Complimentary breakfasts are one of the biggest selling points for a hotel, motel, or resort. Some places devote a large room to this service, with upscale options like made-to-order omelets and gluten-free pastries. Motel and budget hotel chains may have a breakfast area with simple offerings, such as muffins, cereal, and coffee. No matter what type of breakfast service is offered, it’s essential that staff keep the area clean and free of hazardous conditions. If they are lax in their duties, a hotel guest or visitor can be seriously injured from a slip and fall accident.
Did you or a loved one slip on something in the breakfast room of a hotel? Or, was there an unsafe condition in the breakfast area of the motel that made you to fall down? If your accident was caused by the hotel’s negligence, you may have the right to file a lawsuit for monetary damages. We have lawyers experienced in hotel liability lawsuits, who can fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your legal options, call Normandie Law Firm and speak to a hotel slip and fall injury lawyer.
Injuries from a Slip and Fall in Hotel / Motel Breakfast Room
The number of injuries that can be caused by a slip and fall is astounding, and there’s no way we can cover all of them here. Instead, here are the most common categories of slip and fall injuries that can happen at a hotel breakfast area:
Broken bones
This is the most common injury you can sustain from a slip and fall, and many accidents involve multiple broken bones. Victims can end up with broken bones in the hands, arms, and feet, as well as fractures of the shoulder, ribs, and tailbone.
Head injuries
Serious damage can result from your head hitting the floor or the edge of a table, chair, or cooking appliance. Possible head injuries include concussions, contusions, skull fractures, and in the most serious cases – traumatic brain injury (TBI). A traumatic brain injury can cause speech problems, loss of coordination, poor impulse control, and other life-long complications.
Damage to the neck and spinal cord
Injuries to the neck and spinal cord can cause intense pain, weakness, or numbing, and even paralysis in the most serious cases. That’s why these are considered catastrophic injuries, which require immediate treatment. Future medical care may be needed to manage complications, such as paralysis, loss of bladder / bowel control, and chronic pain.
Hip fracture
This is one of the most common injuries from a slip and fall, particularly for those above the age of 65. You may also end up with a fracture of the pelvis, which protects your intestines and bladder. An injury in either of these areas will make it impossible to sit, walk, or move without pain. If left untreated, a hip or pelvic fracture can cause blood clots and other serious health conditions, which is why it’s a leading cause of death among the elderly.
Facial injuries
Damage to the face from a slip and fall include broken nose, punctured eyes, dislocated jaw, and cuts that can leave you with permanent scars. Some of these injuries may leave you with serious health issues, like breathing problems, vision loss, and recurring jaw pain (TMJ). Injuries like scars can lead to disfigurement, which can cause the victim severe emotional distress.
Ruptured or punctured organs
The impact of a slip and fall can damage various internal organs, including your lungs, kidneys, spleen, and gallbladder. The rupturing or puncturing of an internal organ is extremely serious, as it can cause severe bleeding, organ failure, and other deadly health complications.
Knee injury
Dislocated kneecap, torn ACL / MCL, and patellar fractures are commonly associated with fall-related injuries. In most cases, the victim either falls down on to their knees, or ends up twisting their knee as they fall down. Either way, the recovery process is long and painful, and it may be many months before the knee is fully healed.
Again, this is by no means a comprehensive list of the harm you can suffer if you slipped and fell in a hotel or motel breakfast room. It’s worth noting that some injuries won’t be obvious right away. But they will get worse in the upcoming days and weeks, and by that point, you may be left with permanent damage. That’s why slip and fall accidents require immediate medical attention, even if your injuries don’t seem that serious. Along with medical attention, you must speak to an attorney right away, who can help you initiate an insurance claim against the hotel.
Our lawyers can help you no matter what type of injury you have, so please give us a call as soon as possible.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$2.5 Million
$1.1 Million
$1.5 Million
$600,000
$525,000
$734,851
Can I Sue the Hotel for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit against a hotel if they are directly responsible for your injuries. This is known as liability, which refers to the responsibility an owner has to ensure the safety of their property. In a breakfast service area, for example, foods like coffee, juice, syrup, and sausages easily end up on the floor. Aside from food and drinks, here are some other dangerous conditions that can lead to a slip and fall injury:
- Failure to pick up napkins, menus, silverware, and other items off the floor
- Damaged floors (uneven tiles, worn carpeting, etc.)
- Lack of or insufficient slip-resistant mats
- Leaking beverage fountains and other machines / appliances
- No Wet Floor sign to indicate spills, or right after mopping
- Defective / loose handrails
- Poor lighting that can hide obstruct your view
- Improper use of cleaning materials (slippery or sticky floors)
Considering the potential for an accident, owners have a heightened duty of care when it comes to the hotel breakfast room or breakfast section of the motel. When the hotel owner or employees fail to clean up, fix, or remove a slip and fall hazard and you are injured as a result, you may have grounds to sue the hotel for compensation. A lawyer at our office can verify your eligibility for an accident claim and fight for the payment you’re entitled to.
Average Case Value of a Slip and Fall Injury Claim
The overall value of a slip and fall injury claim is based on many factors, such as the extent of your injuries, each side’s percentage of liability, and the location of your accident. For example, slip and fall cases on commercial properties typically bring in higher settlement than those involving private homeowners. In addition, a personal injury settlement includes a variety of economic and emotional damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages, including future lost income if you can no longer work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage for lost / destroyed belongings
- Legal fees
A hotel breakfast room slip and fall lawsuit is worth anywhere from $105,000 to $350,000 on average, going all the way up to $800,000 for serious injuries. If your accident results in permanent health complications, like paralysis, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injury, your case may be worth over $1 million.
How long does it take to get Paid on these Cases?
When we take on a case at our law firm, it’s always our goal to recover your settlement within 6 to 8 months of an injury claim. Some of our cases are paid in 30 days, due to the hotel’s willingness to admit fault and make a fair offer. However, there’s no denying that some businesses go to great lengths to deny liability and hold up the settlement process. Depending on the degree and number of complications, it could take anywhere from a year to 18 months to resolve your injury claim. If we have to rely on third parties to settle your case, i.e., a mediator or a judge and jury, two or more years may be needed in order to obtain your compensation award.
Time Limit to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
Each state’s court system provides a limited amount of time in which to file a lawsuit. In California, hotel or motel slip and fall claims must be filed within 2 years from the date of injury. Normally, this is the same date as when you had your accident, but sometimes, an injury does not manifest right away. Thus, you can also file your lawsuit within two years from discovering the injury. Taking legal action within the statute of limitations is extremely important. There are very few cases where the courts will give you extra time to seek damages from the liable party. To make sure your lawsuit is filed on time, contact our office and speak with one of our attorneys.
Second Opinion on Active Lawsuits
Do you have an active insurance claim or lawsuit, but you don’t feel confident in your attorney’s abilities? Are you frustrated by the lack of progress in your case? If so, please consider a second opinion with the lawyers of Normandie. No matter how upset you are with your lawyer, it’s important to have your case evaluated by another attorney. That way, you can be fully informed of your legal options before deciding if switching lawyers is the right choice.
Our second opinions are free even if you stay with your current law firm, so there’s no risk to your finances. However, if you would like to continue your lawsuit with us, we’ll make the transfer process smooth and easy by working out an agreement with your current attorney. All you have to do is give us a call and schedule a free second opinion.
The Personal Injury Lawyers of Normandie
As a hotel guest or visitor, you have the right to expect that the premises are well taken care of, which includes rooms or areas that are used for serving food. If you or your loved one was injured in a hotel slip and fall, please seek advice from one of our attorneys. We can take immediate action on your injury claim and ensure that you are properly compensated for your losses.
Our Los Angeles law firm offers free legal services for injury victims, so you don’t have to worry about legal fees. With our Zero fee guarantee, it’s the hotel or motel that’s responsible for paying our expenses, and that’s only if we win your case. No matter the outcome, you have nothing to lose by working with our attorneys. To learn more about the legal actions that are available to you, contact Normandie Law Firm at your earliest convenience.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Injured at Hotel Booked on CTRIP – Can I Sue?
Accident at Hotel Booked on Skyscanner – Can I Sue?
Injured at Hotel Booked on Trivago – Can I Sue?
