Las Vegas: the epicenter of world-class accommodations, entertainment, and excitement. But the city is also home to all kinds of injury accidents, and hotels are often ground zero for those unfortunate accidents.
Whether you’re enjoying a pool day, navigating a hotel lobby, or simply taking the elevator, injuries can happen. And when they do, they can leave you with lingering pain and diminished mobility as the medical bills and days off of work pile up.
If the accident occurred due to someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a claim and receive compensation. In this post, we’ll walk you through some common hotel injuries in Las Vegas, help you know when a personal injury lawsuit might be applicable, and discuss who should be held accountable.
(prostooleh/Freepik)
Common Injury/Illness Risks in Las Vegas Hotels
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common injuries in hotels, and they can happen for a variety of reasons. Wet floors, uneven flooring, or poorly maintained carpets can all create hazards that lead to dangerous falls. In Las Vegas, with its flashy fountains, pools, high-traffic areas, and legions of distractions to keep people from watching where they are going, the risk of slipping increases.
Common Causes:
- Spilled drinks or food
- Wet floors (from pool areas, spills, or mopping)
- Inadequate signage warning of slippery surfaces
- Poor lighting in hallways or stairwells
- Loose or damaged rugs or carpets
2. Poolside Injuries
Pool-related accidents often happen when guests are distracted or intoxicated. They can also result from unsafe conditions due to negligence on the part of managers or employees.
Common Causes:
- Slippery pool decks
- Diving accidents in shallow areas
- Broken lounge chairs or poolside furniture
- Lack of proper lifeguard supervision
- Inadequate pool signage (depth markers, diving restrictions)
3. Elevator and Escalator Accidents
With thousands of guests using elevators and escalators daily, it’s no surprise that these mechanisms sometimes malfunction, causing injuries. These incidents are especially dangerous because they often involve rapid movement or sudden stops, leading to falls, strains, or even crushing injuries.
Common Causes:
- Malfunctioning doors or uneven floors
- Sudden drops or jolts during movement
- Lack of maintenance or inspections
- Faulty handrails or other safety equipment
4. Food Poisoning/Food Allergy Attacks
Vegas hotels often offer lavish restaurants and buffets, but they can occasionally serve up dangerous pathogens in food or kick off a food allergy attack.
Common Causes:
- Cross-contamination of allergy-causing foods
- Undercooked or improperly stored food
- Expired ingredients
- Improper food handling
- Contaminated water or ice
5. Assault or Theft
Poorly lit parking lots, inadequate surveillance, or inadequate hotel security measures can increase the risk of assault or theft. If the hotel fails to protect its guests from foreseeable harm, they may be liable for any injuries that occur due to a lack of security.
Common Causes:
- Poorly lit hotel areas
- Inadequate locks or security systems
- Lack of on-site security personnel
Can You File a Legal Claim for Your Hotel Injury?
If you’re injured at a hotel, you may be wondering if you have a case for legal action. The answer depends on several factors, but here are a few common conditions under which you can pursue a lawsuit:
1. Weak/Poorly Enforced Safety Policies
In most cases, you can sue if the hotel does not have or enforce good safety policies. For example, let’s say a hotel has not established good policies for preventing cross-contamination in their restaurant. You order a brownie sundae after the waiter assures you that the sundae has no nuts, which could set off your severe nut allergy. In the meantime, the kitchen staff cuts your brownie with a knife that has been used to chop pecans. You may be able to sue the hotel for its lax kitchen safety policies.
2. Failure to Maintain Premises
Hotels have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for their guests. If the hotel staff failed to fix a broken elevator or a broken step, they may be responsible for any injuries that occur because of these hazards. Premises liability laws often apply to injuries caused by unsafe conditions that the hotel should have addressed.
3. Inadequate Security Measures
If you were assaulted or robbed due to poor hotel security, you may have grounds for a lawsuit under premises liability laws. The hotel has a duty to provide a reasonable level of security, especially in high-risk areas like parking garages or hotel corridors. If they failed to do so, they could be held liable for the injuries you suffered.
4. Defective Products or Equipment
Sometimes, injuries occur due to defective hotel property or equipment. For example, if a hotel bed collapses, a chair breaks, or an elevator malfunction causes harm, you may be able to pursue a legal case against the hotel for not properly maintaining or inspecting the equipment.
Who Could Be Negligent for a Hotel Injury or Illness?
If you’ve been injured in a Vegas hotel, there are a few parties you may be able to hold responsible, depending on the nature and cause of your injury.
1. The Hotel Itself
In most cases, you can sue the hotel directly, especially if their negligence led to your injury.
2. Third-Party Contractors
Sometimes, hotels hire outside companies for maintenance, cleaning, or security services. If a contractor’s negligence caused your injury, you could potentially file a lawsuit against that third-party company in addition to or instead of the hotel.
When to Contact an Accident Attorney
If you’ve suffered an injury at a Las Vegas hotel, it’s important to consult a Las Vegas accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will help you understand your rights, gather key evidence while it is still fresh, consult witnesses, and determine who is liable for your injuries. They can then build a case that will hold up to Big Insurance and ensure that you get the full compensation you are entitled to under Nevada law.
In Las Vegas, where millions of tourists pass through the doors of hotels each year, accidents are unfortunately inevitable. These accidents can leave you with mountains of medical bills and render you unable to work or take care of your responsibilities around the home. A good attorney can help you get the financial support you deserve so you aren’t shouldering the bill for someone else’s negligence.