Injuries can happen when we least expect them, and getting hurt while staying at a hotel can be especially frightening and complicated. Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, you should always feel safe and secure in the place you’re staying. Hotels and other lodging businesses have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises for their guests. When that responsibility is neglected, and the hotel’s negligence leads to an injury, it’s important to understand your rights.
Even if you’ve already returned home, speaking with a trusted hotel injury attorney in the state where the incident occurred can help ensure the hotel is held accountable for its negligence and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Here’s what you need to know after a hotel injury in South Carolina, including why it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer.
I WAS INJURED AT HOTEL IN SOUTH CAROLINA: WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
1. Seek Medical Attention
First things first: prioritize your health. It’s paramount you seek medical attention even if your injuries initially seem minor, as some injuries, such as concussions and internal injuries, don’t always show immediate symptoms. Upon evaluation, a doctor will determine the extent of your injuries and create a treatment plan.
2. Report the Injury to Management
After receiving medical care, report the injury to hotel management. Many hotels have established procedures for reporting accidents. This will create an official record of the incident, which could be crucial if you ultimately pursue a personal injury claim. Avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you later, and ask for a copy of the incident report for your own records.
3. Capture the Scene of the Accident
If possible, document the area where the accident occurred through photos and/or videos. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, tripped over a poorly maintained railing, or were hurt in another way, having visual evidence of the dangerous condition can strengthen your case. Document the following:
- The general area where the injury occurred
- Visible hazards or defects (e.g., wet floors, broken furniture, inadequate lighting, or loose handrails).
- Nearby warning signs—or lack thereof
- Your injuries (bruises, cuts, or other visible damages)
4. Gather Witness Information
Were there witnesses to the accident? If so, gather their names and contact information. Ask if they would be willing to provide a written or verbal account of the accident, which can be vital in proving the hotel’s liability.
5. Keep All Records
Be sure to keep track of all records related to your injury, including:
- Medical bills and invoices
- Prescription receipts and over-the-counter medication costs
- Treatment plans and medical reports
- Any correspondence with the hotel regarding the incident
- Lost wages or income statements if the injury affects your ability to work
6. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer in South Carolina
Your next crucial step is to consult a qualified personal injury lawyer in South Carolina. A lawyer specializing in hotel injury cases will help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If the hotel’s negligence led to your injury—whether due to poor maintenance, inadequate safety measures, or failure to warn guests of potential hazards—you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other damages related to the injury
SOUTH CAROLINA HOTEL INJURY LAWYERS
At Yarborough Applegate, our attorneys are well-versed in premises liability cases, including a $3.5 million hotel liability settlement in which Reynolds Blankenship and John J. Dodds IV investigated an incident of a glass shower door that exploded at a national chain hotel in coastal South Carolina, severely injuring a 14-year-old boy. Through aggressive discovery, they uncovered 32 other similar incidents across a five-year period at just four of the franchisee’s locations—including ten incidents at this very location prior to our client’s injury.
CALL YARBOROUGH APPLEGATE TODAY
Injuries while staying at a hotel can disrupt your life in many ways. But a personal injury lawyer can help. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at a hotel or resort in South Carolina, our experienced team of hotel injury lawyers is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation. We will guide you through the legal process—so that you can focus on your recovery.
Our attorneys are well-versed in premises liability cases and committed to holding property owners and businesses accountable for their negligence in unsafe conditions.
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