Hotel accident claims

Hotel accident claims

For getting your life back on track

If you've been injured due to an accident in a hotel, it can be a very traumatic experience. Accidents that happen during what is often meant to be a relaxing time will leave you not just physically hurt, but emotionally shaken as well. If this has happened to you and you’re looking to make a hotel accident claim, you're in the right place.

We handle a wide range of hotel accident claims, from slips and falls to more severe incidents. Our team is here to guide you through every step, helping you understand your rights, your options, and what you can expect from the legal process.

You don't have to navigate this challenging time alone. We're here to offer not just legal advice but also emotional support, making sure you're looked after from start to finish. So, if you're ready to take the first step towards a compensation claim, we're ready to help.

To get started, give us a call today on 0800 138 0458, or contact us through the website. We're here to listen, understand and support you every step of the way.

How Switalskis can help you

At Switalskis, we understand that dealing with a hotel accident claim isn't just a legal process; it's an emotional one too. That's why we're committed to being more than just your lawyers.

Here’s what you can expect when making a hotel accident claim with Switalskis:

  • We'll navigate the complexities of the legal system on your behalf, handling every aspect of your accident in a hotel claim with expertise. We'll gather all the details of your case and put together the strongest possible claim.
  • We'll take the time to really listen to you. We want to understand not just the details of your accident, but how it's affected your life, your work and your emotional wellbeing. This comprehensive understanding allows us to tailor our approach to suit your specific needs.
  • Our team will break down the legal jargon into plain English, making you fully aware of your rights and what each step of the process entails. We'll handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and if necessary, the court proceedings, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
  • We offer a range of funding options, including no win, no fee claims, so that you can pursue justice without any financial stress.

We're not just here to win your case; we're here to help you regain your sense of normality and security. With Switalskis by your side, you're gaining the support of a team that genuinely cares about your wellbeing, and is committed to fighting for your rights.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

What's the legal basis for making a hotel accident claim?

Hotels have what's known as a ‘duty of care’ towards their guests. This means they're legally required to take all reasonable steps to keep you safe while you're on their premises. In simple terms, it means the hotel must keep you safe from harm. This can include everything from making sure the floors are dry to prevent slips, to keeping any equipment in the hotel gym in good working order.

If they've failed in this duty and you've been injured as a result, you may have a legal basis for making a hotel accident claim for compensation.

If you've been injured in a hotel and believe it was due to their negligence, you've got every right to make a hotel accident claim for compensation. We're here to help you do so.

What kind of hotel accidents can I make a claim for?

When it comes to hotel accidents, the range of incidents you can claim for is quite broad. If you've suffered an injury while at a hotel, you may potentially have a case.

Here are some of the most common types of hotel accidents that could give you grounds for making a claim:

  • Slips and falls: perhaps the most common accident, these can happen anywhere from the hotel lobby to the bathroom in your room. Wet floors without warning signs, uneven carpeting or poorly lit hallways can all contribute to slips and falls.
  • Food poisoning: if you've eaten at the hotel restaurant and fallen ill due to food poisoning, you can make a claim. The hotel has a duty to serve food that's safe for consumption.
  • Swimming pool accidents: lack of lifeguards, slippery pool decks, poorly maintained pool equipment and a lack of lifeguards can lead to accidents that are grounds for a claim.
  • Gym equipment mishaps: if you've been injured while using the hotel's gym facilities, you might have a case.
  • Burns or scalds: these could happen due to faulty electrical equipment in your room, or even excessively hot water in the showers without adequate warning.
  • Elevator and escalator accidents: malfunctioning elevators or escalators can lead to severe injuries - these faults are often due to poor maintenance.
  • Allergic reactions: if you've informed the hotel of your allergies and they've failed to accommodate you, leading to an allergic reaction, you can make a claim.

What evidence will I need to make a hotel accident claim for compensation?

Building a strong case for your hotel accident claim involves gathering the right evidence. While we'll guide you through each step, it's good to know what you'll need to support your claim:

  • Medical records: the first thing you should do after any accident is seek medical attention. Your medical records will serve as evidence of your injuries and are essential for your claim.
  • Accident report: if possible, report the accident to hotel management and get a written report. This serves as an official record that the incident happened on their premises.
  • Photographs: take photos of the accident scene, including any hazards that contributed to your accident. If possible, also take photographs of your injuries.
  • Witness statements: if there were any witnesses to your accident, their statements can make a significant difference. Try to get their contact details.
  • CCTV footage: hotels often have security cameras. If your accident was captured on camera, this could serve as compelling evidence.
  • Expense receipts: keep track of any expenses you've had because of the accident. This could include medical bills, travel costs to medical appointments, or even costs for home care.
  • Communication records: save any emails, texts or other correspondence between you and the hotel, including your original booking. This could help establish what the hotel knew and when.

Gathering this evidence might feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident. But don't worry, you're not alone. We can assist you with this process, making sure you have all you need to build a strong case.

Who is liable for my hotel accident claim?

Determining who is liable for your hotel accident claim can sometimes be complicated. Generally, the hotel itself is the first point of responsibility. They have a duty of care to protect your safety during your stay. If they've failed in this duty, they are usually the ones liable for any injuries you've sustained.

However, if you booked your stay through a tour operator as part of a package holiday, they could also be held responsible for your accident. Tour operators have a duty to take reasonable steps to check that the hotels they partner with are safe and meet certain standards. If it turns out that the tour operator failed to do this, they could be held responsible for your injuries.

Switalskis will help establish who is responsible for the accident and injuries you sustained and make sure that they’re held accountable.

Can I make a hotel accident claim if I was injured abroad?

Being injured while staying in a hotel abroad can add an extra layer of emotional trauma. If you booked your holiday as a package deal through a UK-based tour operator, British law allows you to make a claim against the tour operator, even if the accident happened overseas. They're responsible for making sure hotels they partner with are safe, no matter where those hotels are located.

If you booked the hotel independently, you'll most likely need to make a claim under the laws of the country where the accident happened. This can be a bit more challenging, due to language barriers and unfamiliar legal systems. However, we have experience in handling international claims and can help you with this.

It's also worth noting that different countries have different time limits for making personal injury claims. While you generally have three years to make a claim in the UK, this period can be much shorter in other countries. As such, it's vital to act quickly if you've been injured abroad.

One more thing to consider is travel insurance. If you have a policy that covers personal injuries abroad, this can be a valuable resource. It may cover legal costs and even medical expenses, making the process a bit less stressful for you.

If you’re unsure about any aspect of this process, get in touch with Switalskis, and we’ll make it as straightforward as possible for you.

What is the process for making a hotel accident claim?

Navigating the process of making a hotel accident claim can feel daunting, but we're here to support you at every step. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Initial consultation

First of all, we'll set up an initial consultation to discuss the details of your case. This is a chance for us to understand what happened, where it happened, and for you to get to know how we can help you.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

After the initial chat, we'll start gathering the evidence needed to establish your claim. This could include medical records, accident reports, and any other relevant documentation. We'll also take steps to identify who is liable - whether it's the hotel, a tour operator, or another party.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

Once we've got all the evidence and know who's responsible, we'll formally notify the defendant. This is usually done through a letter of claim, outlining the details of your case and the compensation you're seeking.

Step 4: Negotiation

After the defendant has been notified, and responded with their views on liability, there may be a period of negotiation. If the defendant accepts liability, you may receive an offer. We'll help you decide whether to accept it or negotiate further. If liability is denied, we’ll be able to help you consider the next steps.

Step 5: Court proceedings (where necessary)

If we can't reach a satisfactory settlement, or if the defendant denies liability, we may need to take your case to court. While this is rare, we're fully prepared to represent you and present your case in court when this is needed.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

Finally, once a settlement is reached or a court decision is made, you'll receive the agreed compensation.

Throughout each of these steps, we'll keep you in the loop and make sure you're comfortable with how things are progressing. 

Is there a time limit for making a hotel accident claim for compensation?

If you’re making a claim against a UK-based tour operator, you’ll generally have three years from the date of the accident to start legal proceedings. If you only realised you were injured sometime after the accident, the three-year period starts from the ‘date of knowledge’, which is the day you became aware of your injuries.

However, if your accident happened abroad, the time limits can vary depending on the country where the accident took place. Some countries have much shorter time frames in which you can make a claim. That's why it's so important to act quickly, especially if you were injured outside the UK.

Missing the deadline can mean losing your right to claim compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

How much could my hotel accident injury compensation claim be worth?

It's natural to wonder how much compensation you could receive for a hotel accident injury. While we can't give you an exact figure upfront, we can help you understand the factors that will be considered in determining the amount:

  • Severity of the injury: the more severe your injury, the higher the compensation is likely to be. This includes not just immediate injuries, but also long-term effects that could impact your quality of life.
  • Medical expenses: any costs associated with medical treatments can be included in the claim. This could be anything from hospital stays to ongoing physiotherapy.
  • Loss of earnings: if you've had to take time off work due to your injury, you could claim for lost wages. This also applies if your ability to work in the future has been affected.
  • Emotional distress: in some cases, you might be compensated for emotional or psychological trauma resulting from the accident.
  • Additional costs: this could include travel expenses for medical appointments, or even modifications to your home if needed for your injury.

Remember, each case is unique, so these are general guidelines. We'll work closely with you to assess all the factors in your specific situation, aiming to secure the maximum compensation you're entitled to.

How are hotel accident claims funded?

Many people worry about the cost of making a hotel accident claim, but at Switalskis, we’re dedicated to making sure that nobody is stopped from pursuing justice due to legal fees. This is why most of our cases are handled on a no win, no fee basis. Also known as a conditional fee agreement, a no win, no fee agreement means you won't have to pay any legal fees upfront.

If your claim is successful, a percentage of your compensation will be a contribution to our fees. This percentage will be agreed upon before we start your case, so there won't be any surprises.

We'll discuss all of the potential funding options with you during our initial consultation to make sure you're fully informed before proceeding. Our aim is always to find an arrangement that best fits your needs.

How long does the hotel accident claims process take?

The length of time it takes to settle a hotel accident claim can vary widely. Any of the following factors can influence this timeline:

  • The complexity of the case: straightforward cases where liability is admitted can be resolved relatively quickly, sometimes within a few months. More complex cases, especially those that go to court, can take longer.
  • Gathering evidence: the time it takes to collect all the necessary evidence can also affect the timeline. Medical reports, witness statements and other documentation need to be gathered and reviewed, which can take time.
  • The negotiation period: the length of this stage can vary depending on how willing both parties are to reach an agreement.
  • Court proceedings: if your case goes to court, this will extend the timeline. Court schedules can be unpredictable, and it's not uncommon for cases to take a year or more to reach a conclusion once court proceedings have been issued.
  • International claims: if your accident happened abroad and involves international laws or parties, expect the process to take longer. Different jurisdictions have their own legal procedures, which can add complexity and time to your claim.

We'll keep you updated at every stage of the process, so you'll always know what's happening and what to expect next. While we aim to resolve your claim as quickly as possible, our main focus is on getting you the compensation you deserve.

To get started, give us a call today on 0800 138 0458, or contact us through the website. We're here to listen, understand and support you every step of the way.

Our hotel accident claims specialists

Katrina ElseySenior Associate Litigation Executive
Photo of Kelly Homar
Kelly HomarSenior Associate Chartered Legal Executive
Photo of Robert Frost
Robert FrostChartered Legal Executive
Image of John McQuater,Director and Solicitor Advocate and Head of the Personal Injury department.
John McQuaterDirector and Solicitor Advocate
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Why Switalskis?

When it comes to making a hotel accident claim, you need a legal team that's not just skilled but also genuinely cares about your wellbeing. Here's why Switalskis should be your go-to choice.

Clarity in complexity

Legal matters can be complex, but we pride ourselves on making things as clear as possible for you. We break down the legal jargon and explain everything in a way that's easy to understand. We're here to guide you through the whole process, making sure you're well-informed throughout.

Empathy at every step

An accident can turn your life upside down. That's why we approach every case with empathy and understanding. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and offer the emotional support you need during this challenging time.

Expertise you can trust

With years of experience in personal injury claims, including hotel accidents, we've got the expertise you need. Our track record speaks for itself. We're not just about winning cases; we're about getting you the compensation you deserve.

Championing your rights

Our dedicated personal injury team is committed to achieving the best result for you. Whether it's negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we fight tirelessly to make sure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

What are the types of personal injury claims?

Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:

Find out how Switalskis can help you

If you've suffered an accident in a hotel due to someone else's negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. At Switalskis, we have extensive experience in handling hotel accident claims. We'll take the time to understand the specifics of your case and how it's impacted your life.

Call us today on 0800 1380 458 , orcontact us through the website for more information. We're here to help you every step of the way.

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