Hotel Injury Lawyer in Massachusetts

Hotel and Innkeeper Liability in Massachusetts

Hotels, motels, and resorts owe their guests a high duty of care. As a paying guest who has a right to expect that the property is safe for their use, you are entitled to compensation when unsafe conditions on hotel property cause injury. Massachusetts premises liability law applies to hotels, and the property operator, whether a large national chain or an independent property, bears responsibility for maintaining safe conditions in all common areas, guest rooms, restaurants, pools, parking areas, fitness centers, and other amenities.

Common Types of Hotel Injuries

• Slip and falls on wet lobby, pool, or bathroom floors without adequate warning signs
• Falls in bathtubs and showers without non-slip surfaces or grab bars
• Injuries from malfunctioning hotel furniture including beds, chairs, and balcony railings
• Pool area accidents including diving injuries, slip and fall incidents, and inadequate supervision
• Parking lot accidents involving inadequate lighting or improperly maintained surfaces
• Elevator and escalator accidents within the hotel
• Burns from malfunctioning room heating equipment or hot water
• Assaults due to inadequate security in parking areas, common hallways, or rooms

Franchisor vs. Franchisee Liability

Major hotel chains typically operate through a franchise model in which an independent owner operates the property under the chain’s brand. When an injury occurs, both the franchisee who owns and operates the property and the franchisor, the national brand, may be liable depending on the degree to which the franchisor controls the property’s safety standards and operations. Attorney Lavey evaluates liability at both levels in every hotel injury case.

Inadequate Security as Hotel Negligence

Hotels that fail to maintain adequate security, functioning door locks, adequate corridor lighting, controlled access to guest floors, and responsive security personnel, may be liable when guests are assaulted or when preventable criminal activity injures them. The duty to provide adequate security is proportional to the known risks on the property. Prior incidents of crime at the property are relevant evidence that the hotel was aware of the risk and failed to address it.

Preserving Evidence After a Hotel Injury

Hotels have security camera systems that retain footage for limited periods. It is critical to report your injury to hotel management immediately and to request that any relevant security footage be preserved. Photograph the hazard that caused your injury, your injuries themselves, and any relevant conditions of the area. Medical attention should be sought promptly, both for your wellbeing and to create a contemporaneous medical record linking your injuries to the hotel incident. Contact Attorney Lavey as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions