Hotel and Resort Injuries
Hotel Injury Lawyer – Injured While Staying at a Florida Resort or Rental?
Hurt While Staying at a Florida Hotel or Vacation Property?
When you check into a hotel or short-term rental, you expect a safe and secure environment. But poor maintenance, inadequate security, or dangerous property conditions can turn a relaxing stay into a medical emergency. Whether your injury occurred at a luxury resort, motel, Airbnb, or condo, Sher & Volk P.A. is here to help.
We represent tourists and guests injured at Florida hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. From slip and fall injuries to sexual assault cases, we know how to hold negligent property owners accountable — even if you live out of state or abroad.
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Common Types of Hotel and Resort Injuries
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet tile floors, loose carpeting, poor lighting
• Swimming Pool Injuries: Drownings, broken ladders, lack of supervision
• Elevator and Escalator Malfunctions: Sudden stops, falls, entrapments
• Falling Objects: From broken balconies, light fixtures, or poor construction
• Shower and Bathroom Accidents: Scalding water, sharp fixtures, mold exposure
• Criminal Acts Due to Negligent Security: Assaults, sexual violence, break-ins
• Child Injuries: From unlocked gates, unsecured balconies, or hazardous areas
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Who Is Liable for a Hotel Injury?
Under Florida premises liability law, the hotel or rental operator may be liable if they:
• Failed to inspect or maintain the premises
• Knew (or should have known) about a hazard but didn’t fix it
• Failed to provide adequate lighting or security
• Didn’t comply with building or pool safety codes
We identify all responsible parties — including hotel chains, property managers, security contractors, and cleaning services — and pursue full compensation for our clients.
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Special Issues with Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
Short-term rentals often lack the oversight of hotels, but they still owe guests a duty of care. Problems we’ve seen include:
• No smoke detectors or fire escapes
• Hidden hazards like broken steps or exposed wires
• Lack of childproofing despite advertised family-friendliness
• Locked or inaccessible exits
Florida law may hold both the host and platform (in some cases) accountable. Sher & Volk has successfully pursued claims against owners and insurers of rental properties statewide.
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How We Prove Negligence in Hotel Injury Cases
Winning a premises liability claim isn’t just about showing you were hurt — it’s about proving the hotel or rental owner failed to uphold their legal duties. At Sher & Volk, we take a systematic approach:
• Site Inspections: We document hazards before they’re fixed or altered
• Maintenance Logs: We obtain internal records showing if the hazard was ignored
• Security Footage: We demand copies of surveillance video from hallways, pools, and lobbies
• Prior Incident Reports: If other guests were injured similarly, that helps establish foreseeability
• Expert Testimony: Building code specialists, safety consultants, and engineers explain what the hotel should have done
This evidence allows us to build a powerful case showing your injury was preventable — and legally actionable.
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Case Illustration: Poolside Slip at a Resort Hotel
A tourist from Illinois was walking barefoot along the edge of a resort pool when she slipped on algae growing near a poorly drained section. There was no warning sign or regular maintenance log. She fractured her hip and needed surgery back home.
We secured evidence from the resort’s own security cameras, deposed the maintenance supervisor, and proved they had ignored repeated guest complaints about the slippery surface. The result: a confidential six-figure settlement without trial.
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Understanding Florida Premises Liability Law
Florida law requires property owners — including hotels and short-term rental hosts — to take reasonable steps to ensure guest safety. This is called the "duty of care." Here's what that means in practice:
Hotels are held to a high standard. They must regularly inspect for hazards and respond to known risks quickly.
Negligence can be based on what they should have known. If a hazard existed long enough that staff reasonably should have discovered it, liability can follow.
Foreseeable crimes must be prevented. Hotels in high-crime areas or with a history of guest complaints may be liable for failing to provide proper lighting, security, or locks.
Pool and elevator safety are governed by code. Failure to follow state and county building codes, including life-saving equipment and inspections, creates strong liability.
We use maintenance records, surveillance logs, incident histories, and expert inspections to build your case.
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What to Do After a Hotel or Rental Injury
1. Report the injury to hotel management or property owner
2. Ask for a copy of any incident report
3. Take photos and gather witness contact info
4. Seek medical treatment immediately — and document it
5. Contact a premises liability lawyer before speaking to insurance reps
Time is critical. Hotels move fast to cover their tracks. We move faster.
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Why Choose Sher & Volk, P.A.?
• We specialize in premises liability and resort injuries
• Based in Miami, we serve injury victims statewide
• We keep a low caseload so every case gets attention
• Contingency fees — you don’t pay unless we win
Out-of-state? No problem. We handle everything locally, so you don’t have to travel for your case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was injured at a hotel but live in another state or country?
You can still bring a claim in Florida. We regularly represent tourists who were injured while visiting.
Can I sue if I slipped in my hotel room or bathroom?
Yes — if the hotel failed to provide safe flooring, mats, proper drainage, or timely cleaning.
What if I was assaulted at a hotel?
Hotels can be liable for failing to provide adequate security, lighting, locks, or trained staff — even if the assailant was a guest.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most Florida premises liability claims must be filed within 2 years, but early legal help is critical to preserve evidence.
Will my claim affect my travel insurance?
You can often recover both from the hotel’s insurance and your own policy — we coordinate both so you get the full amount you’re owed.
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Request a Free Consultation Today
If you were hurt at a Florida hotel, resort, or rental property, Sher & Volk can help. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We fight for tourists, guests, and travelers injured due to negligence — and we don’t back down.
