Miami, Florida Hotel and Resort Accident Lawyer

When we think of South Florida, images of pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and relaxing getaways often come to mind. However, the reality is that even in paradise, accidents happen. Every year, countless visitors to Florida’s hotels and resorts find themselves facing injuries that can disrupt their vacations and lead to life-long consequences.

Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm is dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation to those who have suffered injuries while staying at hotels and resorts throughout Florida. Our hotel injury lawyers understand the challenges you face after an accident, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. 

Time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing a personal injury claim following a hotel or resort accident in Miami. There is a statute of limitations of two years that applies to personal injury cases in Florida. Contact our hotel injury law firm at 305-638-4143 today for a free consultation. 

Why Choose Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm

Experience: Our team of hotel and resort injury lawyers has extensive experience in handling a wide range of cases including slip and falls, pool accidents, insufficient security, trip and falls, wrongful death, and more. We know the ins-and-outs of Florida’s personal injury laws, and we’re ready to put our knowledge to work for you. We have recovered millions for clients throughout Florida. 

Personalized Attention: At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we believe in personalized service. Your case is unique, and we will tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. We intentionally limit the number of cases we handle. You’re not just another case number to us – you’re a valued client.

Aggressive Advocacy: We understand that hotels and resorts may try to downplay your injuries or deny liability. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice and will vigorously advocate for your rights, ensuring you’re not left with medical bills and suffering due to someone else’s negligence.

Common Hotel & Resort Accidents in Florida

Slip and Fall Accidents

Florida’s beautiful pool areas, lobbies, and walkways can sometimes become hazardous when wet due to poor design, inadequate maintenance, or spills. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common injuries at hotels and resorts. These incidents can result in fractured bones, surgeries, and even death

Pool and Water Park Injuries

Miami’s year-round warm weather makes swimming pools and water parks popular amenities at hotels and resorts. However, accidents like diving accidents, water slide mishaps, or even overcrowding can lead to injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like broken bones or head trauma.  

Negligent Security Claims

Feeling safe while staying at a hotel or resort is a top priority for guests. Unfortunately, inadequate security measures can lead to horrible crimes, or even death. When hotels fail to provide proper security, guests can become easy targets for criminals.

Elevator and Escalator Accidents

We all expect elevators and escalators to work without incident.  However, in our experience, elevator or escalator incidents causing injuries to riders happen more frequently than most people expect.  Mechanical failures, poor design, or maintenance issues can lead to accidents to vacationers or guests.

Staircase Falls

Slippery steps, poor lighting, or damaged handrails can contribute to accidents on staircases in hotels and resorts. Guests may suffer injuries like sprains, fractures, or head injuries if they fall down stairs due to hazards or negligence.

Vibrio Infections

Vibrio infections, caused by bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, can be life-threatening, particularly in environments like hotel swimming pools or areas with warm coastal waters. These infections may arise from consuming undercooked seafood or exposure to contaminated water. If not properly diagnosed and treated, Vibrio infections can lead to severe illness or even death. Wrongful death claims may emerge in cases where hotels, cruise lines, restaurants, or healthcare providers fail to warn of the risks, maintain proper hygiene, or provide timely medical care.

What To Do When Injured at a Hotel or Resort in Florida

If you or a loved one suffers an injury at a hotel or resort in Florida, it’s essential to take the following steps:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health is a top priority. Get prompt medical care to address your injuries.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene and gather contact information from any witnesses.
• Report the Incident: Inform the hotel or resort management about the incident and ask for an incident report to be filed.
• Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in hotel and resort injuries. They can help you understand your rights, assess liability, and pursue compensation for your injuries.

In Florida, personal injury laws can be complex, and hotels and resorts often have legal teams ready to defend against claims. Having a skilled attorney by your side can make a significant difference in securing compensation.

Popular Hotels & Resorts in Florida

South Florida is home to numerous popular hotels, known for their comfortable accommodations and luxurious amenities. 

These are some of the most popular hotels in the state:

• Ritz-Carlton
• W Hotels
• Marriott Hotels
• Wyndham Hotels
• Four Seasons Hotels
• Hilton Hotels
• Hyatt Regency
• Holiday Inn
• Intercontinental
• Best Western
• Loews
• Waldorf Astoria
• Sheraton
• Mandarin Oriental

Florida is also home to many popular resorts, including:

• Walt Disney World Resort
• Universal Orlando Resort
• Fontainebleau Miami Beach
• The Breakers Palm Beach
• Acqualina Resort & Spa
• The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood
• The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
• Eden Roc Miami Beach
• JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
• Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
• The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
• Boca Raton Resort & Club

Our law firm is prepared and fully committed to pursuing a personal injury claim against any hotel or resort in Florida. We understand that injuries suffered at hotels and resorts can have a profound impact on your life. From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, the aftermath of such incidents can be overwhelming. That’s why we stand ready, armed with extensive legal knowledge and experience, to be your unwavering advocates throughout the legal process.

What Damages Can I Seek After a Hotel or Resort Accident?

If your injuries were a result of the hotel’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive two fundamental categories of compensatory damages: economic damages and non-economic damages.

To elaborate, economic damages typically include compensation for essential expenses such as:

• Medical Bills: Coverage for the costs incurred for medical treatment, surgeries, prescriptions, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income you have forfeited due to your injuries, including missed workdays.
• Future Medical Expenses: Anticipated medical costs related to ongoing treatments, therapies, or surgeries.
• Lost Future Earning Capacity: Compensation for the reduction in your ability to earn a living in the future due to your injuries.
• Physical Therapy: Reimbursement for rehabilitation and therapy sessions necessary for your recovery.
• Specialized Care: Compensation for specialized medical care or assistance you require due to your injuries.

On the other hand, non-economic damages in Florida are designed to provide recompense for intangible losses, which can be more challenging to quantify. These non-economic damages encompass:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured as a result of your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Reimbursement for the psychological toll your injuries have taken, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished quality of life you may experience due to your injuries, including an inability to partake in previously enjoyed activities.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Coverage for any permanent physical disfigurement or scarring resulting from your injuries.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the harm inflicted on personal relationships, including the impact on spousal or familial bonds.

Navigating the process of settling a personal injury claim with an insurance company is often a complex endeavor. Assigning a monetary value to your non-economic damages can be especially intricate. This is where the expertise of an experienced Miami hotel injury attorney becomes necessary.

Liability in Florida Hotel and Resort Injury Claims

Establishing liability is one of the most critical components of any hotel or resort accident claim. Under Florida premises liability law, property owners—including hotel and resort operators—have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for guests. This includes regularly inspecting the property for hazards, warning guests of known dangers, and promptly fixing any unsafe conditions.

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, one or more of the following parties may be held liable:

• Hotel or Resort Owner: Responsible for the overall maintenance and safety of the property.
• Property Management Company: If a third-party company manages the day-to-day operations, they may be liable for negligence in upkeep or guest safety.
• Contractors or Vendors: Outside parties responsible for services like elevator maintenance, cleaning, or food service may share liability if their negligence contributed to your injuries.
• Security Companies: If negligent or undertrained security personnel failed to prevent foreseeable criminal activity, they may also bear responsibility in negligent security cases.

To succeed in your claim, your attorney must prove that the hotel or associated party breached a duty of care, and that the breach directly caused your injuries. This may require extensive evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, prior complaints, witness statements, and expert testimony.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an accident at a hotel or resort in Florida?

Seek medical attention right away, report the incident to hotel management, take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and avoid signing any documents from the hotel until you’ve spoken to an attorney.

Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured while staying at a hotel during vacation in Florida?

Yes. Whether you are a Florida resident or a visitor from another state or country, you may file a personal injury claim in Florida if the injury occurred within the state.

Can I sue the hotel even if I signed a waiver during check-in?

Possibly. Waivers may not protect hotels from liability if gross negligence or clear safety violations contributed to your injuries. An attorney can review the waiver’s enforceability.

What if my child was injured at a hotel or resort in Florida?

You may be able to file a claim on your child’s behalf. Florida law may extend the statute of limitations for minors, but acting promptly helps preserve evidence.

How long do I have to file a hotel injury claim in Florida?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit, due to Florida’s statute of limitations as updated in 2023.

What if the accident happened at a Florida Airbnb or short-term rental?

While not a hotel, injuries at short-term rentals may still lead to valid premises liability claims. The property owner or management company may be liable. Click here for more information regarding Airbnb injury claims.

Contact Our Miami Hotel Injury Lawyers

Having a skilled attorney by your side ensures that you don’t accept a settlement that falls short of what you rightfully deserve. An attorney can thoroughly assess the intricacies of your case, gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and ultimately strive to secure the compensation that fully addresses both your economic and non-economic damages. Your well-being and financial recovery are of utmost importance, and our dedicated team is here to champion your cause.

While our main offices are located in Miami, FL and Hollywood, FL we accept clients throughout the entire state. Contact us if you were injured in a hotel or resort in Miami Beach, Brickell, Coral Gables, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, Kissimmee, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or any other city in Florida.

Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer at 305-638-4143 or complete our online form for a free consultation in English or Spanish. Our main offices are located in Miami and Hollywood, Florida.