Why Are Slip and Fall Cases So Common In Las Vegas Hotels?

hotels las vegas
Madeleine-Headshot-Circle-2
By
Madeleine Jones
January 10, 2022

In Las Vegas, hotels may be sued for negligence when guests and visitors slip and fall on their slippery or wet floors. This could end with a significant settlement where the hotel will be responsible for paying the victim’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Even if the victim was partially at-fault – let’s say they were running – the hotel still could be legally responsible to pay for a portion of the damages. So why are slip and fall cases so common in Las Vegas hotels? Let’s look at the following questions.

Where Do Slip and Fall Hotel Accidents Happen?

Slip and fall accidents at hotels can happen anywhere on hotel property – hotel room, hotel bathroom, hotel lobby, hotel restaurant, cafe, bar, swimming pool, casino floor, parking garage, spa, and any other place located within the hotel grounds.

Why Do Slip and Fall Hotel Accidents Happen?

While a slip and fall accident can happen for many reasons, they often result from the hotel owners’ or management company’s negligence. If the hotel knew about a hazardous condition in the hotel and did nothing to fix it, they are financially liable for every damage to the victim, including their pain and suffering, medical bills, and other damages.

The most common accident in Las Vegas hotels is slip, trip, and falls.

What Do You Do If You Get Hurt In a Hotel?

Here is a list of the things you should do in case you get hurt in a hotel:

  1. Notify the manager of the hotel about your accident
  2. Get medical help
  3. Take pictures of the area where your accident took place from all angles
  4. Consult with an attorney who deals with hotel accidents

For additional reading here is a complete guide of 8 steps on what to do after a hotel accident.

What Do You Do If Your Slip and Fall Happened In The Hotel Room?

This is a very common question, mainly because this type of accident has no witnesses. But, even so, when there were no witnesses to your accident, you may still have enough information to have a strong case with the hotel insurance company. Here’s what to do:

  1. Take as many pictures as you can of your injuries, the slipping surfaces, or the damaged carpet that may have caused your fall.
  2. File an incident report with the hotel manager.
  3. Contact a hotel accident lawyer.

What Kind Of Compensation Can You Get?

After a Las Vegas hotel slip and fall accident, the victim can sue for compensatory damages to cover:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering

The compensation you get from a hotel injury depends on a lot of factors, but mainly how severe your injuries are and how much medical treatment was needed. 

The majority of accident cases are resolved by negotiations. However, if the hotel’s insurance refuses to pay, the case can go to trial. And, if the victim wins, the court may also order punitive damages if it finds that the hotel was acting in an egregious way.

Punitive damages can be as much as triple the compensatory damages. However, if they come to less than $10,000, then the limit would be $300,000.

What Happens If I Was Partially To Blame For My Slip and Fall?

The state of Nevada has comparative negligence laws. This means the victims of slip and fall accidents at hotels can still recover damages as long as they weren’t more than 50% at fault. The following are the actions that may make victims partly at fault:

  • Running
  • Walking while texting
  • Being intoxicated

If the victim partly was responsible for their injuries, the hotel doesn’t have to pay out as much as they would have had if the victim was not to blame. For example, if a court decides that a victim is 50% at fault, then the hotel has to pay 50% less than it would if the victim was blameless.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Hotel Slip And Falls?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for hotel slip and falls is two years after the victim was injured. In many cases, a victim may discover their injuries right after the accident, but sometimes it may take longer for an injury to show symptoms.

Who Else Can Be Sued For Your Hotel Injuries?

Other potential parties that can be sued in a Las Vegas hotel slip and fall lawsuit include:

  • The interior design company that chose the slippery flooring
  • The construction company that built the hotel property
  • The employees who caused the floor to be slippery
  • Hotel guests or visitors who may have caused the floor to be slippery

Related Post: 8 steps to take after a hotel injury

Get Help From A Slip And Fall Attorney Now

Cogburn Law handles a great amount of hotel accidents claims. To discuss your case, call us at (702) 747-6000 and ask to speak with one of our hotel slip and fall lawyers. We work on a contingency basis. This means you won’t pay until we win. We offer free initial consultations. If you were the victim of a slip-and-fall accident at a Las Vegas hotel, you are not alone. We represent out-of-town residents and many international tourists. Call us today!

I was on vacation with my family in Las Vegas on March 2019. On our 2nd day, I was walking through the lobby when I slipped and fell. My left arm broke my fall but my wrist swelled up almost immediately. I went to the Valley hospital emergency room and was seen to. I could move my fingers so I didn’t want the trouble of an X-ray or the cost of it. It was severely sprained. For the next 3 days, I could not carry or lift anything. The hotel staff was very accommodating but when they started to ask me to sign papers regarding the injury I got worried. I spoke to Alex at Cogburn Law who urged me to sit still and wait. They arrived within 20 minutes and looked over the documents and advised not to sign. From there they looked after everything. After returning home I was kept in the loop of everything. Within a few months, I received a check that covered my medical bills and more and I’m so happy I made that call! They really care for you! Thank you, Alex & Jamie!

Jenna F.