming pools.

Foodborne Illness

Injuries related to foodborne illnesses can occur if the hotel restaurant or catering services do not follow proper hygiene and food safety practices leading to contaminated food or water. Poor hygiene practices in kitchens or dining areas are also culprits of potential food poisoning.

Assaults and Security Issues

Unfortunately, incidents involving assault, theft, or other security issues can occur in hotels, posing a risk to guests’ safety. These incidents are often caused by inadequate security measures as well as poorly lit parking lots or entrances and insufficient surveillance.

Burns or Scalds

Guests may suffer burns from hot water, malfunctioning appliances, improperly maintained heating systems, or other heating elements in the hotel. Also of concern is hot water issues in showers or faucets.

Faulty Furniture or Fixtures

Despite the fact that hotel furniture has been cleaned, it may not be the often that they are actually tested for continued durability. Collapsing chairs or tables and broken or unstable fixtures in bathrooms can cause serious injuries.

Inadequate Signage

Lack of warning signs for potential hazards such as slippery floors or even traffic conditions when pulling out of a hotel parking garage can lead to injury. Even poorly marked emergency exits become a hazard in the case of hotel fire.

Bedbug Infestations

While bedbugs do not usually cause serious injury, inadequate pest control measures or even in a case of being in an adjacent room to a room being fumigated can cause extreme health hazards from toxic chemical fumes. One such case is pending right now in the UK in which bedbug fumigation may have led to the death of a couple staying in a room that shared a common door.

If an injury at a hotel is experienced, it’s important to report the incident to the hotel staff immediately. Seek medical attention for any injuries and document the details of the incident as thoroughly as possible. If the injury was due to negligence on the part of the hotel, seeking legal advice to understand rights and options is an important consideration. Keep in mind that hotel liability laws can vary, so consulting with a legal professional is crucial for specific guidance based on the situation and location.